Goddard School

From the Director:

Infants thru preschool are primarily taught thru play, 40% teacher directed. Pre-K transitions into 60% teacher directed to lay the foundation for Kindergarten which is 90% teacher directed.

Because we teach using centers of interest in a child directed environment, teachers have time to work with each individual child based upon their needs and skill levels while other children are actively involved in other activities. Parent / Teacher conferences are held twice per academic year to encourage interaction between school and home.

The Goddard School is the leader in Early Childhood Education based on the knowledge that children learn thru play. Our teachers create an invisible structure that the children are encouraged to play in, building on their own unique interests and curiosities. This structure is flexible enough that we are able to take advantage of those teachable moments when children get excited and are asking questions. We can change the lesson plans for the day to focus on where their questions lead us - when their little minds are open and inquisitive.

Children arrive as early as 7:00am, breakfast is served at 8:00, circle time begins at 9:00 for weather, birthdays, events of the day; followed at 9:30 with reading and songs. Centers of interest are "opened" from 10:00 - 10:40, then we have outside time until 11:15. Lunch is served at 11:30 followed by a quiet activity leading up to naptime from 1:00 - 3:00. Snack is served at 3:15, more playground time, then centers of interest are re-opened until the end of the day at 6:00.

Daily activity reports are send home with all chidren describing their day, what was taught and why, what the child's day was like, any special items of interest, potty training achievements, diapering schedules, what was served for snacks and lunch, specific nap time schedule, etc. Additionally, Parent / Teacher conferences are held in the Fall and Spring to give the parents a more detailed evaluation of their child's progress.

Separation anxiety is perfectly normal for all children and can occur with age or with changes in their home life or environment. Each child is soothed and loved to reassure them all is well, then slowly encouraged to become involved in activities with their friends. Hugs and Kisses are abundant throughout this time. Should the anxiety occur over a longer period of time, we will talk with the parents to determine together what the source of the anxiety might be. Lots of love and time will conquer most all anxieties.