Josiah Hayden Pre-School @ Hayden Recreation Centre

JOSIAH HAYDEN PRE-SCHOOL @ HAYDEN RECREATION CENTRE 24 Lincoln St., Lexington (781) 862-8480, josiahpreschool@jwhayden.org, www.jwhayden.org

Child Care Director: Lauren St. Cyr Age Range: 2.9 months to Pre-Kindergarten Pre-School Director: Laura Terilli

Hours and Schedule: Monday-Friday, September-June, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 9 a.m.-3 p.m., early drop off starting at 8:00 a.m. and PM Extended until 4:30 p.m. or 6 p.m.

Facilities: Large, recently renovated sunny room in the Hayden Centre, use of Hayden gymnasium, fenced in outdoor space with a playground, garden and large area for play.

Program/Philosophy: The principle purpose of the Josiah Hayden Pre-School is to provide a supportive, developmentally age appropriate and positive first school experience.

We strive to create a classroom environment that promotes an interest in learning, a strong sense of community, a celebration of diverse cultures that make our town unique—all while fostering each child’s own independence. We focus on activities that support each child’s whole self—emotionally, cognitively, socially, physically and creatively and do this by providing our students a balance of structured learning, free choice, and play.

Enrollment Process: We have an open enrollment process. Parents are encouraged to come down to the Centre for a tour or to visit with the director by appointment via email at josiahpreschool@jwhayden.org.

Parent Participation: Welcome, but not mandatory.

KNOWLEDGE BEGINNINGS 429 Marrett Road, Lexington (781) 860-0776, delbaz@klcorp.com, www.knowledgebeginnings.com

Director: Melissa Sumarus

Staff: 1 Director, 1 Asst. Director, 18 teachers Age Range: 6 weeks to 6 years

Hours and Schedule: 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., 52 weeks per year (closed 9 holidays).

Facilities: 1/2 mile from Lexington Center.

Program/Philosophy: Learning is meant to be a natural, joyful experience. Children learn by playing, experimenting, exploring, and testing. Children flourish when the process of discovery is lovingly encouraged and gently reinforced. This is the philosophy behind their research-based curriculum, which fosters individual growth by providing plenty of opportunities for exploration and child-initiated choice. All children need opportunities to be responsible, to make choices, and to be treated with respect. Their programs encourage your child’s growth and development with early-learning experiences that build a strong foundation for children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills. They believe each child has unique talents and interests. Their teachers honor these differences and activities by providing children with customized attention and activities that enable them to learn and grow at their own pace and in their own ways. Specific activities may vary depending on the center and the age of the children. The underlying principles of their program, however, remain the same: Children learn through active exploration. Children initiate their own learning. Learning comes from open-ended experiences. Adults are facilitators of children’s learning. NAEYC accredited.

Parent Participation: Parents are encouraged to visit and join in program activities and parent meetings. Parents receive daily reports and formal evaluations. Parent Committee meets monthly and family field trips happen quarterly.

Enrollment Process: Applications accepted anytime.

THE LEAP SCHOOL 210 Marrett Road, Lexington (781) 861-1026, admissions@leapschool.com, www.leapschool.com

Directors: Robin Shapiro, MA, Executive Director & Founder; Dina Savitz, MS, Program Director Upper School; Victoria Roux, BS, Program Director Lower School; Terri Connelly, MA, Director of Admissions & HR; Jaclyn Olson, BS, Director of Admissions & Administration

Staff: 30 Teachers/Administrators/Specialists Age Range: 24 months (by Sept. 1) through 5 years (pre-K); 5 years -5:11 years (Transitional K)

Hours and Schedule: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., TTH, MWF, M-TH, M-F. Early Drop-off at 7:30 a.m.

Facilities: Upper school in front building; Lower school in back building. Adjacent to town conservation trails.

Program/Philosophy: LEAP (Language Enrichment Arts Program) is a model early childhood program which supports the development of the whole child. The curriculum addresses cognitive, social, emotional, and physical developmental needs of children 2-5 years of age. There is a strong emphasis in the creative arts to provide language enrichment, conceptual learning, and promote self -esteem. Music, movement, drama, science, and visual arts are all incorporated into the weekly curriculum. Specialists in yoga, science, music, drama and nature visit the school on a regular basis. Parent support and education are provided. Excellence in education is the foundation of the school.

Enrollment Process: Contact LEAP School Admissions at (781) 861-1026, ext.0

Parent Participation: Many opportunities for parents to be involved! Parent seminars, parent conferencing and resources. Strong parent communication.

Special Activities: Science, Music, Drama, and Yoga Specialists

See Summer Camp details in Summer Camp section.

LEXINGTON CHILDREN’S PLACE 20 Pelham Road (781) 860-5823, ebillings@sch.ci.lexington.ma.us

Director: Liz Billings-Fouhy Staff: The Lexington Children’s Place is staffed by Lexington Public School personnel. A Masters Level child development teacher and assistant teachers will be supported by a wide range of specialists in various areas of child development. Ratio of staff to students is 1:5

Age Range: Children must be 2.9 years to enroll. Rolling admissions throughout the year on a space available basis.

Hours and Schedule: 10 months following the Lexington Public School Calendar ● 4 days: (M,T,W,F) a.m. and p.m. options ● Morning option: 9-11:30 a.m. ● Afternoon option: 12:30-3 p.m. ● 5 days: (M-F) 8:30-11:30 a.m. ● Limited Lunch Bunch

Facilities: Housed at both Harrington School, 328 Lowell St. and in the Central Administration on the same campus.

Program/Philosophy: The Children’s Place provides special education and regular education services in an integrated classroom setting. The program is designed to promote a child’s cognitive, language, physical, social and emotional development through an integrated approach to learning. The goals of the program are: to provide a model, developmental preschool that is based on an inclusive, multicultural curriculum in which individuality and diversity are celebrated and all children learn and grow together as they explore their world; to provide an enriched, integrated setting for preschoolers in Lexington that mirrors the Lexington Public School school-age programs; to develop an active partnership with parents in their child’s early development through frequent communication, in-school visits and parent groups. Curriculum (Tools of the Mind) is a research-based curriculum that is gaining interest nation-wide and supports children's learning by focusing on active teaching of self-regulation and executive function skills and methods and activities that are developmentally appropriate and geared to young children's needs and interests.

Enrollment Process: Applications accepted starting September of the preceding year. Visiting days scheduled periodically. Enrollment for new families begins in January.

LEXINGTON MONTESSORI SCHOOL, INC. 130 Pleasant St., Lexington (781) 862-8571, www.lexmontessori.org

Director: Aline Gery, Head of School; Aimee Randall, Director of Enrollment Staff: 5 teachers in 2 toddler classrooms; 2 co-head teachers each of 4 classrooms for 3-6-year-olds, and 3 assistants; 2 co-head teachers in each of 5 elementary classrooms; 3 middle school teachers; 2 art teachers, 2 music teachers, 1 physical education teachers, 3 Spanish teachers, 1 gardening teacher; 5 afterschool teachers

Age Range:

Toddler: (21 months) through middle school.

Hours and Schedule:

Half-day for toddlers and 3 and 4 year olds: M-F 8:45 a.m. -11:45 a.m. Full day for toddlers and 3 to 6 year olds: (through kindergarten): M, T, W, F, 8:45 a.m.-2:45 p.m.; TH: 8:45 a.m.-11:45 a.m. September-June Childcare available before/after school (opens 7:30 a.m. and closes 6 p.m.).

Facilities: 235 students (includes elementary and middle school). Facilities: Toddler-kindergarten building (Children’s House); elementary building (includes gym); separate building for middle school, art studio, music room, library.

Program/Philosophy:

● Children are naturally eager to learn ● Freedom within an ordered environment encourages independence ● All aspects of a child need nurturance: physical, social, emotional and cognitive ● Peer learning in multiage classrooms fosters strong interpersonal skills ● Uninterrupted work time allows focused learning – individual and collaborative ● Children learn best in a supportive, thoughtfully prepared environment ● Children learn to be resourceful and when to ask for the teacher’s help when teachers are guides and coaches, not the center of the classroom ● Children deserve respect as well as guidance

Enrollment Process: The application deadline for September 2019 is January 18, 2019. Families can call to set up an appointment to observe the classroom.

Parent Participation: Parents at LMS can be as involved as they would like to be. They encourage parents to participate in classrooms, in community service and community events and to share their expertise and interests. The Parent Association organizes community events throughout the year, and works with the Room Parents to help support the teachers; parents sit on our board of directors and volunteer in a range of activities in the school.

LEXINGTON PLAYCARE CENTER 6 Meriam St., Lexington (781) 862-5485, office@lexpc.org, www.lexingtonplaycarecenter.org

Director: Christine Giguere Staff: LPC’s 15 teachers are warm, nurturing, creative, child development experts. Most have either a Bachelors or Masters, and most have years of experience. Age Range: 15 months 6 years old

Hours and Schedule: 7 a.m.-6 p.m. year-round. Part time and full-time options available.

Facilities: LPC occupies 8 bright and sunny classrooms on the first-floor wing of the Church of Our Redeemer. Our “natural” playground features a hill with a built-in slide, a 4 surface trike path, and so much more! And when we are not playing there, you can find us on a lovely walk to the Lexington Green, Cary Library, the police or fire station.

Program/Philosophy: Lexington Playcare Center offers children an unhurried, nurturing, yet exciting environment rich with possibilities. The teachers create units based on the interests of the group and they may include such topics as insects, space and endangered animals. There are ample opportunities for children to develop pro social behaviors, problem solving skills and friendships! Our highly experienced and caring teaching staff guide children through a structured yet flexible day with a strong focus on active learning. The result - happy, happy kids!

Enrollment Process: Parents are invited to tour the center with the director by appointment. Applications are accepted year-round and parents are contacted regarding openings for summer and fall in late winter.

Parent Participation: Parents are considered our partners and are welcome anytime! The 9-member Board of Directors is made up of two parents, two staff, four community members, and the director. Additional parent participation is more than welcome and is optional.

Special Activities: Yoga program biweekly, music specialists monthly, and our annual winter cultural series brings six live performances to our already fun-filled day.

Summer Program: During July and Aug. we become Camp LPC! Many outdoor activities are planned. Swimming, “fishing”, pizza days, art, walks, field trips…there is not enough room here to list all the fun we have at Camp LPC!

MY WEEKDAY SCHOOL 2600 Mass. Ave., Lexington (781) 862-8489, office@myweekdayschool.org, www.myweekdayschool.org

Director: Kathy Reiss Business Manager: Una Gillis Staff: 4 lead teachers, 10 teaching assistants, 2 specialists Age Range: 2.9 years to 5+ years

Hours and Schedule: Program runs for 37 weeks from September through mid-June, primarily following the Lexington Public School calendar. Preschool Morning Program (2.9 up to 4 years): 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Pre-K Program (4-5 years): 9 a.m.-1 p.m., includes lunch brought from home. Optional programs extend the day: Early Drop-off: 8-9 a.m. Lunch Program (preschool only) to 1 p.m. Enrichment Program sessions (Pre-K only) until 3 p.m. Extended Day until 3 p.m.

Facilities: Six classrooms, one large indoor gross motor space, two outdoor play areas, and one activity room for Music and Creative Movement.

Program/Philosophy: The program is non-sectarian and aims to stimulate each individual’s physical, cognitive and socio-emotional development through hands-on experiences in a cheerful and caring atmosphere that values discovery, problem-solving and building of a positive self-image.

Enrollment Process: Interested families may call the school for an informational tour at any time. Classroom visits are welcome. Registration forms are given at the tour and families are encouraged to return the completed application within 2 weeks. The returned application and deposit reserve a space for the child.

Parent Participation: Parent Teacher Aide Program (gives tuition credit); Active Parent Committee fosters parent involvement.

Special Activities: Music and creative movement specialists within regular curriculum. Afternoon Enrichment series open to Pre-K (nature, music, STEM, and discovery). Back to School Night and Family Dinner (for families), Winter Workshop (child attends with a special adult), Fall Magic Show & Fair, Pancake Breakfast in April, and Family Fun Picnic in June. Parents’ Committee arranges additional social events for parents and children.

PILGRIM NURSERY SCHOOL 55 Coolidge Ave., Lexington (781) 861-8853, www.pilgrimnurseryschool.org

Director: Leslie Beatrice, leslieholmes@verizon.net Asst. Director: Teri Concannon Staff: 3 teachers, 3 assistant teachers Age Range: 2.9 to 5+ years

Hours and Schedule: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. optional lunch bunch until 1 p.m. (M-F), Optional extended day until 2 p.m. (M-W), Early drop off, 8:30-9 a.m. available. School year is Sept-June, followed by a 2-week Summer Fun program.

Facilities: Situated in a quiet residential neighborhood since 1967. Facilities include recently renovated classrooms and a spacious indoor gross motor room. We have a large, secluded, well-equipped playground including an extensive hard top area for bike riding.

Program/Philosophy: Pilgrim’s program encourages a child to become a self-confident, curious and inventive person. Pilgrim provides both organized and independent activities that help develop the child’s social, emotional, cognitive, physical and creative growth. Pilgrim strives to stimulate an interest in learning, to give each child the ability to meet problems and most of all, to foster enjoyment of life experiences and the world around us.

Parent Participation: Always welcomed, but not required. Parents may volunteer to be a Parent Representative for their child’s classroom.

Enrollment Process: Applications for the following year are available in the fall.

Special Activities: Special events planned throughout the year such as storytellers, science fun, musicians and local community workers. Yoga, music and movement every other week. Community service activities. Family social events. Family Day Picnic at the end of the school year.

Summer Program: Held 2 weeks after the end of the school year. During our Summer Fun program your child will spend most of the day exploring the “outside classroom”. They will play, sing, swing, climb, ride bikes and run through the sprinkler!

THE SUNSHINE MONTESSORI SCHOOL 17 Hutchinson Rd., Lexington, MA 02421 (617) 855-5416, thesunshinemontessorischool.org

Director: Swati Roy Age Range: 18 months to 5 Years

Hours and Schedule: 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. (M-F)

Facilities: Newly finished area for a large classroom with lots of Montessori materials and regular toys. Large fenced backyard with outdoor toys

Program/Philosophy: Providing age appropriate, curriculum based fun learning activities are provided for the children so that they develop a love for learning at a young age.

Enrollment Process: Please get in touch with us to schedule a tour of our program. You can reach us on phone at (617) 855-5416 or using the contact us page on our website.

Parent Participation: We encourage parent participation

WALDORF SCHOOL OF LEXINGTON 739 Mass. Ave., Lexington (781) 863-1062, www.thewaldorfschool.org

Director: Don Grace Admissions Director: Kate Woll Age Range: Infant- Grade 8

Hours and Schedule:

● Parent-Child classes (infant to 3 years): Weekly drop-ins to full-year ● Nursery* (age 3 to 4.5): 8:30 a.m-12:30 p.m. ● Kindergarten* (age 4.5 to 6): 8:20 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ● Grades 1-8: 8:05 a.m.-3:05 p.m. ● Afternoon programs (N-K, grades 1-6): 12:30-6 p.m. ● Saturday Storytime & Summer Programs: See website for details ● Optional early drop-off at 8 a.m.

Facilities: Large, sunny rooms in two historic buildings abutting the Minuteman Trail and Great Meadows conservation land. Athletic field, playgrounds, basketball/ tennis courts, biodynamic garden.

Program/Philosophy: The Waldorf School of Lexington provides a challenging, arts-integrated curriculum in a healthy, joyful, media-free environment. One of over 1,200 Waldorf schools worldwide, WSL was founded in 1972 and serves 200 students from PreK–8. In nursery and kindergarten, children develop social, physical, and pre-academic skills through self-directed creative free play, outdoor exploration, story-telling, chores, and games.

Enrollment Process: Visit, application ($50), interview, deposit upon acceptance.

Parent Participation: Holiday Fair, Parent Assoc., Board of Directors, Kitchen, Homespun Book and Gift Shop.