Summary

Contact Info

Acorn Center for Early Education and Care
38 Ash Street
Boston , MA  02111
www.bcnc.net/childcare.php

Tel: (617) 635-5263

Director: Bernadette Davidson Ext 104

General Approach to Learning

Play-based

Play-based with some structure

Predominantly teacher-led instruction

Montessori

Waldorf

Co-op

Reggio-Emilia

Parent Ratings

Quality of teaching

Home-school connection

Parent community

Handling of separation

Survey Information

Number of parents surveyed:  1

Savvy Source survey: Yes

General Info

School Philosophy & Day in the Life

School Philosophy and Mission

Opened in 1972, Acorn was the first bilingual (Chinese-English) child care program in Massachusetts. Today, children of all backgrounds and cultures participate in creative and developmental learning through songs, stories, role-play, and hands-on activities. Licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (DEEC), and accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), Acorn serves 81 children ages 15 months through 5 years old in five bright classrooms stocked with age and developmentally appropriate activities. The program is open full day, year round, and a nutritious breakfast and lunch is served in addition to a daily snack. Each classroom has two full-time teachers, one English speaking and one Chinese speaking, and all class activities are conducted in both Chinese and English.

Acorn's child-centered curriculum integrates the cultural heritage of all children and the staff recognize the need to nurture each child's learning and development by providing them with a consistent and stimulating environment. Group and individual activities are structured to help young children discover the joy of learning - encouraging them to explore new vocabulary, their own senses, creativity, social skills and the environment. Whether it is listening to Chinese folk music, creating art projects, contributing during circle time or playing outdoors, Acorn's students are excited by and celebrate the learning process.

Since parental involvement is crucial for a child's sucess, Acorn staff work closely with parents through regular conferences and frequent formal and informal talks. Acorn maintains an open door policy that encourages parents' active participation through classroom visits, volunteering, the sharing of ideas and concerns, and serving on an active parent advisory council. Parent meetings, workshops, potlucks and holiday celebrations help complete Acorn's family approach to early education.

Typical Day-In-The-Life At This School

Director has not yet submitted this information to the Savvy Source

Curriculum & Teaching Approach

General Approach to Learning

Play-based

Play-based with some structure

Predominantly teacher-led instruction

Montessori

Waldorf

Co-op

Reggio-Emilia

Curriculum and Teaching Approach

Language					-
Oral language	-	-	-	-	n/a
Nursery rhymes, poems, songs	-	-	-	-	n/a
Storybook reading	-	-	-	-	n/a
Emerging literacy skills	-	-	-	-	n/a
Cognitive Development					n/a
Math and number sense	-	-	-	-	-
Time & space	-	-	-	-	-
Sci. reasoning/physical world	-	-	-	-	-
Music	-	-	-	-	-
Visual arts	-	-	-	-	-
Physical activity	-	-	-	-	-
Other subjects taught	Each classroom has two full-time teachers, one English speaking and one Chinese speaking, and all class activities are conducted in both Chinese and English.				n/a

Quality of Teaching

Teachers Are:

OVERALL RATING: (4.1)

Full of energy and seemingly happy in job

Patient and affectionate with children

Talks with children and listens carefully when they are talking with him/her

Praises children for accomplishments and good behavior

Provides feedback on what my child does during the day

Shares insights on my child that are helpful and accurate

Identifies my child’s strengths and weaknesses

If necessary, provides additional support to my child during pickup and drop-off

Resolves disputes quickly, calmly and fairly in a manner that allows children to learn from the dispute

Notices children who are not on task and/or engaging with other children appropriately and quickly reengages them

Manages the energy level of the children so that all children feel safe and able to learn

Provides additional support to a child when s/he is clearly failing in her/his efforts

Strikes the proper balance between active and quiet play for children

Home School Connection

Home-School Connection

OVERALL RATING (3.0)

Conducts an open house at start of school year

Conducts a parent-teacher meeting at start of school year

Conducts regular parent teacher conferences

Provides summary of child’s learning at end of year

Provides guidance on developmental goals for the following year

Provides guidance on best Kindergarten and elementary schools

Savvy Source's Comments

Since parental involvement is crucial for a child's sucess, Acorn staff work closely with parents through regular conferences and frequent formal and informal talks. Acorn maintains an open door policy that encourages parents' active participation through classroom visits, volunteering, the sharing of ideas and concerns, and serving on an active parent advisory council. Parent meetings, workshops, potlucks and holiday celebrations help complete Acorn's family approach to early education.

Separation

OVERALL RATING (4.0)

Beginning of the year separation is handled through:
- Abbreviated schedule at start of school year
- Extra staff dedicated to handle separation
- Parents in classrooms early on
- Pre-entry meetings with parents at school

Drop-in Policy

- During school parents are welcomed as the school has an open door policy

Discipline, Health and Safety

Director and Parents have not yet submitted this information to the Savvy Source.

Ages, Schedule & Tuition

Application & Admissions

Kindergarten Placement & Tips

Director and Parents have not yet submitted this information to the Savvy Source.