South Shore Conservatory Preschool
Duxbury Campus
Preschool Open House
Saturday, January 10, 2009
9 - 11 am
South Shore Conservatory Preschool, voted one of the Best Schools of 2007 by Boston Magazine, offers a rich learning environment where children’s curiosity and passion for learning are nurtured through play, discovery and the arts. Our philosophy towards educating young children is inspired by the programs of Reggio Emilia, Italy, and rooted in both the emergent curriculum and a constructivist approach to learning. Internationally regarded as an exceptional method for early childhood education, the basic principals of the Reggio Emilia schools focus on the strength and capability of the children they serve.
Our emphasis is on helping children discover and work towards their own style of learning, construct meanings, and use freedom in a carefully prepared environment; using a curriculum that is based on observation, documentation, creative brainstorming, flexibility and patience; engaging in projects that are not limited in time or scope; and documenting progress with words and pictures.
Mission Statement and Philosophy
Our work begins with a strong image of all children as competent, resourceful, intelligent, creative, imaginative, and full of curiosity about the world around them. We strive to create a learning community of children and adults where our image of children and the thinking of students is visible to children, teachers, parents and the public. Inspired by our Reggio counterparts we hope to convey to children, parents, and teachers that their presence is noticed, valued, and respected.
We feel the best way to accomplish our academic goal is by promoting a classroom atmosphere of playfulness and joy. It is our firm belief and guiding philosophy that children learn best through play, and that play is their very significant form of work. Play puts learning in a context and gives it a purpose. Through play, children are given a chance to try out options, to make meaningful personal choices, to explore solutions to problems, and practice new skills. We recognize the intrinsic worth of play and provide ample opportunity, time and materials for this purpose.
In working with children, Reggio Emilia teachers seek to play a role of artful balancing between engagement and attention. They ask questions to draw out the children’s ideas, hypotheses, and theories. Then teachers discuss together what they have recorded and make flexible plans and preparations. They also act as recorders for the children, helping them trace and revisit their words and actions. Teachers offer new ways of looking at things to children and provide instruction in tool and material use when needed, help children to find materials and resources, and scaffold children’s learning by either coming in close and interacting actively or remaining attentively nearby. They also nurture the children’s emotional needs and support and develop relationships with each family.
Our approach has a built in, yet flexible structure that alternates between periods of free play, small group activities and special projects, circle time, snack, story, music, movement and outdoor play. We strive to create a balance between active and quiet times, and between self-selected and teacher directed activities. Children are encouraged to express their feelings, to develop powers of concentration, to use their imaginations, to try new ideas, to develop a sense of independence and responsibility for one’s decisions, and to accommodate other children’s viewpoints.
Program Description
Our preschool program is housed in two classrooms and provides a mixed-age environment for children aged 2 years 9 months to 5 years. The program is designed to meet the wide developmental range of intellectual, social, emotional and physical ability which children in this group present. For this reason, all learning experiences will offer a challenge to every child, stretching and challenging them in ways which are appropriate to their level of ability. Further, we endeavor to create learning experiences which are of particular interest to the children, believing that a child's best motivation for learning and experiencing challenges is their own interest.
Teachers and children work together to explore in depth and develop the curriculum. We encourage children to investigate and communicate using all of their natural "languages" or modes of expression, including words, movement, drawing, painting, building, sculpture, collage, dramatic play, and music. We believe that through exploring different ways to communicate, children gain confidence in their own intellectual powers and their desire to learn is strengthened.
Licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (DEEC), the Conservatory recognizes the Department of Early Education and Care as the licensing authority.
Three-year-olds:
* For children who are 3 years old by December 1st
| Two-day mornings: | 9 - 11:30 am | Tuesday and Thursday |
| Three-day mornings: | 9 - 11:30 am | Monday, Wednesday and Friday |
| Five-day mornings: | 9 - 11:30 am | Monday through Friday |
Early Bird Program
Parents may drop their child off early for additional arts fun.
Monday - Friday, 8 - 9 am
Lunch Bunch
Students are invited to bring a lunch and eat with their Conservatory friends. Children are expected to bring their own lunch.
Monday - Friday, 11:30 am - 1 pm
For more information and prices call (781) 934-2731, ext. 19
Four-year-olds:
* For children who are 4 years old by September 1st
| Three-day mornings: | 9 - 11:30 am | Monday, Wednesday and Friday |
| Five-day mornings: | 9 - 11:30 am | Monday through Friday |
Early Bird Program
Parents may drop their child off early for additional arts fun.
Monday - Friday, 8 - 9 am
Lunch Bunch
Students are invited to bring a lunch and eat with their Conservatory friends. Children are expected to bring their own lunch.
Monday - Friday, 11:30 am - 1 pm
For more information and prices call (781) 934-2731, ext. 19
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available for private lessons for children whose families can document financial need. Application forms are available in the office and as a downloadable Word Document and must be filled out and returned prior to the first week of the semester. All applications will be considered by the Scholarship Committee, which meets before each semester to grant assistance. Recipients of scholarship aid must reapply each semester. The deadline for Fall 2008 financial aid applications is August 10, 2008. The deadline for Spring 2009 financial aid applications is January 8, 2009.
South Shore Conservatory admits students of any race, color, nationality, and ethnic origin to all rights and privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.