2's Playgroups

Playgroups is a two year old program that begins to foster the separation process as the children learn to trust in the care of adults other than their primary caregivers. For many children, this is their first introduction to school and we seek to make it an engaging, positive, loving, and nurturing experience.

A typical day begins with a period of free play, in which the children enjoy a variety of options as they move about the classroom.  Activities include painting at the easel, pouring and filling in the water table, drawing at the art table, playing at the play doh table, imaginative play with our array of activities and toys, and navigating a locomotive or caboose at the train table! A variety of developmentally appropriate tools and materials are introduced in our project of the day. Snack time follows where we enjoy a light and healthy treat around the table with our friends. A trip to the playground provides the opportunity for fresh air and the ability to exercise our large motor skills. Then it's back inside to read a story, dance to our favorite songs and participate in circle time. We end our day with our "goodbye song" which signals for the children that mom, dad or another special caregiver is waiting outside the door to pick them up.

As a cooperative nursery school, caregivers are given the unique opportunity to participate every few weeks as a set of “extra hands and eyes”.  This is a wonderful way to become involved in your child’s school setting and share that special playtime with your child and their new friends.  Participation parents/caregivers/grandparents, etc. are expected to bring in a healthy snack/drink that day for the children to enjoy and help out with some light cleaning at the end of the day.

It is within this nurturing and engaging environment that children begin to develop independence, confidence, the ability to play happily alongside other children, and the ability to enjoy the company of adults other than their primary caregivers.  Most importantly, children learn that school is a safe and fun place to be!