Philosophy

Our school philosophy is based on the research that young children learn and develop best through play in a hands-on environment.  The environment at The Tree House is structured with hands-on learning centers that facilitate small, informal group learning as well as children working individually.  In addition, group time activities are offered several times a day to help foster large group skills and a sense  of community.  In conjunction with the inside learning centers, we offer an outdoor classroom as part of the learning environment.  The outside area is loosely structured to provide areas for hands-on exploration and discovery, physical activity, dramatic play and gardening.  The teachers' role at The Tree House is to be a resource for the children by introducing new materials, inviting the children to play and encouraging them as they make choices throughout the classroom.

All of our programs have a maximum average ratio of 1 adult for every 8 children.

Preschool:

2 Day Program

This program is designed as a first school experience for the unique needs of 2 and 3 year olds.  This program  emphasizes social and emotional development through music, process art, stories and more.  Parents are welcome to leave their child when they feel they are ready to separate.   

3 Day Program

This program is designed with active 3 and 4 year olds in mind.  Our balanced curriculum engages young minds with hands on activities in art, music, movement and simple science.  For example, during our bear theme, children enjoy making cinnamon bears for art, eating bear shaped sandwiches for snack and sharing their favorite stuffed bear at circle time.  Our program fosters confidence and helps kids become problem solvers and life long learners.

Pre K Program

This program is designed to help prepare your growing 4 or 5 year old for kindergarten.  The Tree House curriculum is a planned program of weekly books which are integrated into the day.  For example, while reading the Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle the kids enjoyed making a caterpillar puppet to help retell the story, they sampled different fruits in the story and made a graph to see what the favorite fruit was. On the science table, they watched a set of caterpillars transform into butterflies.  All activities help set the groundwork for a successful kindergarten experience.

School Age Childcare:

                                             Kinder

The kinder program includes school pick up and a hearty lunch snack that is provided.  This program is designed to help the children cool down after an intense day of learning at school and give the children an opportunity to pursue their own personal interests.  Legos, dramatic play, games on the grass and free art are favorites of this group.

Enrichment

The enrichment kids arrive hungry and excited to play.  After a hearty snack, these children choose from an array of activities:  science, art, building, music, sports, sewing, dramatic play, clay, cooking, and more.

Enrichment Extension

After the excitement of enrichment, these children will listen to a story, have tea time (a small snack) and work on homework for 10 – 20 minutes (with assistance as needed).  Then these children choose from an assortment of self directed art, dramatic play, puzzles, or board games.