Nantucket Early Education & Care | Programs | Small Friends on Nantucket

Programs

Pollywogs-Infants

Our infant group accommodates seven infants, aged three months to approximately 15 months, under the care of a Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care certified teacher and one assistant teacher. A warm, secure environment, allows our infants to begin to explore the world. The use of language and verbalizations are encouraged by the teachers who talk, read and sing to the children and respond to their attempts to communicate. Children experience music for listening and relaxing as well as dancing and moving. Teachers encourage development of independence in a variety of ways such as facilitating self feeding in older infants and encouraging infants to select their own toys and books. Carefully chosen equipment and teacher support help our infants reach milestones such as sitting and pulling up to stand.

Scallops-Young Toddlers

Our young toddler group accommodates nine children, aged approximately 15 months to two years. The group, led by a Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care certified teacher and one assistant teacher, provides more focus on fostering independence. Children self feed, and are encouraged to begin to wash their hands and dress themselves as appropriate. Children are encouraged to select toys and are given choices between more than one activity. Children are read to, and encouraged to begin to use crayons and other art materials. Teachers promote language development by encouraging children to use the words they’ve already obtained, and adding additional words to help children express themselves. Children are presented with fine motor activities, as well as construction, and dramatic play opportunities. Teachers strive to make children feel comfortable and secure.

Starfish- Older Toddlers

Nine children aged approximately two to three years make up our older toddler group. One Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care certified teacher and one assistant teacher support the development of independence and self-functioning skills appropriate to this group. Children are presented with books to hear aloud and are encouraged to recount stories themselves. They are given dramatic play opportunities as well as fine and gross motor activities, and are encouraged to use crayons, markers and paint brushes. Children listen to music to relax, and for dancing, and play. They are encouraged to work at their own pace, pick up toys and dress themselves. Teachers facilitate problem solving and teach children how to cooperate and work well with others.

Bluefish- Preschool

Our Toddler Preschool group serves nine children approximately three to four years of age. One Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care certified teacher and one assistant teacher strive to create a nurturing, safe environment. Children are introduced to, and encouraged to participate in, free choice play with various materials that influence the progression of skills in all areas of learning. Emphasis is placed on each unit of study in the areas of mathematics, literacy, science exploration, and social awareness. Children are given opportunities to express themselves as young artists wih multiple art mediums, and are influenced to practice societal roles through dramatic play. Teachers condone non-violent conflict resolution and tolerance.

Dragonflies-Pre-K

Twenty children under the direction of two Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care certified teachers make up our pre-k group. Pre-K children are presented with a word rich environment. They listen to books and poems read aloud, gaining exposure to early reading concepts, and are encouraged to write and tell stories themselves. Teachers introduce early reading concepts and strive to foster a love of learning. Children are provided with creative art activities such as brush painting, drawing and collage as well as opportunities to listen to and create music. Teachers foster the independence and confidence that will help children be successful learners.

Big Friends- After School

Our after school program is made up of ten students from kindergarten through third grade and one teacher. The program runs during the school year from right after school untill 5:15. Students receive help with their homework, play games and participate in art activities. They also have the oportunity to participate in various after school educational activities including working in our organic school garden during the growing season.

Hermit Crabs

Our half-day preschool accommodates five children, ages approximately three to five years. The group, led by one Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care certified teacher, provides for a nurturing, rich learning environment.

Teachers introduce early reading concepts and strive to foster a love of learning. Children are provided with creative art activities such as brush painting, drawing and collage as well as opportunities to listen to and create music. Emphasis is placed on each unit of study in the areas of mathematics, literacy, science exploration, and social awareness. Teachers foster the independence and confidence that will help children be successful learners.

Information gained from High/Scope assessment tools is used to help teachers individualize experiences to suite each child’s needs and to further help them reach their milestones, as well as prepare them for the Kindergarten environment.

Family input regarding each child’s experiences in the Bluefish classroom is strongly encouraged. Parents and guardians are invited to provide any information, visuals, and suggestions to promote their child’s sense of self, race, culture, and identity.

Hours & Tuition

Full Day Hours 7:45 AM-5:15 PM

Full Day Tuition-Infants and Toddlers under 2.9 yrs. $270 per week

Full Day tuition-Preschool $230 per week

Half Day Hours 7:45AM-12:45 PM or 12:15 PM-5:15 PM

Half Day Tuition-Infants and Toddlers under 2.9 yrs. $165 per week

Half Day Tuition-Preschool $140 per week

There is a sibling discount of 25% for full or half-day tuition.

After School Program 2:15 PM-5:15 PM

After School Tuition $85 per week

No sibling discount for this program.