Three Year Old Program
First United’s three year old classes meet four times a week, Tuesday - Friday. There is a 5:1 ratio, with two teachers.
The day consists of a balance between child-guided and teacher-guided activities; between whole group, small group and learning center times; and between active and quiet times. All contribute to the children’s development and learning.
A predictable and consistent rhythm is important at this age and is broken up into four segments of the daily school schedule. The four segments of the preschool day are:
Guided Choice Time (or Free Play)
Group Time
Snack Time
Playground/Gym Time
Our curriculum is based on the well established research that learning is enhanced through play. We provide a planned environment to reflect children's interests and varied abilities. This is done through learning centers and small group activities. During free play the children are encouraged to explore the classroom independently and make their own activity choices. The classroom is divided into centers designed to encourage children's learning through investigation, exploration and problem-solving and include:
Blocks
Dramatic Play
Musical Instruments
Science Center
Art
Adventure Table
Puzzle Table and Other Fine Motor Activities
Writing Center
Reading Area for Independent Literacy Exploration
Three Year Old Classes are Offered:
Morning
8:15 – 11:15 a.m. -OR- 8:45 – 11:15 a.m.
Children arriving at 8:15 will have longer time periods for playground/gym, free choice activities and/or small and large group activities.
Afternoon
12:15 - 2:45 p.m.
Lunch Bunch
11:15 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. -OR- 11:15 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Lunch Bunch is a two or two-and-a-half hour extension of the morning program, which includes playground/gym time, catered lunch and classroom activities. Gourmet Gorilla is the caterer used for lunch (www.gourmetgorilla.com).