Just For KIDS Preschool aims to provide a safe, stimulating and fun environment in which children ages two and a half to five can socially interact, play and develop a positive self-esteem. They will provide their students with a variety of play materials, art opportunities, music, and physical activities to encourage a love of learning. By providing an attentive program, Just For KIDS will encourage the complete development of each individual child. Those children who will be five years old on or before October 31st may register in their four or five day Pre K program. The Pre K curriculum is activity centered, focusing on following multi-step directions, participating in group activities, working with a partner and involving both the teacher and the children in the learning process.

The weekly activities focus on the letter of the week where the proper formation of the DNealian alphabet will be practiced and the letter sounds will be introduced. Phonics and whole language techniques will be introduced to give those who are ready the chance to begin reading. Many of these skills will be reinforced as they work through age appropriate programs during their computer time. Special themes will be used to encourage exploration of science and social studies and their Introduction to Spanish unit will give them an opportunity to visit another culture and learn a new language. Pre K students will also participate in gross motor activities, creative movement and music appreciation which is vital to the overall development of the child.

For more information, please visit http://www.justforkidspreschool.com

Their mission is to provide superior childcare service in conjunction with an educational and developmentally appropriate program designed to nurture the “whole child” – intellectually, physically, imaginatively, emotionally and socially. Little Hands Learning Center has developed a curriculum that is designed to challenge and stimulate each child on a daily basis and ultimately instill a lifelong love of learning. Little Hands Learning Center promotes an environment that fosters critical thinking, problem solving skills, and social development through structured activities and active engaged learning. Their center’s commitment to excellence is critical in these formative years for your child’s overall growth and development.

The quality of their program will be seen in the professionalism of the staff, classroom environment and the schedule. They have carefully designed an age appropriate curriculum based on the principle that children need to engage in “hands on” learning activities in addition to classroom teachings to maximize their learning potential. They emphasize hands-on learning for children ages two through five with a curriculum focus in reading, math, science, logic, foreign language, music & movement, cultural appreciation and fine arts. The curriculum and program is structured at a pace to accommodate each and every child. Their dedicated staff consists of passionate, caring, professional and experienced teachers and teaching assistants who have exceeded the necessary criteria in early childhood development.

For more information, please visit http://www.littlehandspreschool.com

Your child can only learn when he/she feels happy and right at home. That’s why, first and foremost, we’re here to care for him/her the way you would if you were here. They ‘ve put three decades of love and research experience behind an innovative curriculum with well-trained teachers in a motivating environment to give your child a unique learning experience that’s just for them. They give your child a rich, stimulating curriculum that’s just right for each state of life, from birth through school age. Because each child learns in his own unique way, we go even further to individualize the curriculum to the interests and abilities of your child.

They will work hard, so you have the peace of mind that comes from knowing your child is in the best possible hands next to your own. They will help your child discover the joy of learning with experiences chosen just for him/her by caring, highly trained teachers. They will nuture your whole child with nutritious meals, plenty of fresh air, and exercise. They will maintain an exceptionlly clean, safe, stimulating environment that you and your child can look forward to coming to every day. They will communicate with you about your child’s day, every day, and about other things they think you should know. They will build a partnership of trust with your family that deepens your child’s love of learning over time.

For more information, please visit http://www.joyfulnannydaycare.com

Kingsclere Nurseries was established in 1986 as a family business and rapidly built an excellent reputation for affordable, quality childcare in home-like settings. They operate seven nurseries in Berkshire. They maintain the same high standards and quality of childcare throughout all their nurseries. Recent surveys of other local childcare providers have shown that their fee rates are extremely competitive, they recommend that you assess the quality of childcare by visiting one or more of their nurseries.

They now offer FREE Nursery Education Grant funded 2 hour sessions to eligible 3 & 4 year-old children. They have a high ratio of experienced and qualified staff in all their nurseries. A Teaching Coordinator ensures an excellent and consistent standard of education for the older children by their team of experienced staff. Each child can develop their letter, number and colour recognition and reading and writing skills at their own pace with the Teachers guidance and also through the use of games, puzzles, books and construction toys. They have full time cooks who prepare their lunch and afternoon tea and cater for any specific dietary requirements. Drinks of milk (except formula) or water are provided throughout the day. A quiet time for rest or sleep follows lunch.

For more information, please visit http://www.kingsclere-nurseries.co.uk

Their Philosophy is to provide a caring and loving environment for your child with a Christian basis and the basic morals and values that build a young mind and heart. They want their center to be an investment in your child’s future, not just a daycare experience. They are family owned and operated and take great pride in their center and the care that they provide. They transport Kindergarten and School Age children to many Edmond Schools, but not all. They have a computer lab onsite and try to give four years and up computer time once a week or more if allowed. This is offered at no charge to the fours and up.
This is such a necessity of their society they want to be sure that they are introduced to the basics and it is a great learning tool. This is not offered in the summer months due to the summer program and schedule. They do have a very fun summer program for all the children. The activities are age specific and only ages five and up will leave the building for field trips. All activities are safe, fun, and scheduled with the kids in mind.

For more information, please visit http://www.onestepedmond.com

Nightingale Day Nursery is an independent, 24-place, family run nursery, offering quality childcare for 2-5 year olds. Since opening in January 1997, they have developed a strong reputation in the local area, highlighted by the fact that many of their places are filled through word of mouth. Their long-serving staff team is made up of qualified and highly experienced nursery nurses and first aiders. Their ratio of staff to children is always kept well within the legal requirements.

They provide equality of opportunity for all children regardless of race, religion or gender. They have controlled, secure access, with CCTV in operation. Whilst in their care, children are able to participate in a wide range of play experiences, enabling them to develop the skills needed to become more independent, with a positive self image. They also offer a programme of activities arranged around ‘The Early Years Foundation Stage’, as produced by Sure Start (Department for Education and Skills) for children aged from 0-5 years. Throughout your child’s time with them they create profile books to reflect the development of your child, share their experiences and provide a link between home and nursery.

For more information, please visit http://www.nightingaledaynursery.co.uk

Daycare Trust is the national childcare charity. They have been working since November 1986 to promote high quality affordable childcare for all. Their campaigning work continues to focus on childcare affordability, listening to parents and keeping children at the centre. Daycare Trust is the national childcare charity, campaigning for quality, accessible, affordable childcare for all and raising the voices of children, parents and carers. They advise parents and carers, providers, employers, trade unions and policymakers on childcare issues.

Despite the advances in recent years, particularly with the National Childcare Strategy, there remains a considerable way to go before this is achieved. By childcare they mean arrangements parents make for their children when they are not looking after the children themselves; this could be in individual or group care in a variety of settings, including at home. Schools become increasingly important as nursery schools link to reception classes and extended schools provide a variety of services for families, including childcare for older children. Childrens centres would link to childminding networks and other home-based and community-based childcare. Daycare Trusts objective is to secure access to high quality affordable childcare for all children in Great Britain where and when they and their parents want and need it, at a price their parents can afford.

For more information, please visit http://www.daycaretrust.org.uk

The Big Top Child Care Center of Laurel was originally Mary Moppets. During the many years of operation, The Big Top has succeeded in providing all inclusive, top quality childcare at reasonable prices. Their staff development requirements far exceed those dictated by our licensing agency and include: workshops, seminars, videos, in-service, conferences, mentoring, observations and visits, and college course work.

Their primary goal is to help your child reach their full potential emotionally, socially, physically, and intellectually through the use of developmentally appropriate practices, while preparing them for their future in school or enriching their current school status. They also stress and value the importance of their families in their day-to-day operations, as well as, the reflection of their social and cultural influence in their program. Your child’s progress is monitored through various methods including semi-annual evaluations and their individual cumulative assessment plans.

For more information, please visit http://www.bigtopchildcare.com

Big Oak is a small, not-for-profit, progressive childcare center on Madisons east side. Big Oak strives to provide a home-like atmosphere in a building that was converted from a private family home. The toddler programs are on the first floor and the preschool is upstairs. Though each program has separate agendas, occasionally activities are provided that all Big Oak children can participate in together. A child can enter Big Oak as a toddler and move into the preschool until theyre ready for kindergarten.

Big Oak uses a variety of experiences to provide our high quality care. Children actively participate in small and large groups that encompass art, music, dramatic play, fine and large motor experiences. These activities provide children with ample opportunity to strengthen their social skills and develop their emerging cognitive skills at a pace that compliments their interests and abilities. Activities at Big Oak foster independence and a positive self-image. Big Oak provides opportunities for parents and families to socialize and get to know one another at open houses and family potlucks. They encourage this through daily discussions between parents and staff and by scheduling parent-teacher conferences twice a year.

For more information, please visit http://www.bigoakchildcare.org

When youre thinking about leaving your child in someone elses care, you want to know that they have experience. Well, no one in the Portland area has more experience caring for children than Fruit & Flower. Located in Northwest Portland, Fruit & Flower cares for children ranging from six weeks to five years old. They believe in nurturing the growth of the whole child emotional, social, physical and intellectual. Fruit & Flower provides an exemplary environment where children can flourish.

Fruit & Flower has grown to become one of the more respected child care programs in the state and has maintained its focus on providing assistance to families in need. A scholarship program with 18 full-time scholarships provides much needed support and assistance to families with major challenges in their lives such as single-parenting, completing college studies, and re-entering the workplace. They have programs for infants through pre-kindergarteners. In addition to their developmentally appropriate program, they provide nutritious breakfasts, lunches and snacks prepared on site. They also want to set an example among childcare centers and the broader community.

For more information, please visit http://www.fruitandflower.org