The Little School is a private, non-profit education organization which has provided early childhood programs for Weston area families for over three decades. The Little School began in 1976 at its present location, an historical landmark building constructed in 1861 as the elementary schoolhouse for Weston children. Today, we serve 60 children ages two to six years.
The Little School offers families the opportunity to choose a preschool that is safe and nurturing, and that provides the highest quality early education in an inclusive, socio-economically integrated setting. Our school includes families from Weston and more than ten surrounding towns, including Londonderry, Rutland, Manchester, Chester, Andover, Landgrove, Mount Holly, Bondville, and more.
We have a large playground and three classrooms: Sunshine Room (2 to 3 years), Rainbow Room (3 to 4 years), and Apple Room (4 to 5 years). We are open five days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Since 1996, The Little School has been accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Philosophy
Our educational philosophy is based on our belief that children learn best in the context of warm, supportive relationships, which are at the heart of our educational community. Strong connections between school and families are essential for children’s learning and development. We value genuine partnerships with families to create a community where parents, teachers, and children can share information and support each other’s growth and learning.
Children learn actively through play, social interaction and experimentation. We believe that children construct their own knowledge and ideas rather than just receiving them from adults.
We encourage in each child:
· Curiosity, a sense of wonder, and enthusiasm for learning
· Not only skills and knowledge but also creativity and compassion
· The capacity for collaboration, cooperation, empathy and expression of thoughts and feelings
· The ability to make friends and enjoy relationships with other children and with adults
· The flexibility, the creativity, and the courage to solve problems, confront change and explore new ideas
We are committed to hiring, developing and supporting the best teaching staff possible. The foundation of high quality education resides with teachers who are capable and knowledgeable. Our teachers create an engaging curriculum that is based on children’s developmental needs. They encourage children to be active participants in their own learning.
The Little School values diversity as reflected in our financial aid program, curriculum and inclusive philosophy. We believe that education should encourage in children a sense of caring and respect: respect for themselves, for others, and for the world around them.
Program
Program goals and curriculum have been carefully designed to correspond with children’s developmental stages and to provide opportunities to learn through play and social interaction. We offer a program that
promotes the emotional, social, cognitive and physical development of each child as an individual with a unique variety of interests, abilities and learning styles.
Using The Little School’s program goals and curriculum as a framework, and with an understanding of the needs of individual children, each classroom teaching team is responsible for writing and implementing written plans to guide daily activities. These plans include:
· A balance of active and quiet experiences
· A balance of child-initiated and teacher-directed activities
· A variety of activities that motivate children to explore and learn through their play
· A regular balance of sensory, art, science, social studies, music, motor, math, language, literacy, dramatic play and cooking activities. Activities promoting children’s awareness of health, safety and nutrition are also planned.
· A variety of activities to foster children’s appreciation and respect for cultural and individual diversity, and a sense of community.
Detailed program goals are included in our Parent Handbook. The curriculum is reviewed during program evaluation and assessment conducted annually. The director, teachers, and parents participate in program evaluation.
Classroom Activities
Upon entering The Little School classrooms, you will notice children exploring different learning activities and interest centers. Some centers change daily, weekly or monthly, keeping our classrooms engaging and challenging. You will see materials with which to create and hear teachers listening attentively to what children have to say. You will observe ideas and things to discover, discuss, compare, match, invent, fit into, experiment with, try out, and enjoy.
A typical day for each child includes times which are busy, creative, quiet, messy, social, noisy and playful. The open-ended activities at The Little School allow children to express feelings, make choices, and develop intellectual and creative abilities within the limits of consideration for other people and things.
Parent Involvement
Parent involvement is an important aspect of our program. Parents play a vital role in the children’s learning environment and participate in many different ways. Parents’ tangible contributions of time and resources are important, but even more valuable are the ideas, creativity and skills that parents can share. We support and strengthen families through daily feedback, frequent parent-teacher conferences, parent workshops and social events, and referral to appropriate services when needed and desired. The ongoing exchange of information and support between parents and staff is an essential part of The Little School experience.
For more information about our program, admissions or financial aid, please contact us:
The Little School
On-The-Green
P. O. Box 92
Weston, Vermont 05161
802-824-3405
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