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Rhythm of Our Day

 

Our classroom rhythm is the same each day and allows the children to play freely and comfortably, without worry or uncertainty. A preview of this school year's daily schedule is as follows:

 

  8:15 - 8:30 a.m.     Arrival in Play Yard

9:00 a.m.     Watch Kindergarten Morning Circle

9:15 a.m.     Outdoor Adventures and Snack

10:00 a.m.   Toileting/Diapering

10:00 a.m.   Indoor or Extended Outdoor Play

                     and Domestic Arts

11:00 a.m.  Lunch and Clean Up

12:15 p.m.  Songs and Stories

12:30 p.m.  Rest

2:00 p.m.    Snack

2:15 p.m.    Dismissal

* Late Care is Available for a few children up until 5pm, includes indoor and outdoor play time.

5:00 p.m.    Late Care Completes

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The Good Morning Song

(Sung at the beginning of Circle Time)

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"Good morning dear Earth,

Good morning dear Sun,

Good morning dear stones 

And beasts on the run.

Good morning dear flowers

And birds in the trees.

Good morning to you 

And good morning to me."

SPROUTS

~ ages 1 and 2 years old

 

The Sprouts child care program provides a predictable and steady rhythm in a home-like environment. Children have ample opportunities to experience safely structured independence and movement, primarily through outdoor play, animal care and farm exploration. The dynamic and sometimes rugged terrain allow little ones to develop a strong and healthy will, problem solving skills, spatial awareness and a blooming sense of life. In addition, the multi-age experience afforded by our connections with teachers and children in other classes at Lakeside add dimensions of community and caring for our little ones. 

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Seasonal adventures like sledding, apple and grape harvesting and maple sugaring provide direct experiential education. Inside of the schoolhouse, students are given a calm, slow-paced space in which to grow and explore their curiosities. They participate in uninstructed play, domestic arts and various types of purposeful work. 

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Dates and Times

Monday - Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.
 

Parents may choose 4 or 5 days per week.

 

Summer Program 

June 24 - August 9,  2024

School Year Program

September 4, 2024 - June 11, 2025

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Tuition and Financial Aid

Lakeside School strives to promote a healthy socioeconomic balance by using a two-tiered tuition model based on the actual cost of education per child.

 

We ask all families in need of tuition assistance to reach out to Essex County Department of Social Services prior to registering. Our County is offering a robust child care assistance program for all qualifying families with children up to 6 years old. Please contact the Administrator to inquire further about the tuition assistance opportunities available to our students. Limited tuition assistance is available from the school. 

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Bits and Bites

The children start their day outside with a light morning snack. After outside time and visiting the farm livestock, they enjoy a warm, nourishing meal in the schoolhouse that follows the same schedule each week. 

 

Monday..........Rice with butter and tamari

Tuesday......... Oatmeal w/blueberries and maple syrup 

Wednesday.... Millet with veggies

Thursday........ Bread and  hummus w/veggies

Friday.............. Egg bake w/veggies

 

After a long rest and afternoon activities, the Sprouts enjoy a wholesome lunch made from locally-sourced ingredients and prepared by our teachers. 

 

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Clothes & Diapers

Much of the work during the first three years is spent on motor development in the young child. Because movement is such a vital component of the Sprouts children's work, it is important that they are dressed in comfortable, well fitted clothes that allow them to be active crawlers, climbers and walkers.

 

The children dress in layers that allow for changes in weather throughout the day. We go out into the elements during all seasons, so children need a full set of rain gear (boots, pants, & jacket) in the Autumn and Spring. In Winter, they need a warm hat, waterproof mittens, snow boots, wool socks, snowsuit, and/or snow pants and coat. 

 

  • Outside shoes are not permitted indoors. Sprouts may bring slippers from home to wear in our classroom. Socks or inside shoes can also be worn.

 

  • Parents are responsible for bringing diapers and wipes to school for their child. 

 

  • We welcome and support cloth diapering families.

EARLY CHILDHOOD DAY CARE

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