Your child will receive an introduction to a semi-structured environment, alongside a commited group of caregivers providing gentle guidance as they learn to play with other children. Caregivers will encourage children to be problem-solvers and give them tools to participate in entering play, turn-taking, and negotiating/collaborating with friends in developmentally appropriate ways.
Your child will have access to a variety of open ended materials and play centers such as blocks, toys & games, library, art, dirt & water, etc.--all of which will inspire creativity, inquiry, and problem solving skills, while honing the social and emotional skills they will need to thrive.
Additionally, the structure of this group will ease the anxiety that most children feel upon separating from caregivers when they first begin preschool. Finally, since children's caregivers will be present, potty training is not a requirement for attendance!
As a caregiver, you can plan on learning more about your child’s temperament, interests, and learning style through observing your child at play in a group setting. This occurs in a supportive environment, with access to an experienced educator who is available to collaborate with you in planning developmentally appropriate play, and to help you support your children as they learn. You will also be exposed to the developmental milestones that are up and coming for your kiddos, and recieve guidance for helping your child play their way to meeting those milestones.
Your registration fee:
helps pay for our expert teachers in art, PE, music, and math/engineering
helps pay for the upkeep of our learning environments
ensures repair and replacement of toys & materials as needed
purchases snack
enables us to secure materials specific to the learning needs of each enrolled child
This comes to about $10 per child each meeting.
I understand that life happens. I am open to having you make up your class during another time if it works out for your schedule. If a new date doesn't work for you, you'll unfortunately miss out. Refunds won't be issued for missed classes.
Toddlers and preschoolers don't always make getting out of the house an easy affair. If you are running late, take a breath, send us a text at 480-206-9976 to let us know you are on the way, and join us when you can; no worries. And if you need to leave early, simply say your goodbyes, and head on out; we'll see you next time. :)
Of course! Children younger than 2 may accompany their older siblings or friends free of charge. Any sibling or friend 2 or older either needs to be registered for the session, or will be subject to a $5 drop-in fee.
Referred friends who enroll will earn your family $2 off the cost of next month's registration.
Desert Sky Outdoor is a true co-operative. Homeschooling families are required to send at least 1 caregiver along with their enrolled child/ren.
The class will close co-op registration after enrolling 20 families.
Please make sure your child is equipped with:
a hat
sunscreen for reapplying
a full water bottle
a change of weather appropriate clothes (including underwear or diapers)
well fitting, weather appropriate closed toed shoes, ideally those that are ok to get wet
a raincoat with a hood on rainy days
a warm jacket on chilly days
I personally subscribe to the "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes" mantra. So we plan to be outside in all weather...yes on cold, windy, rainy days as well as bright sunshiny days. The weather is likely to include many mild days prior to getting hot, hot, hot.
That being said, we operate in a well shaded outdoor space, with extra drinking and playing water, misters and fans available for those warmer days. We have a HeatReady plan that is available for viewing on our Facebook group page.
Severe storms involving excessive & nearby lightning, dangerous winds, or the desert's famous haboobs will also cause classes to move to the flexible plan mentioned above.
Physical Benefits. Outdoor play provides more vigorous, varied, and sustained play; improves gross and fine motor development, including bone health, balance, coordination, endurance, spatial awareness, core strength, and posture; strengthens immune systems; and promotes lifelong engagement in physical activity.
Cognitive Benefits. Outdoor, nature-based play supports improved executive functioning and self-regulation abilities; increases observation and problem-solving skills; increases attention and focus; and challenging play supports children’s resilience, independence, and self- confidence.
Social and Emotional Benefits. Nature-based play provides a calm and sensory-rich environment that reduces stress, anxiety, and depression; and can support children’s development of empathy for the natural world.
To learn more about the effect of the outdoors on children's well-being, head to: http://discoveringchildhood.com