CLASSROOMS

Ratios

All staff must know the state required classroom ratios regarding the number of staff needed to the number of children in each classroom and the maximum group size.

Children will move to the next classroom at a time that meets the needs of the children as well as the center and classroom availability. It is anticipated that most moves will occur in September each year.

During the first and last couple hours of the day, the enrollment may be low within the Center. Groups of children may be combined as State Teacher/Child ratios allow. Teachers will remain with children as they move from one room to another. During these times, children will engage in free play, outside play, dramatic play, block play and in other classroom center areas.

When enrollment is low and there is only one staff person present (i.e., at the beginning of the day~~6:30 am), a second adult is available within 5 minutes of the Center for emergencies. The second adult’s signed statement and contact information is located both in the Center Director’s office and at the reception desk.

Transitions:

When children are ready to transition to the next classroom, administration and teachers will work with parents to schedule several visits to the new classroom during the weeks prior to the final transition. These transitions with be gradual and worked on with parental involvement.

INFANTS (ratio 2:8)

Children 6 weeks through 12 months (approximately) enjoy these beautiful classrooms. The ratio is 1 teacher to 4 infants with a maximum of 8 infants in each room. Once Upon a Time uses cloth diapers on all infant and toddler children. Parents must furnish a “go-home” diaper of their choice and wipes. We do not microwave bottles, but heat them in an electric bottle warmer. Children are rocked, held and loved all day long. Each infant will be given a special, blanket with their name on it which they can use during their time at the center and then keep. Parents must supply formula or breast milk, jar food, disposable diapers and wipes.

TODDLERS (ratio 2:8)

Children 12 through 24 months (approximately) grow in these classrooms. The ratio is 1 teacher to 4 children with a maximum of 8 children in each room. Once Upon a Time uses cloth diapers on all infant and toddler children. Parents must furnish a “go-home” diaper of their choice and wipes. Tables, chairs and shelving are child-sized. Toddlers in this room will have lots of space to play and have a large playground in which to investigate the wonders of the outdoor community. This playground is separate from the older children and is shared by the Infants, Walkers, and Toddlers. Parents must supply formula or breast milk and jar food, if needed.

TWOS (ratio 2:12)

Two-year old children have plenty of space to play in these large, sunny classrooms. The ratio is 1 teacher to 6 children. There are many age appropriate toys and activities for the very busy two-year old. Tables, chairs and shelving are child-sized. A story corner provides a comfortable quiet area for teachers to read to children once or twice a day to help children wind down from their hectic pace. A classroom bathroom aids in the important task of potty training. Parents must supply disposable diapers, pull-ups, underwear and wipes.

THREES (ratio 2:20 w/ floaters)

Three-year olds enjoy a large classroom with access to the 3 – 12 yr playground which is separate from the infant/toddler playground. The ratio is this room is 1 teacher to 10 children with a maximum of 20 children in this room. A dramatic play center is one of the highlights of this room. Many age appropriate activities are available to keep the children engaged and happy throughout the day. The three year olds have their own garden to plant, manage and harvest. This is a great learning experience and the children love it. A classroom bathroom aids in completing potty training.

4 / 5 YEAR OLDS (ratio 2:24 w/ floaters)

The 4 and 5 year olds learn in a very large classroom with a large playground separate from the infant/toddler playground. The ratio in this room is 1 teacher to 13 children with a maximum of 24 children in this room. Art supplies and a dramatic play center allow these creative children to express themselves as they learn about the world. Lots of fun activities are planned and supplied in the classroom. The 4 and 5 year olds have their own garden to plant, manage and harvest. This is a great learning experience and the children love it.

MORNING PRESCHOOL PROGRAM (ratio 1:12)

3 - 5 year old children in the Morning Preschool program enjoy a beautiful classroom with age-appropriate games, toys and materials. The preschool program will encourage children to develop the skills necessary to succeed in elementary school. Social, cognitive, large & small motor skills and more are developed in this program. The preschool program follows the Verona Area School District calendar and runs Tuesday/Thursday & Wednesday/Friday mornings from 8:45 – 11:30 a.m.

SCHOOLAGERS (ratio 2:32 w/ floaters)

The Schoolagers will hang out in a beautiful classroom with lots of computers, books and space to begin or complete homework. The ratio in this room is 1 teacher to 18 children with a maximum of 32 children in the room. Teachers will be available to help students with research, homework and more. Exciting themes and activities will be planned to keep the Schoolagers engaged and excited about coming to the center before and/or after school. Children will participate in the Roots & Shoots program throughout the year (Jane Goodall Foundation).

During the summer, Schoolagers will enjoy lots of activities such as the roots and shoots program (Jane Goodall Foundation), planting, maintaining and harvesting a garden, field trips, swimming and more.