Little Explorers Early Education

Welcome to Little Explorers
Preschool
Curriculum
Nurturing the Individual
Outdoor Exploration
Montessori Inspired
Child Led



Philosophy
At Little Explorers, we understand the importance of childhood, and strive to nourish the mind, body, and soul. We utilize the power of nature to foster resilience, ignite curiosity, teach calculated risk-taking, and make deep connections to the natural world. LE ventures outdoors daily and is prepared for whatever weather comes our way. We believe in the power of puddle-jumping, mud pies, worm collecting, flower-sniffing, tree fort building, garden growing, and experiencing our world through all of our senses. We are passionate about guiding children to navigate their ever-flowing emotions. Children are taught how to acknowledge their emotions, pause, reflect and ask for what they need. Relationship building and restorative practices are essential in guiding children towards empathy and understanding of ourselves and one-another. We learn through our mistakes, and are not shamed while making them, but celebrated. "I'm an individual. With my own special interest, and I am BEAUTIFUL!" Our moto, created by the children, is chanted, and acts as a reminder of our own unique power and beauty. Children at LE are treated as equals, with important voices, and the power to make a difference. They are given the skills and resources to feel impowered to do things independently. We follow a loose-Montessori approach, that emphasis the importance of gaining autonomy in order to build confidence in oneself. In all, our school is dedicated to raising empathetic individuals who are in touch with their emotions, and who have the confidence and ability to navigate all our world has to offer.
"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood." Fred Rogers.
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Schedule
7:30-8:00 Arrival
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Free play/Art
8:00-8:30 Morning Circle
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Greeting, calendar, weather predictions, songs,
8:30-9:00 Story, yoga or instruments
9:00-9:30 Snack & Bathroom break
9:30-12:00 Activity Rotations/Outdoors
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Exposure to literacy or mathematical content, puzzles, arts & song, reading, baking, sensory bin, etc.
12:00- 12:30 Lunch & Bathroom Break
12:30-1:00 Story Time
1:00-3:00 Rest/Quiet Time
3:00-3:30 Snack & Bathroom Break
3:30-4:30 Activity Rotations/Outdoors
4:30-5:00 Art/Music/Dance (and last bathroom break)
5:00-5:30 Goodbye circle/Pick-up
Sample Menu
**We can accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies**
Snacks: carrots & hummus, blueberries & yogurt, cheese sticks & crackers, hard boiled eggs, apples/banana & peanut butter, oatmeal muffins, ect.
Lunch: beans & rice bowl, avocado toast & veggie/fruit, almond butter/peanut butter sandwich, quesadillas, eggs & toast, chicken noodle soup, tomato pasta, etc.
Activites
Weekly activities include self-guided imaginative play, outdoor outings to local parks, gardening, nature walks, crafts, letter and number exploration, singing, music, dance, yoga, meditation, dress-up and performance, cooking, sensory bins, and more!
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Meals
To foster independence and personal responsibility, each child will learn how to prepare their own snacks and will be expected to take part in the prep and clean up process.
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Two snacks and lunch will be provided daily. We take nutrition very seriously, which includes allowing children the opportunity to listen to their bodies without adult pressure. Our goal is to raise intuitive eaters who honor their hunger and fullness cues. Meals provided will be well-balanced to include all major food groups, and children will determine how much their bodies need. You may also choose to pack your child's lunch if you'd prefer.
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