Pre-Kindergarten
Home of the "Chipmunks"!
Chipmunk Daily Schedule
7:30 - 9:15
Welcome and arrival.  Free play (snack offered)
9:15 - 9:30
Wash hands, breakfast
9:30 - 9:45
Circle time
9:45 - 10:45
Daily Activity, free play
10:45 - 11:00
Clean-up
11:00 - 11:45
Outside play or Rumpus Room
11:45 - 12:00
Wash hands, story
12:00 - 12:30
Lunch
12:30 - 12:45
Brush teeth, settle in for rest time
12:45 - 2:30
Rest
2:30 - 3:00
Wake up, quiet activities
3:00 - 3:45
Outside play or Rumpus Room
3:45 - 4:00
Wash hands, free play, planned activity
4:00 - 4:15
Wash hands, P.M. snack
4:15 - 4:30
Circle time
4:30 - 5:35
Free play
5:35 - 5:45
Clean up
5:45 - 6:00
Departure, Center closes @ 6:00
    The "Chipmunk" Classroom is a Pre-Kindergarten program serving children from ages 4-5.  
    The classroom has a maximum of 20 children per day enrolled including part-time
    enrollments.  There are two full time teachers and 1 part time teacher in this
    classroom.  The Chipmunk classroom follows the Department of Education's Mass
    Curriculum Framework.
The goals for the Greater Quincy Child Care Center Pre-K "Chipmunk Room are...

To provide a nurturing, safe, and stimulating environment conducive to learning.
To provide Emotional, Social, Physical, Cognitive, and Creative development.
To help develop a strong self-image.
To increase independence and to be able to solve their own problems.
To emphasize open ended, child-oriented activities that challenge and encourage participation.
To promote physical growth and improve motor development.
To support and strengthen the family's role in the child's development.
To help your child express himself or herself through Art, Music, and Language.
To provice a comfortable atmosphere in which your child can participate actively and feel enjoyment.
    More about the Chipmunk Room...
    Our philosophy as teachers of young children is that "Children learn through play".  They learn much better
    through concrete and hands on experiences.  That is why the biggest portion of our day is devoted to "free play",
    where each child is free to choose his or her own activities.  This helps to develop problem solving skills,
    academic skills, independence, and self-awareness as well as cognitive, language, and motor skills.  Our main focus
    is developing Social/Emotional skills because when a child has a positive self-image and is able to get along well
    with others, his or her energies can then be directed toward the other learning areas.
    There are also times during the day that are "group times" and are more teacher directed.  These are times when
    we learn about the calendar, which gives us a sense of time and helps us to see upcoming events such as birthdays,
    field trips, and holidays.  We also sing songs, do finger plays, and listen to stories.  These are tools for language
    development.
    Every day, weather permitting, we play outside.  Our playground is well equipped with tricycles of different
    heights, scooters, and balls as well as permanent fixtures such as a climbing structure with slides and a tunnel to
    crawl through.  If, due to inclement weather, we are unable to go outside, we play in the Rumpus Room.  In addition
    to bad weather days, we use the Rumpus Room for more structured activities.  On alternate Tuesdays, we have
    Music and Movement with Miss Diane who incorporates structured musical and large motor activities.
    Our room is divided into "interest" area e.g. Housekeeping, Blocks, Manipulatives, Science, Writing, Art, and
    Reading/Quiet.  We have two computers on which the children can play learning games helping them to develop
    problem solving skills.
    Our curriculum is based on weekly themes that are age appropriate and challenging.  The themes are planned to
    encourage each child to grow in all developmental areas at his or her own pace.  Although the staff plans the
    curriculum, the children's interests always guide us and themes and ideas can change at any time.  Our daily
    routine, weekly curriculum and yearly overview are all posted on the Chipmunk bulletin board.  We send out
    monthly newsletters to inform you of the themes, events, and birthdays in the upcoming month as well as any
    other information.
    Your child has a cubby in which is kept his or her belongings and treasures.  This includes a complete change of
    clothes at all times; a toothbrush and toothpaste; and a crib sheet, a blanket, and a small pillow.
    These items are to be clearly labelled with your child's name.  All bedding is sent home to be washed at the end of
    each week as this helps to prevent the spread of germs and diseases.  We encourage each child to bring a toy from
    home e.g. Cars, trucks, soft toys, dolls, or books.  We DO NOT allow any action figures, electronic games or
    toys, guns, or other weapons.  With a large group of children these toys lead to aggressive behavior and
    inappropriate language.
    We do written evaluations on your child every six months.  These are valuable times when we meet and discuss
    your child's growth and development as well as any concerns you may have.  However, if at any time during the
    year you wish to discuss any problems and/or concerns, we are always willing to talk with you.
    Because we have such a diverse group of families amongst the Chipmunks, we always welcome new ideas.  We
    encourage parents to help enhance the curriculum by sharing their special talents, e.g. Cooking, arts and crafts,
    reading, or making us aware of special cultural celebrations.