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Philosophy

Make New Friends, Connect with Nature, Learn through Play!

We feel that children learn best through play and discovery. We feel a program designed for children should foster the child’s innate desire to explore materials, ask questions, talk with other children and adults and to become independent. This should occur in a safe and nurturing environment. We recognize individual differences and strive to help the child feel success and self-worth.

We provide activities that are designed to improve physical coordination, language skills, social skills, and foster creativity.

Curriculum

We are a play based preschool that utilizes the California Preschool Learning Foundations curriculum which was created by the California Department of Education that sets the standards for kindergarten readiness.  We incorporate the required learning domains in our learning activities as well as our classroom.

The state breaks learning up into eight categories:  Learning and Self-regulation, Social and Emotional Development, Language and Literacy Development, English Language Development, Cognition – Math/Science, Physical Development/Health, History and Social Science, and Visual and Performing Arts. Our classroom is divided into centers to reinforce these eight learning categories.

We recognize the years between 2 and 6 to be among the most crucial in the formation of a child’s cognitive, social and physical development.  It is our job to foster the child’s natural inclination to explore their world, ask questions, talk with other children and adults, and to become independent. We feel that children learn best through play and discovery.  That said, we recognize the importance of preparing children for elementary school and use the Learning Domains to guide our play based curriculum.  To learn more click here.

We offer these special enrichment classes:

  • JAMaROO Kids Music & Movement Class is a unique class that JAMaROO Kids has created combining our music program with our creative movement and dance program. During this class, students will sing traditional children’s songs and learn many new ones. They will have the opportunity to play with a large variety of simple instruments including tambourines, cymbals, maracas, triangles and different types of drums. Students will also interact with puppets, use rhythm sticks, bean bags and streamers. Many of the activities in this class will promote cognitive development through the use of numbers, colors, shapes and letters.Through movement, children will work on coordination, balance, flexibility, strength, spatial awareness and positive body image through fantasy play and games. Activities will help children to develop fine and gross motor skills. The goal of this class is for each child to find their own pleasure through music and movement while being exposed to different styles of dance and music from around the world. Like all classes offered by JAMaROO Kids, this class is modified to be developmentally appropriate. Therefore, classes will vary depending on the age of the students and the number of children in the class.
  • Spanish is taught weekly by one of our own teachers who is a native speaker.  The children learn vocabulary for numbers, colors, clothing, shapes, animals, greetings, introductions,  foods, body parts, and more through song and games.

 

Home and School Connection

Parent/Teacher conferences are held twice a year, although a parent may request a meeting at any time. We are happy to connect with parents daily, at drop-off or pick-up time, about their child’s day.

There is a weekly email update, monthly calendar,  e-mails, and a parent board in the classroom(s) regarding upcoming events.

Parents get to know each other at our preschool events and through a parent directory that makes it easy to contact other families for play-dates and parties.

Handling Separation

We encourage the parents and child to visit our school a few times before beginning so they become familiar with the teachers and environment. Parents are welcome to accompany their child to school and stay for a short while the first few days of school. Parents are welcome to call and inquire about their child at anytime. Child is encouraged to bring a favorite stuffed toy from home or a picture of their family if they wish. Another opportunity to visit the school early on is to attend the Annual Spring Fundraiser in May of every year.