3 – 4 Years

Ages 3-4 years as of August 1

Sea and Farm

Welcome to our two classrooms, located in some extraordinary environments! Children will begin in My Backyard and transition to the Sea or Farm classrooms after a year or begin their learning in these larger settings depending upon their development. Smaller “family groups” form based on developmental progress and ability. Trained teachers guide the family groups and form deep relationships with the children during unhurried days. Children in these classes may have the opportunity to return for a second year with their teacher if they enter the classroom on the young side. Teacher-to-child ratios are 1:10 maximum in these classrooms. The Daily Routine includes greeting time, small group times, large group times, extended outdoor times, eating times, rest time, arts time, and nature time. Faith experiences are incorporated in many active learning times throughout the day. The HighScope Preschool curriculum is used for these students. Teachers plan daily experiences using HighScopes Key Development Indicators and the Indiana Foundations for Early Childhood. We meet with local elementary schools to ensure our children learn well and are ready for their next step in learning.

Arts & Language

The Arts at the Early Learning Center include music, fine arts, and nature. Art in its various forms is important for children especially during their early development. Research shows that art activities develop brain capacity in early childhood—in other words, art is good brain food! Art engages children’s senses in open-ended play and develops cognitive, social-emotional and multi-sensory skills. Singing, playing instruments, painting, drawing, role-playing, imagining and exploring nature expand and enrich opportunities for brain development, mastery, self-esteem, spiritual development, expression and creativity.