Classrooms

Ducklings (Infants, 6 weeks to 1 year)

The Duckling class is a safe and home-like environment in which infants can explore. Our environment is divided into two parts; one for exploration, one for sleeping. Each child is given their own crib for sleeping and cubby space for keeping their belongings. We have a play-based curriculum in which we spend the majority of our time on the floor learning basics such as rolling over, sitting, crawling and walking. We also have a wonderful playground space separate from the older children. It includes grass and sand to explore in as well as swings, climbers and riding toys perfect for growing and curious infants.

Goldfish (Toddlers, 1 to 2 year olds)

Stepping into the Goldfish classroom is a bit like stepping into someone's playroom. The warm and cozy atmosphere and home-like touches come together to make a safe, relaxing, and familiar space for our toddlers to grow and learn.

We have two teachers in our classroom with an average of six children on a daily basis. Our goals for the children are the learning and mastering of those steps or "milestones" that come with the mobile infant and toddler stages. Our curriculum is play-based, loosely teacher-facilitated, and created to incorporate activities that best encourage a child's growing skill base and curiosity.

Monkeys (Two-year olds)

There is no such thing as the terrible twos! That is the philosophy of the classroom serving the children of that age. During the year between toddler-hood and preschool, children master so many skills and truly become independent. The two-year old classroom at Happy Days is fortunate enough to have three teachers working with the eight to ten children in their care. Children are busy each day learning through their play under the guidance of their teachers. Major goals for the children during the year are extending language skills, learning self-control and self-help skills such as dressing themselves, brushing teeth and toilet training.

Each week the group focuses on a particular theme; often the themes are a result of a new concept. Typical activities include painting and projects with a variety of mediums, group story time, songs with finger plays, outside play and walks, science discovery, music, dramatic play, building with blocks, dancing and sensory experiences.

This is a very active age with the whole world to discover. Each day is filled with a routine to promote a sense of security. Each child receives lots of tender loving care while having loads of fun.

Turtles and Starfish (3 to 4 year olds) and
Dinosaurs and Penguins (4 to 5 year olds)

By far our largest age-group, the preschool-age program is structured to offer children the opportunity to learn through play as they develop skills necessary to function in school and life. The curriculum is based on student and teacher interest using the Creative Curriculum as a guide. Daily activities include free choice play, meeting time, breakfast, music/movement, story time, motor activities, art exploration, outside play and lunch. They are supplemented with field trips, guest visitors and artists' residencies.

The preschool years are the key years in a child's development, providing the foundation for the many learning experiences that follow in future school endeavors. This program is designed to meet all the physical, social and intellectual needs of children from the ages of 3 to 4 years old. Our classroom provides ample play opportunities based on the belief that children learn best through play. Dramatic Play Area, Construction Zone, Exploration Station, Tree House Loft, Reading Corner and the Writing & Art Studio are just some of the places you'll find the children engaged in hands-on learning experiences.

Goodies (Kindergartners & First graders)

The goal for the kindergartners and first graders is to build on friendships. The activities we do are fun and age appropriate, where we play group games to help build friendships and learn to play cooperatively with our peers.

We recognize that all children are different and unique, and strive to allow each child to bring their own personality to the group and flourish.

Champions (2nd to 6th graders)

The older school-age group has two teachers and ten to fifteen students. They meet daily in our "Big Room" and on school vacations and days off. Sometimes they combine with the younger school-age group. The school-age program is designed to give students from 2nd to 6th grade:

• A safe place to be
• Additional time to be with friends
• A chance to develop social relationships and life skills

We provide enrichment activities through centers that include: science, drama, building, games, computer, music, cooking, sewing, outdoor play, arts, and crafts and homework time. We also provide specials including visiting artists, people with expertise on themes that students are interested in and field trips when relevant.

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