2 1/2 Year-Old Drop-off Program

 This is a wonderful option for children who do not meet the October 1st cut-off date and turn 3 between October 1st and March 31st. 
This class is a drop-off class that runs on Tuesday/Thursday from 9 :00 to 11:30. 

Our 2 ½ year-old program is designed to help children develop a positive attitude toward the school environment, and to encourage independence from parent/caregiver by participating in teacher-directed activities.  Some of the skills that will be introduced are learning socialization, name and letter recognition, listening to directions, and the development of fine and gross motor skills. Teachers will send a weekly newsletter and will share photos via a private Dojo App. 

Goals and Objectives

Socialization

Socialization is one of the most important skills learned in early childhood. In the 2 ½ year-old program, our teachers guide the children in activities that promote self-awareness and positive self-image. They also focus on developing awareness of feelings of others and the importance of sharing. They are introduced to classroom routines and to listening and following directions.

Intellectual Development

This is your child’s first opportunity to explore their environment in a school setting. The children are encouraged to experiment and discover using their senses to observe the weather, look for hidden objects, and listen to directions. The children practice name and letter recognition each class. In addition, our teachers promote development of self-help skills through age appropriate activities, such as crafts, puzzles, and sorting games that result in a sense of achievement.

Physical Development

Development of gross motor skills is extremely important in early childhood and it is essential for further development of fine motor skills. Our teachers help facilitate the development and coordination of gross motor skills through daily circle activities that include songs and movement routines. Fine motor development is exercised during craft time using scissors, crayons, markers and paint. During class, children are encouraged to discover joy in movement while being aware of limits and safety factors and to demonstrate expressive growth through movement.

Sample Daily Schedule

Arrival:
Teachers greets children, hands are washed and fine motor activities are set up on tables.

Circle Time:
Welcome songs and movement activities, stories, fingerplays and simple learning experiences, for example: seasons, holidays, shapes, and colors, name and letter identification

Free Play/Teacher Directive:
Explore, share, play and interact with others, Simple thematic craft activities for the children to focus on fine motor skills and creativity

Clean up and Wash Hands:
Discover cooperation and become aware that everything has a place during clean up and children wash hands to prepare for snack

Snack:
Socialization and sharing time, we provide a nut free snack and you may send a labelled refillable/reusable beverage container with your child

Second Circle Time:
Movement songs and games

Gross Motor:
Playground or we engage in movement activities indoors during inclement weather

Dismissal