Summary

Contact Info

Acton Barn Co-Operative Inc
32 Nagog Park
Acton , MA 01720
www.actonbarn.com

Tel: (978) 263-0486

Director: Carol Pikcilingis, Director

Application Information

Applications accepted

Child must have been born on or before december 17, 2004. must have been born on or before september 17, 2004

Key Statistics

Age cutoff for enrollment

1 months

Extended day

Yes

Parent Ratings

Parents at this school would recommend this school to other parents.

Development of social skills and work habits

Home-school connection

Parent community

Discipline

Facilities

Health

Safety

Handling of separation

Survey Information

Number of parents surveyed: 1

Savvy Source survey: Yes

General Info

Transportation and Drop-off Policies

Transportation

- Parents bring their children to and from school

Accreditation, Membership & Awards

Accreditation by the National Association of Young Children

Yes

Facilities

CONDITION OF FACILITIES RATING (5.0)

Building, bathrooms, hallway

Classroom equipment and furniture

Outside play equipment

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
My 2 children attended the Acton Barn. The teachers were exceptional, and as my children grew they adapted the strategies and techniques they used to help them learn and grow. Emphasis is placed on creating a safe place for learning, making friends, and being comfortable in a school environment. It is a true community of parents who want to be involved in their children's school, but also want to encourage their children to gain independence.

School Philosophy & Day in the Life

School Philosophy and Mission

"Learning at the Acton Barn
The educational program at the Barn is designed to foster the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth of young children. The program focuses on:

Emotional Growth :
positive self image
self control
self confidence
ability to cope with new situations
responsibility for own property

Social Growth :
ability to play well with others
willingness to share
willingness to take turns
awareness of others' feelings
respect for rights and property of others
ability to follow directions
participation in school organization

Physical Growth :
large and fine motor skills
feeling of confidence and joy in movement

Cognitive Development:
exposure to a wide variety of cognitive experiences
pleasure in the experience of discovery
active involvement in learning

"
Excerpted from the preschool's website

Typical Day-In-The-Life At This School

"9.00 Teachers greet students. An extended "free play period" and projects at the art and cooking tables begin. Small groups of children are encouraged to participate in cooperative activities with guidance from teachers and parent helpers.There is a free flow of children between these activities and other areas of the school.
10:20 Clean-up time
10:30 Children participate in a required group time where stories, songs, discussion of current topics/units, and a light snack are shared by all.
11:00 Outdoor play, an important part of each day's program in all but the most inclement weather.
11:30 Children are picked up by their parents from the play area.

"
Excerpted from the preschool's website

Curriculum & Teaching Approach

Social Skills & Work Habits

OVERALL RATING (5.0)

This school has increased my child's:

Ability to listen and follow directions

Ability to sit still for longer periods of time

Ability to be a part of a group of children

Self-sufficiency and independence

Awareness of others’ feelings

Cooperation with other children

Curriculum and Teaching Approach


Language					YES
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	-		-	-	YES
Time & space	-		-	-	YES
Sci. reasoning/physical world	-		-	-	-
Music	-		-	-	-

Visual arts	-		-	-	-
Physical activity	-		-	-	YES

Other subjects taught					n/a

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
Daily stations rotate, and are parent- or teacher-led. Many opportunities for free play exist. Daily group times reinforce the curriculum.

Quality of Teaching

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

Home School Connection

Home-School Connection

OVERALL RATING (4.8)

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

Separation

OVERALL RATING (5.0)

Beginning of the year separation is handled through:
- Abbreviated schedule at start of school year
- Home visits by teachers
- Parents in classrooms early on
- Pre-entry meetings with parents at school
- Small group sessions

Drop-in Policy

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

General Parent Education

-This preschool does connect parents with services and activities that can help you help your child develop better at home

Parent Community

COHESIVENESS RATING (5.0)

Parents:

- Sit on the board of trustees

- Hold social events at the school to build community

- Fundraise

- Are required to make donations ourselves

- Are able to visit the school anytime we want

- Go on field trips

- Volunteer in the classroom

- Receive newsletters

- Hold social events outside of the school (with and/or without children)

- Schedule family field trips

- Encourage play dates out of school

- Shares information on matter related to our children (e.g. babysitter lists, pediatricians, extracurriculuar classes, etc.)

Modes of Communication Between School and Home

- Phone Calls

- Voice Mail

- Email

- Special Meetings

- Two or More Regular Conferences

- Drop-Off

- Pick-Up

- Regular newsletter/printed updates circulated to the whole school

Discipline, Health and Safety

Discipline

OVERALL RATING (5.0)
Parents' Opinions
Parents at this school, on average, believe that conflicts between children: are handled extraordinarily well in a way that not only gives me confidence in the safety of my child but also reassures me that my child (and his/her peers) are learning the early skills needed to socialize effectively with one another

Health

OVERALL RATING (4.7)

Temperature and overall air circulation is comfortable

Healthy and nutritious snacks are provided

Toys and furniture are cleaned regularly

Safety

OVERALL RATING (5.0)

Screen and identify all visitors

Parents may not bring sick children to school where they may infect others

Ages, Schedule & Tuition

Ages, Class Size, Days & Tuition

Ages	Class Size	Days	Tuition
From 3 years to 5 years		Tue 9:00am - 11:30am Wed 9:00am - 11:30am Thu 9:00am - 11:30am Fri 9:00am - 11:30am	$3201/Year
From 3 years to 5 years		Wed 9:00am - 11:30am Thu 9:00am - 11:30am Fri 9:00am - 11:30am	$2401/Year
From 2 years 9 months to 5 years		Mon 12:45pm - 3:15pm Tue 12:45pm - 3:15pm Wed 12:45pm - 3:15pm	$2401/Year
From 2 years 9 months to 4 years		Mon 9:00am - 11:30am Tue 9:00am - 11:30pm	$1600/Year

Extended Care

- This school does have extended care

Application & Admissions

Application Process

Applications are accepted: Child must have been born on or before december 17, 2004. must have been born on or before september 17, 2004

Application fee: $40.00

Admissions Process

Acceptance criteria: Notification of acceptance or placement on the waiting list will be made on or before January 23, 2007

Age/Child Requirements

Child must be 1 months to enroll.

Kindergarten Placement & Tips

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