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Curriculum

Nurturing the Individual 

Outdoor Exploration

Montessori Inspired

Child Led

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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

  • Free play/Art  

8:00-8:30 Morning Circle

  • 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  

  • 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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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is your potty-training policy?
A: Each child is unique and has their own potty-training trajectory. We work with each family to determine when a child is ready to begin potty-training. We will formulate an action plan to keep home and school consistent. 

Q: Are there animals in the home? If so, where are they kept?
A:Yes! We have one mini Australian Shepherd, Millie. Millie has her own space, however there may be opportunities for children to interact with Millie with adult supervision.  

Q: Are all ages mixed together?
A:Yes, all children are grouped together in order to best follow Montessori philosophies of mixed-age groupings. We believe children can learn so much from one another, and therefore will be given the opportunity to interact with all ages. We do, however, break up into smaller groups based on interests and activity.  

Q:What curriculum does the preschool follow?
A: There is not a single curriculum implemented, but rather lessons and teaching moments created based on the children's interests and natural curiosity. There will be daily story time, where children will be introduced to a variety of literature. Children will be exposed to numbers and letters through song and games. We implement monthly themes in order to provide opportunities to discover new things. 

Q: What is the teacher to child ratio?

A: LE has one lead teacher, and one or two assistant teachers on any given day. Our group is comprised of 16 children. 

Q
: What will children be required to bring from home? 
A: Parents will provide a sleeping blanket/comfort item or stuffy, an extra change of clothes, diapers (if applicable),diaper cream, breastmilk or formula (if applicable), and a water bottle. Everything else will be provided by Little Explorers. 

 

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