Elefantitos - Sellwood site only

Infants aged 6 months enter our Elefantitos classroom, where we prioritize creating a comfortable and secure environment. Our goal is to support the holistic development of each child and cater to their individual needs. We provide frequent feeding and diaper changes, recording each event for parents' understanding and to address any questions. The space and materials are organized to stimulate exploration and foster conceptual learning. Our infant program goes beyond caregiving by incorporating engaging activities such as songs, books, conversations in Spanish, and the use of sign language in the monthly curriculum. Sign language aids pre-verbal children in effective communication. We strive to create an atmosphere of love, curiosity, and growth while maintaining a predictable routine for each child.

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Koalas - Sellwood and St. John's location

Children entering the Koalas classroom must be 12 months by September 1st of the school year. This classroom marks their journey from babies to young toddlers. At this stage, their energy and curiosity are at full throttle, and they are developing self-confidence and improving their motor skills. They start expressing themselves through simple words, baby sign language, reactions, and games. Establishing their identity, personal preferences, and building relationships with teachers become significant milestones. Teachers establish strong bonds to nurture independence and provide an environment that encourages exploration, experimentation, and conceptual learning. Age-appropriate toys and materials are carefully chosen to fully engage children, and a tailored curriculum is designed to meet their individual needs.

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Mariposas - Sellwood and St. John's location

Children entering the Mariposas classroom must be 2 years old by September 1st of the school year. At this stage, children are developing and mastering essential skills, such as taking turns, engaging in imaginative play, using simple words and sentences to communicate, and participating in more complex games and activities. Our focus in the Mariposas classroom is to provide opportunities for each child to learn according to their unique learning style. Teachers offer age-appropriate experiences that foster social-emotional, cognitive, and language development. Throughout the day, children are encouraged to freely explore and discover their environment through play-based activities and one-on-one interactions. We aim to nurture their natural curiosity while supporting their individual needs.​

 

Ositos, Patitos & Lechuzas - PFA Classrooms at Sellwood and St. John's location

Children in the Ositos, Patitos and Lechuzas mixed-age pre-kindergarten readiness classroom are 3 years old by September 1st and are out of diapers and pull-ups before the first day of school and have independence with toilet skills.. This classroom offers an enriching academic curriculum for children ages 3-5. Teachers in the mixed-age pre- kindergarten classrooms continuously modify materials, activities, and classroom structure to enhance each child's interests and individual learning styles. Our goal is to strike a balance between routine experiences and opportunities for exploration and play-based learning. Teachers equip children with techniques to navigate challenges and develop problem-solving skills. We model positive communication, teach age-appropriate negotiation skills, and foster self-awareness of personal space and the environment. The curriculum is carefully designed for a mixed age classroom and ensures a personalized and engaging learning experience for children. Children have daily opportunities for self- directed play, teacher-led circle time, outdoor play, group activities, and stations. Early math, pre writing, and literacy are incorporated into the curriculum, and graduating children receive additional support in these areas to gain an advantage when transitioning to kindergarten. Children have daily opportunities to explore materials either individually or with their peers.

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