THE PRESCHOOL
A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
SCHEDULE OF A TYPICAL P R E S C H O O L D AY
Dear Prospective Preschool Parents,
7:30 - 8:30 a.m. Arrival 8:30 a.m. Circle time
Our Preschool Child Care Center proudly embraces the Reggio Emilia philosophy of early childhood learning—where joyful play and high-quality projects spark creativity, collaboration, and knowledge. Open 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. , Monday through Friday, our program is a co-educational Maryland State Certified Preschool, within a fully-accredited AIMS school; available part-time or full-time for ages 3 and 4, with 7:30 a.m. arrival and 12:30 p.m. , 3:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. dismissal times.
8:45 a.m. Project/Instruction 9:45 a.m. Snack/Play 10:30 a.m. Special area classes 11:00 a.m. Outside play 11:45 a.m. Story time 12:00 p.m. Lunch 12:00 - 12:30 p.m. Pick-up option #1 12:45 p.m. Nap time 2:30 p.m. Snack and activities 3:00 p.m. Outside play
Imagine a day at RPCS, where your child. . .
3:00 - 3:30 p.m. Pick-up option #2
• Explores his/her curiosity in the atelier (AKA wildly-creative studio) • Attends an eighth grade play performed entirely in Spanish • Treks through the backwoods taking pictures, gathering natural materials and recording observations • Joins Lower School classmates at concert dress rehearsals • Eats lunch in the outdoor classroom, then naps indoors to refresh • Connects with twelfth grade AP students who study Piaget and observe his theories in action during the preschool day • Enjoys one of many “special” classes, such as art, dance, gym, library, music and foreign language
4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Free play; arts and crafts
Where else can you share in a renowned preschool experience that brings your little one such JOY each day? Only at RPCS! Visit our Preschool Childcare Center and see for yourself how An Education Above at Roland Park Country School gives young children the space, guidance, materials and opportunity to build their own foundation for lifelong learning. Fondly, Tynaya Quickley Director of Early Childhood Education
6:00 p.m. Pick-up option #3
PRESCHOOL CURRICULUM History & Philosophy
The Preschool at Roland Park Country School follows the Reggio Emilia Philosophy. Founded by Loris Malaguzzi (1920-1994) in the town of Reggio Emilia, Italy, the “Reggio” approach addresses the belief that ‘traditional’ schooling does not allow children the freedom to learn and express their ideas. A Reggio-inspired curriculum is brought to life through collaboration of the child, teacher and classroom. Children have the freedom to navigate their learning; teachers have the flexibility to cultivate meaningful experiences; and the classroom environment has boundless inspiration. The Reggio Emilia Philosophy is based upon the following set of principles. Children: • control the direction of their learning • experience life through touching, moving, listening, seeing, and hearing • develop relationships with other children • explore natural materials and the world in which they live • seek endless ways and opportunities to express themselves Teachers: • serve as nurturers, guides and researchers • use documentation as communication • partner with students, parents and caregivers Parents/caregivers: • allow children to control the direction of their learning • partner with teachers and the school Classroom environment: • exists as a “third teacher” • provides opportunities for touching, moving, listening, seeing, and hearing • is a safe haven for creative expression and exploration
Since student needs and interests differ around the world, Reggio-inspired, early-childhood education programs vary as well. While the atmosphere is progressive and cooperative in all programs, the curriculum is unique to each school. At RPCS, the Preschool curriculum reflects the observed interests of our students and teachers. As we explore emerging topics, we integrate the domains of person and social development, language and literacy, math, science, social studies and the arts. Through this learning approach, teachers can support students’ individual and developmental needs and meet the requirements of the Maryland Model for School Readiness (MMSR). In addition to the core program, students also attend special area classes during a ten-day school schedule. These classes, including dance, music, library, physical education, art, science, and foreign language, allow children the opportunity to experience other interests and to prepare for the structure of elementary school.
Child-Directed Learning-in-Action
On a typical day in the RPCS preschool classroom, teachers observe children at play. They listen intently as youngsters talk about astronauts and act out rocket ship stories in the Block area. Then, they create “out-of-this-world” lessons and activities based on these interests. Teachers may transform the Dramatic Play areas into a Mission Control Center and build a class rocket ship with oversize cardboard boxes. Or, give each child a jet pack, designed from rope and recycled plastic bottles. Then, blast off the entire class to the backwoods to collect natural objects and use them as spacesuit decorations. Most importantly, teachers would weave all child-directed topics into multiple opportunities to integrate literacy, math, social studies, science and more into daily learning.
F R E Q U E N T LY A S K E D QUESTIONS What is a 10-day cycle?
We structure our schedule based on ten-school-day cycles, which means that special classes are evenly distributed on the calendar, providing more consistency in instruction.
Do students wear uniforms?
Our young students attend school in play clothes, including sneakers for dance, physical education and recess each day. Since we also venture outdoors in most kinds of weather, we ask children to wear appropriate seasonal outerwear.
Are foreign languages offered?
Preschoolers learn a semester each of French and Spanish. Their ears easily pick up the sounds and they enjoy speaking some beginning dialogue with the help of songs, games, and puppets.
Describe the reporting system.
Our teachers are in constant contact with students’ parents/ guardians, as morning drop off and afternoon pickup times are two excellent daily opportunities to exchange informal updates. Teachers also offer formal conferences in November and April, and send a detailed report card home at the end of the school year. Parents/guardians may schedule a conference at any time during the school year.
Is there an after-school program?
We offer three attendance options that enable flexibility and convenience for families. Daily drop off time is set between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. Pick-up time varies. Drop off Between 7:30-8:30 a.m. Pick up Between noon and 12:30 p.m. , after lunch Between 3:00-3:30 p.m. , after nap time At 6:00 p.m. , in the extended day program
May family members volunteer at school?
There are countless opportunities to volunteer at RPCS! Parents/guardians help in various ways, such as: • Lend a hand in classroom activities (i.e. , field trips, school parties and special events) • Serve as classroom representatives, a communication link between RPCS and the Parents’ Association • Coordinate or work on projects, including the Holiday Fair and Teacher Appreciation Week • Donate items for school or class activities
Are snacks provided during the day?
We provide milk during lunchtime as well as morning, afternoon and late-day snacks for all students who are in the program at these times. Parents/guardians should pack and send a healthy lunch to school, with appropriate utensils, each day. All meals are eaten in the classroom and microwaves are not available.
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