Our Preschool Classes

The curriculum is implemented through around circle time, project centers and imaginative play areas. These are carefully designed to help preschoolers develop physically, intellectually and emotionally. Our objective is to provide a positive first school experience and to create a nurturing environment that will motivate the child to try new experiences, solve problems in a creative way, teach conflict resolution and tolerance as well as to encourage the child's aesthetic sensitivity. In the four year old program, in addition to expanding on the goals of the previous years, we focus on developing skills that prepare the child for a positive transition to kindergarten.

Class Size and Child to Adult Ratio

The class size ranges from 10 children for the two year old class to 12 children for the three and four year old class. Each class has a teacher, an assistant and frequently a parent who is participating for the day.

Parent Participation

Parents are invited (but not required) to assist the teachers in the classroom once a month.

SAMPLE SCHEDULE*

9:00 - 9:15 Free Play

9:15 - 9:35 Circle Time

9:35 - 10:30 Guided Discovery & Choice Time; teachers guide children through project centers and imaginary play areas

10:30 - 10:40 Clean Up Time

10:40 - 11:00 Hand Washing, Snack Time

11:00 - 11:15 Read Books, Conversation

11:15 - 11:30 Outdoor Play


*Schedule varies by age group.

Classroom & Playground

Friends is located in the Quaker meeting house. The classrooms are on the ground level with large windows on all four sides that look out on the large, fully fenced playground. The natural area includes play equipment, swings, a sand box and large open spaces that encourage imaginary play. Children go outside daily, except for days of inclement weather.