Young Children’s Community

Our young children’s community (YCC) serves children ages 16 months – 3 years old and is designed to foster functional independence.

The YCC allows young children to explore freely and make choices for themselves. We nurture the beginnings of social interaction by modeling respectful relationships between all people. Children learn language, movement, and self-care, all at their own pace. We place a lot of emphasis on independence, teaching the children to dress themselves, wipe their own noses, wash their hands and faces, use the toilet and keep track of their personal belongings. These skills are called “functional independence” and help young children develop independence, confidence, and trust.

Daily Schedule

8:00-8:30 am:  Arrival

8:30-9:15 am: Outdoor Play
Children play in the outdoor environment or in the gross motor room.

9:15-11:15 am: Morning Work Cycle
Much of the time is spent in individual work cycles of activity. The teacher gives individual and small group lessons on language and communication skills, movement, and practical life – washing dishes, watering plants, sweeping, mopping, feeding the animals, taking care of the environment, preparing food, etc. Children may gather to sing songs or read books.

11:15-11:45 am: Gross Motor Movement
The children spend time in the gross motor room to practice running, climbing, playing with carts and buggies, throwing balls, climbing stairs, and sliding.

11:30 am-12:30 pm: Lunch
The children set out their food on plates and place mats and eat together.  Meals are seen as social time to practice common grace and courtesy.

12:30–2:30 pm: Nap
Children are given a comfortable, quiet place to rest, to support healthy sleep cycles.

2:30–3:30 pm: Afternoon Work Cycle
Afternoon work consists of cleaning up and preparing the classroom for the next day, reading books, and eating a healthy snack prepared by our staff. Children dress themselves to go home.

3:30-5:00 pm: Aftercare Program
Children play freely or participate in structured activities like baking and crafting projects.

“The education of even a small child, therefore, does not aim at preparing him for school, but for life.” —  Maria Montessori