Programs

HIGH REACH LEARNING
All HighReach Learning curriculum programs are based on the philosophy that children learn best through hands-on activities that address the needs of the whole child. In addition, each HighReach Learning curriculum reflects the belief that children need a balance of child-initiated and teacher-facilitated activities each day. This approach reflects the beliefs of Jean Piaget, Erik Erikson, Lev Vygotsky, David Ausubel, and Jerome Bruner. This approach is grounded in sound child development theory and appropriate practices. HighReach Learning also reviews state and national standards for early childhood education and takes these into account when planning curriculum. Themes are used to introduce information and learning takes place as a child explores and manipulates real objects and events.

THE FAMILY CENTER
We recognize that a child doesn't come to us alone, rather, as a member of a family. We encourage dialogue with you about your child and our curriculum, care giving practice, guidance, and cultural events. We welcome your participation in the center and invite you to become involved in whatever ways you would like or are able.

A PLACE FOR BABIES TO THRIVE
All babies are born with a job to do: to learn about the world and develop into the very best people they can be. Little Sprouts provides a child care experience that helps them do just that. Our curriculum, High Reach Learning, provides babies with a safe, welcoming environment abundant with opportunities to actively enjoy, to make sense of the world by exploring a rich sensory environment filled with different sights, sounds, textures, and sensations.

At Little Sprouts, infants and toddlers...

• Discover and develop all bodily powers with room to grow and soft, safe places to roll over and pull up, to creep and crawl, and to step out into the world.
• Deeply connect with others in a caring community that helps your baby form relationships that foster a sense of security and trust.
• Learn to communicate fully in a place filled with wonderful conversations, poetry, finger plays, singing, reading, and lots of smiles and hugs.
• Discover how everything works with quality educational materials and learning experiences that evoke and satisfy your baby's natural curiosity.

In our infant rooms and outdoor areas, you will find mirrors and rugs, treasure baskets filled with soft fabric or natural materials, sensory tables, and lots of great books to hold (and chew on!). There are musical instruments; toys for pretend play; safe equipment and outdoor places to safely explore; and lots of cuddly laps and open arms to provide young babies with the security and confidence they need to spread their wings.

Communication is Essential
As parents, you deserve to know everything that happens while your baby is in our care. We make great effort to ensure that you are always in the know. We love to tell you about and show you, your child's experiences through daily communications, your baby's personal care plan and World portfolio, and the photographic displays around the room. To make sure the care we provide is just right for you and your baby, a personal care plan includes a schedule, nutritional guidelines, and any other requirements specific to your child. The plan will reflect your child's unique characteristics and your own beliefs, values, and culture. Regular phone calls, conferences, and e-mails are all part of this important partnership.

Program for Twos
The World of Twos
Twos are exploding in their power to communicate, to move purposely, and to assert their independence and individuality. In the same way that adolescence stands between childhood and adulthood, twos are moving from the total dependence of babyhood to the more independent, mobile world of preschoolers.

Program for Learning at LITTLE SPROUTS
The twos program is designed to guide each child through his or her transition from the sensory-motor world of toddlers to an increasingly social world and the onset of symbolic thinking. The environment is well-planned, allowing for child-choice and self-directed play, small groups, brief circle-times with the whole group, reflection and documentation of learning experiences, and supportive teaching that prepares children for academic excellence.

The twos program incorporates High Reach Learning curriculum elements Language Works, Math Counts, Science Rocks, Projections, Our World, and Art into the environment, daily activities, and projects that organize the children's experience.

Program for Preschool Children
The World of Preschool Children
Preschool children are exploding with expanding interests. At this age, they begin to investigate the workings of a widening world and experiment with their emerging use of language.

Program for Learning
The preschool program offers a rich variety of projects and activities that build upon established foundations for learning while focusing on advancing language ability, mathematical reasoning, and scientific thought. Children develop independently and in small groups. Learning centers offer guided experiences that encompass all the skills and understanding necessary for optimum development and academic success.

The program for preschool children incorporates High Reach Learning curriculum elements Language Works, Math Counts, Science Rocks, Projections, and Our World into the environment, daily activities, and projects that organize the children's experience. High Reach curriculum recognizes that children will need to enter kindergarten with all the social and pre-academic skills and dispositions necessary to succeed in school and life.