Nursery School

Introduction

Farnam Nursery School Program began offering its services in the early 1960's as a co-op started by neighborhood mothers. It has evolved to meet the needs of today's working parents and families. Farnam provides a safe and educationally appropriate child care center for children ages 3 to 5. Our program services groups residing in the Greater New Haven community. All families are welcomed and staff work to develop positive and supportive partnerships with families. Farnam Nursery School is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children NAEYC.

Mission Statement

The Farnam Neighborhood House will play a leadership role in helping the Community to be cohesive, successful and productive.

Philosophy

The Nursery is designed to be a place for the children to:

• Gain a sense of confidence and self esteem
• Learn through play
• Build positive relationship with children and adults
• Experience the world as a place of wonder and learning
• Encourage growth in all areas of development (physical, intellectual, social and emotional)
• Learn at their own individual rate
• Expand on the children's interest to understand their world
• Recognize and value the culture of each individual

Goals and Objectives

The goals for the children at Farnam Nursery School are to learn, actively explore, manipulate and discover in a safe and caring environment. Through observation and assessment, the children are provided a rich variety of experiences and materials to develop their skills in the following areas based on the indicators of the Creative Curriculum

• Social and Emotional Competence
• Physical Development
• Cognitive Development
• Language and Literacy Development
• Learn to treat all people with dignity and respect

*For Families we see parents/guardians as partners in the educational growth of their children.

Curriculum

The Creative Curriculum forms the basis for providing a developmentally appropriate curriculum. Farnam provides an environment that is designed to meet the individual and cultural needs of all children. The classroom is arranged as interest centers in which children learn to make choices, negotiate with peers and solve problems. There is a balance of child-initiated and teacher directed activities for the children's participation. Activities are designed for the children to participate in content areas; literacy, language, math ,science, creative experiences, motor development and quiet and active experiences.

In order for us to meet our goals and objectives the program provides a balance of :

• Small and large group activities
•  Quiet and active times
• Children's choices and teacher planned activities
• Indoor and outdoor opportunities
• learning skills through center activities

The units of study are based on children's needs and interest some frequently studies topics include:

• self awareness
• families
• friendships
• animals
• exploring the senses
• community helpers
• pet care
• sea
• insects
• plants and growing process

The following is a sample of weekly activities:

• Music and Movement
• Science/Math/Cooking
• Physical activities (small and large muscle exercises)
• Listening and Language
• Feelings and Social Skills
• Intellectual skills: numbers, colors, letters, shapes, etc.
• Swimming

*A copy of the Creative Curriculum Development Continuum form is given to each family at enrollment times, as well as our parent/guardian orientation.

Daily Schedule

7:30a.m-9:00a.m- Arrival/Learning center/Snack

9:00a.m-9:05a.m- Clean up time

9:05a.m-9:25a.m- Meeting/Group time

9:25a.m-10:40a.m- Learning Center

10:40a.m-10:45a.m- Clean up time

10:45a.m-11:05a.m- Story Time

11:05a.m-11:40a.m- Outdoor Play/Gym

11:40 a.m-12:00p.m- Music and Movement

12:00p.m-12:30- Lunch

12:30p.m-12:45p.m- Tooth Brushing

12:45p.m-2:30p.m- Rest Time

2:30p.m-3:00p.m- Snack Time

3:00p.m-3:15p.m- Meeting/Group time/Story time

3:15p.m-4:15p.m- Learning Center

4:15p.m-4:20p.m- Clean-up time

4:20p.m-5:15p.m- Outdoor play

5:15p.m-5:30p.m- Story time