How We Are Different
- We don't follow any specific model of early childhood teaching (such as Montessori or Waldorf) but instead borrow the best parts of all different theories and models, so that we can be flexible and meet the specific needs of each child.
- Our rules are simple: Keep ourselves safe, keep each other safe, keep our things safe, and be kind. We consistently teach, model, and reinforce these rules.
- We believe in taking a gentle approach to working with children. At some preschool programs for kids with special needs, children are forced to follow certain routines. For instance, we have seen children sitting in chairs, with trays in place to keep them from getting up, so that they would stay at "circle time," and they would be crying the entire time, and being reproached for being disruptive.
At Over The Rainbow, we will never force children to do things they don't feel comfortable doing... unless it is a matter of safety. (For instance, we would have to pick up and carry a child out of the building, whether he wanted to go or not, if the fire alarm went off!) Instead, we strive for a welcoming atmosphere, where children are encouraged to participate in the activities. If a child refused to participate in an activity, we would give her the options of doing a different, quiet activity, or watching the other children participate in the group activity. Some children are more comfortable watching something before eventually joining in.
If the child consistently opts out of an activity, we may use positive reinforcement, such as giving the child a special job to do at circle time, in order to encourage her to try it.
- We provide multisensory learning opportunities, as well as many opportunities for sensory input throughout the day.
- We respect all cultures and beliefs, and learn about other cultures in fun and interactive ways. For instance, in December we do some Christmas activities, but we also do activities related to Hanukkah, Ramandan, Kwanzaa, Saint Nicholas Day, etc.
- We welcome family members to visit our class. Feel free to drop in early to check on how your child is doing! We're also glad to have family members visit us as guests or volunteers. If you have a special game, project or story you'd like to share, let us know, and we'll arrange a time for you to do it!
- Our rules are simple: Keep ourselves safe, keep each other safe, keep our things safe, and be kind. We consistently teach, model, and reinforce these rules.
- We believe in taking a gentle approach to working with children. At some preschool programs for kids with special needs, children are forced to follow certain routines. For instance, we have seen children sitting in chairs, with trays in place to keep them from getting up, so that they would stay at "circle time," and they would be crying the entire time, and being reproached for being disruptive.
At Over The Rainbow, we will never force children to do things they don't feel comfortable doing... unless it is a matter of safety. (For instance, we would have to pick up and carry a child out of the building, whether he wanted to go or not, if the fire alarm went off!) Instead, we strive for a welcoming atmosphere, where children are encouraged to participate in the activities. If a child refused to participate in an activity, we would give her the options of doing a different, quiet activity, or watching the other children participate in the group activity. Some children are more comfortable watching something before eventually joining in.
If the child consistently opts out of an activity, we may use positive reinforcement, such as giving the child a special job to do at circle time, in order to encourage her to try it.
- We provide multisensory learning opportunities, as well as many opportunities for sensory input throughout the day.
- We respect all cultures and beliefs, and learn about other cultures in fun and interactive ways. For instance, in December we do some Christmas activities, but we also do activities related to Hanukkah, Ramandan, Kwanzaa, Saint Nicholas Day, etc.
- We welcome family members to visit our class. Feel free to drop in early to check on how your child is doing! We're also glad to have family members visit us as guests or volunteers. If you have a special game, project or story you'd like to share, let us know, and we'll arrange a time for you to do it!
Preschool/Kindergarten I Schedule
8:30 - Arrival
8:40 - Morning Circle
9:10 - 10:10 - Learning Centers - Children have the opportunity for open play, and can choose from different centers - art, music, science, etc. Children will also work one on one or in small groups with a teacher for part of this time.
10:10 - 10:35 - Snack/Story/Play - Children listen to a story while enjoying a snack. Children may have play time after they finish their snack.
10:40 - 11:10 - Special Activity - This will be a whole group activity based on our weekly theme. It may be cooking, a science experiment, a game, etc.
11:15 - 11:35 - Music and Movement - Academic and social skills are incorporated into fun activities.
11:40 - 12:00 - Recess if weather permits, or indoor play time.
12:00 -12:10- Quiet Circle - Lights are dimmed, peaceful music is played, and we relax and unwind.
12:15 - Goodbye Circle
12:30 - Dismissal!
8:40 - Morning Circle
9:10 - 10:10 - Learning Centers - Children have the opportunity for open play, and can choose from different centers - art, music, science, etc. Children will also work one on one or in small groups with a teacher for part of this time.
10:10 - 10:35 - Snack/Story/Play - Children listen to a story while enjoying a snack. Children may have play time after they finish their snack.
10:40 - 11:10 - Special Activity - This will be a whole group activity based on our weekly theme. It may be cooking, a science experiment, a game, etc.
11:15 - 11:35 - Music and Movement - Academic and social skills are incorporated into fun activities.
11:40 - 12:00 - Recess if weather permits, or indoor play time.
12:00 -12:10- Quiet Circle - Lights are dimmed, peaceful music is played, and we relax and unwind.
12:15 - Goodbye Circle
12:30 - Dismissal!
Preschool/Kindergarten 2 Schedule
1:00 pm - Arrival
1:10 - Hello Circle
1:30 - 2:15 - Learning Centers - Children have the opportunity for open play, and can choose from centers such as art, science, and sensory. Children may also work individually and in small groups on academic skills during part of this time.
2:15 - 2:45 - Whole Group - Cooking, science, game, art project, etc.
2:45 - 3:10- Open play
3:10 - Story time and Quiet Circle
3:30 - Dismissal!
1:10 - Hello Circle
1:30 - 2:15 - Learning Centers - Children have the opportunity for open play, and can choose from centers such as art, science, and sensory. Children may also work individually and in small groups on academic skills during part of this time.
2:15 - 2:45 - Whole Group - Cooking, science, game, art project, etc.
2:45 - 3:10- Open play
3:10 - Story time and Quiet Circle
3:30 - Dismissal!
AN EXAMPLE OF A DAY IN PRESCHOOL 1 - Theme of the week is Fire Safety!
8:40 - Morning Circle. We sing our "hello" song. Each day, different children get a chance for show-and-tell. We talk about the calendar, talk about our Letter Of The Week, and sing some nursery rhymes and finger plays. Teachers explain to children about any new activities that have appeared in the Centers for the week. The teachers ask which children would like to start out in Small Group. The rest of the children are able to explore the Centers at their leisure.
9:10 - Centers
Small Group - Children can play Firefighter Roll And Count game with a teacher.
Art - Featured art project involves mixing red and yellow paint on paper by squishing it underneath plastic wrap, to make a "fire painting." Children can also use other arts and craft supplies to do self-directed projects.
Reading - Children can decorate a giant letter F with drawings and pictures of things that start with F, read books, or play alphabet and reading games.
Math - Children can play with math-related toys and games, including puzzles, tangrams, etc. After all children have had the chance to play the Roll And Count game in Small Group, the game will be put in the Math Center for children to play independently.
Science - Children can take apart and explore a smoke detector, as well as play with science equipment such as microscopes, magnifying glasses, etc.
Sensory - A bin with squiggly red and yellow paper scraps to represent fire, cotton balls to represent smoke, and toy fire trucks.
Dramatic play - Dress up as a firefighter and play in a cardboard box firetruck, as well as other costumes and toys.
Other options - Large motor (climbing, trampoline, swings, riding toys); sensory area (beanbag chairs, bubble lights, hammock swing, body sock, etc); Music aea (record player, musical instruments)
10:10 - Snack - Children eat a snack brought from home, while listening to a story.
10:40 - Whole Group. Children practice number recognition by using squirt bottles to put out chalk "fires" drawn on numbered houses on the chalk board.
11:15 - Music And Movement - Children dance to music and practice "Stop, Drop and Roll" on a gym mat.
11:40 - Open Play. Children have more time to play and explore at their leisure.
12:05 - Quiet Circle. With dimmed lights and soft music playing, children learn deep breathing and relaxation exercises to help them wind down from their day.
12:15 - Goodbye circle. We talk about our favorite parts of the day and sing our goodbye song!
If you are interested in any of these programs, please go to our HOME page and fill out the information on the bottom of the screen!