Preschool Program
Parent Handbook
2007-2008

Building An Educational Background
One Step At One Time

INTRODUCTION

Dear Parents,

All of the dedicated and caring staff at A Small Wonder want to be certain that your child has the very best early childhood experience possible. We want to thank you for entrusting us with this privilege and responsibility. This Handbook has been prepared as an informative guide for A Small Wonder Preschool's children and their parents so they may know and understand the school's policies and regulations. Please read it carefully, and . . .
Keep it for future reference!

We are a year round Preschool Center that is an independent, non-denominational center which provides a scholastic curriculum for children 2 years to 5 years old. This center also offers after school care.

We are designed to provide an academic curriculum for 2 - 5 yr old students. With a ratio of no more than 8 students to 1 teacher to ensure individualized attention and guidance. Our teachers guide children to develop new interests, learn good work habits, follow directions, socialize, share, and establish self-direction. In addition, teachers promote: respect for self and others, respect for property, good table manners, problem solving, personal discipline, and courtesy.

Safety and security of our students are among our primary concerns. We want our parents to know that we do our utmost to protect the safety of their children. The students are always supervised inside and outside the building by vigilant teachers and staff.

A Small Wonder welcomes parents to visit any time, but we do suggest visiting during the morning hours. Morning visits allow better observation of the instructional methods and will not disturb our at nap time.

Thank you,

A Small Wonder Administration

Our Mission
It is the mission of “A Small Wonder” to provide an integrated high quality preschool program that builds an educational background one step at a time to prepare children for Kindergarten.

Our Philosophy
We believe that early childhood years of development are important years in education that prepares children for long-term growth and build educational curiosity. Our Pre-K program is in-depth curriculum that promotes exploration, discovery, investigation, and learning. With an emphasis on reading readiness as a goal in our pre-kindergarten using phonemic awareness and phonics. Throughout all the programs we address the “whole” child by emotionally, physically, intellectually, and socially. We understand children have a range of developmental stages, and our curriculum strive to meet the needs of students using a diversified approach. Our curriculum includes art, social studies, logic, science, music, computer and library.

General Information

Enrollment
Enrollment requires no testing, however A Small Wonder does have a minimum enrollment age, which is 2 years of age for preschool; and all children are required to be immunized. Enrollment is open to all children regardless of race, creed, religion or ethnic origin. All children must be ambulatory due not have required staff to assist a child. Ambulatory is defined as being physically capable of leaving a building unassisted.

Placement
A Small Wonder evaluates children and places them by academic progress, and they matriculate to subsequent groups in the same manner.

School Hours
A Small Wonder is open Monday – Friday, from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. (Call for weekend rates and subject to availability.) Our class session for children 2 - 5 yrs. old starts promptly at 9:15 a.m. We ask parents not be tardy as it is disruptive to the class. We have also found that any child who is brought in late takes longer to adjust to the activities. The center is open and supervision is provided at 7:00 a.m.

Preschool Full Day (no more than 10 hours) 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Preschool Half-Day 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Preschool Two Days (Full Days)
(no more than 10 hours) 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Preschool Three Days (Full Day)
(no more than 10 hours) 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Requirements
Registration is held throughout the year until classes fill. Those currently registered are given priority and may register prior to the general public.

The following items are required to register a child in the preschool program:

• Completed Application Forms
• Registration Fee $25 (non- refundable)
• Health and Immunization Records
• Physical Exam (30 days to return)
• Emergency Card
• Statement of Financial Agreement

Absences
Teacher and children alike become concerned when a child is absent. We would appreciate a phone call when your child is absent due to illness. Children need to be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school from an illness. Also, please let us know if your child has a communicable disease.
We are unable to makeup or give any discounts due to absences.

Make-up Days for Absences
We are licensed to handle a certain number of children per day, distributed between the three classrooms in specific numbers. There are no make-up days except for prolonged illnesses (2 weeks or more). Class parties and special activities are considered extra days on which all students are invited to attend. Holidays and days following holidays are not eligible to be made up.

Calendar
Please refer to the School Calendar for most events. A calendar will be sent home with your child monthly in the school newsletter. It provides information regarding important events and activities pertinent to your child. In addition, you can reference the yearly calendar given during registration or you can reference the calendar on the Internet – aswonder.com

Dress Code
Children must be fully dressed when they arrive at school. Because play activity is such an important part of the curriculum, clothing should be practical and comfortable. No open toed shoes, sandals, jellies or cowboy boots are permitted. Little toes are easily hurt and children have a difficult time on the playground. We also prefer that children do not wear jewelry.

Every child needs to always have a complete change of clothing including socks and underwear. If your child has changed clothing during the day, please take home the soiled items and replace them the next day. All clothing must be labeled with the child's full name and kept in their cubby.

Cubbies
Each child is given a personal cubby to use during the year. These cubbies are placed at the child's level. Remember to check your child's cubby daily. This is one way that we keep everyone up-to-date on school happenings. The use of the cubbies encourages the children's sense of responsibility and independence.

Rest Time
On the first day of school we ask that you bring along extra changes of clothing (labeled with child's full name): pants, shirt, underwear and socks. These should be washable and easy to put on. You will need to check these items throughout the year to ensure that they still fit and are season-appropriate. Should we need to change your child we will send home the dirty clothing and you will need to replace the "cubby clothes".
Children who are in Extended Day will rest from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Children will need to bring a fresh small blanket each Monday for rest time and blankets will be sent home on Friday to be laundered.

Lost and Found
Please mark all items of personal property that your child brings to school. Items collected without names will be brought to the office. If your child loses an item, please check with the office or your child's teacher.

Bathroom Training
A Small Wonder accepts children that are not yet potty trained in our 2 & 3 year old programs. Children are accepted into our preschool program at 4 years of age, but must be completely potty trained. They must be able to use the bathroom independently.

Tobacco Free Environment
There isn’t any smoking neither in the building nor on the grounds of A Small Wonder Preschool.

Class Size
At A Small Wonder we understand children need individualize attention as well as group activities. We have a small class size ratio (1:8) to address individualize attention.

Discipline Policy
A Small Wonder discipline policy adheres to the guidelines presented in Jennifer Birckmayer's “Seven Procedures of Discipline” (Discipline Is Not a Dirty Word, Jennifer Birckmayer, New York: Cornell Cooperative Extension, 1995).

1. Tell children what they can do instead of what they can't.
2. Protect and preserve children’s feelings that they are lovable and capable.
3. Offer children choices only when they are willing to abide by their decisions.
4. Change the environment instead of the child’s behavior.
5. Work with children instead of against them.
6. Give children safe limits they can understand. Recognize their feelings without accepting their actions. Maintain your authority calmly and consistently. If children break rules, allow them to experience the consequences of their behavior.
7. Set a good example. Speak and act only in ways you want children to speak and act.

These guidelines provide a framework for ensuring effective disciplinary situations with the children. Although each disciplinary situation is unique, an example of accepted methods would include:

1. Tell the child we do not like what he or she is doing and why.
2. Take the toy (for example) from the child.
3. Redirect the child to a different toy or activity.
4. Remove the child from the group (but within eyesight of the teacher) until the child is ready to rejoin the group and follow the rules.
5. When a child is removed from the group, he or she is to be isolated for no more than 5 minutes... After that time, the teacher will confer with the child and suggest he or she return to the group.
6. Our policy is designed to teach children how to:
A. use words
B. walk away
C. ask for help

The center does not, and will not, employ any of the following disciplinary procedures:

1. harsh or abusive tone of voice with the children
2. physical punishment, including spanking, hitting, shaking, or grabbing.
3. any punishment that would humiliate, frighten, or subject a child to neglect.

Physical restraint will not be used unless it is necessary to protect the safety and health of the child or others. If all fails parents will be contacted and child will need to be picked up.

Termination of Enrollment

Center Termination
In certain circumstances, it may be necessary for the Administrator to decide to discontinue a child's attendance. Such a decision would be based on whether it is in the best interest of that child. Every effort will be made to correct a problematic situation before a final decision is made and parents are given a two weeks notice. Termination of enrollment may be the result of the following reasons:
1. Nonpayment of tuition.
2. Failure to submit the required enrollment and health information forms.
3. Failure to observe rules relating to arrival and departure of a child.
4. Abuse of other children, staff or property
5. Child is unable to function within the framework of the program or consistently displays
inappropriate/dangerous behavior.
6. The center’s inability to meet the child’s needs
7. Non-compliance with A Small Wonder policies and procedures
8. The inability of staff to meet child’s needs, and willingness of family members to work with
the staff and/or get outside help.

Parental Termination
Parents must notify A Small Wonder in writing at least 2 weeks prior to withdrawal of their child. Registration fees will not be refunded. Tuition fees must be paid in full through the date of withdrawal and form filled out.

Mutual Parental/Center Termination
Parents and staff agree that the placement of the child is inappropriate, then enrollment will be terminated. No fees will be refunded. Advance tuition payment will be refunded.

Toys

Try your best to have your child not bring personal items to school. If personal items are brought, please have children put the toy into his/her cubby upon arrival at school. Personal toys in the classroom often cause conflicts and very often cause your child not to become involved in the daily activities with other children. During nap time the children may rest with a favorite stuffed animal. However, it is important for your child's individual growth that he/she not be given a pacifier at these times. A picture of your child's family is an appropriate transitional object for your child at the beginning of the year.

Birthdays

Parents are always welcome to send in commercially baked cupcakes or other goodies to celebrate their child's birthday. Notify your child's teacher in advance when you would like to celebrate. Absolutely no characters (Barney, Batman etc.) are allowed at school parties. If you are planning a birthday party outside of the school, you may deliver invitations at school if each child receives one.

Ways parents can help
• Teach your child self-reliance.
• Encourage him to do things for himself.
• Confer regularly with the teacher about your child, but refrain from discussing the child’s behavior in his presence.
• Take an interest in the school and whatever your child brings home.
• Take time to listen to you child's daily experiences and discuss them with real interest.
• Build up in your child a wholesome, friendly attitude toward the teacher.
• Live, work, and play as a family group.
• Report any upsetting experiences that you think will help the teacher to better understand the child.

Communication

Parent Communication Board
This is where parents will find important center information, memos, etc. Please check the communication board and/or cubby daily. At the end of each week, please take home everything in your child’s cubby or bin as well as their nap items.

Daily Communication
In addition to notifying the Center when your child is sick or arriving late, we also encourage you to call whenever you have a question or concern about your child or the program. Parents can speak directly to the teachers, or a teacher will call back at a more convenient time. The teachers will also call you when they have questions or concerns. When calling to speak to a teacher, keep in mind that calls cannot be directed to Preschool and Pre-K rooms during class time unless it is an emergency.
Teachers must attend to the needs of children in their care first and at all times, therefore it is difficult to speak with parents while caring for children. If you need to speak with the teachers at length, please arrange for a mutually convenient meeting time. It is the Center’s practice not to discuss problems involving a child in the child’s presence.

Conferences
Conferences are scheduled bi-yearly (or whenever a parent requests a conference). This is an opportunity to discuss your child’s development and any concerns you may have about our program. Continuing and open communication between the Center and parents is an essential part of a good program, and we ask that you bring any concerns about your child or the Center to our attention as they arise.
Parent-Teacher conferences are 25 minutes in length and are scheduled in early Fall and Spring. Parents will be notified when the conference sign-up sheets are posted. Conferences are held to provide parents with progress reports in regard to their children's social, emotional and academic growth in the school environment. If a concern arises between regularly scheduled conferences, please leave a message for the teacher to contact you or see teacher before or after class at the teacher convenience.

Please do not bring your child to the parent teacher conference. Teachers need the freedom to discuss the child's activities openly with the parents. Discipline is handled inside the classroom. If you feel you need to tell your child something about the conference, please relate how much we enjoy working with them. Tell them you are seeing their teacher to learn how much they have learned over the year they have attended

Resolving Concerns
Open communication between staff and parents is an essential ingredient in providing high-quality care. If you have questions or concerns about the care your child is receiving or any aspect of the Center’s operation, we urge you to discuss them as soon as possible with your child’s teacher. If the teacher is unable to help, they will be happy to refer you to the appropriate administrator. If the issue has not been resolved to your satisfaction or you believe the owner is best suited to solve the concern. Please feel free to ask for the owner.

Licensing Agency
Our facility operates under the regulations and supervision of City of Las Vegas Child Care Licensing. They are located at 400 E. Stewart, 3rd Floor, Las Vegas, NV 89101. the phone number is 229-6281. You, as a parent have the right to contact this agency at any time. This can be for filing a complaint, asking questions, voicing a concern, or complimenting our program.

Tuition Policies
“A Small Wonder” tuition is paid weekly and due every Friday or the Monday of the service. Tuition is due a week before start date to assure your space. Otherwise the tuition is due the morning of the start date, and due every Friday or Monday thereafter. Tuition later than the following Tuesday will be assessed a $10.00 fee. Children will not be able to attend on Wednesday if tuition has not been paid.
E.O.B is welcomed.

Registration Fee
All families pay an annual, non-refundable registration fee of $25 for supplies per child.

Dishonored Checks
Dishonored checks will be assessed an additional fee of $10.00. Enrollment will be terminated at the discretion of the school for non-payment of tuition. (If dishonored checks are written twice, A Small Wonder will no longer accept your checks. Your payment will need to be in the form of cash or money order.

Multiple Child Discount
A discount on total tuition is given to parents with multiple children (sibling) from the same family. The family with 2 or more children will receive a 10% discount on the second child.

Late Pick-up
Late fees are instituted after your regular class time.
A Small Wonder comply with state ratios and in order be in compliance all children are to be picked up on time to avoid the center going beyond the maximum capacity. Parents who arrive after the regular class time will be charged late fees upon arrival. The fees (regular class time) are; $5 for the first 5-10 minutes, 11-20 minutes $10, and $5 thereafter for every 10 minutes.

Please bring your child to class only on those days enrolled.
AGE/DAYS TIMES
No more than 10 hours FEES
2 Years Old 5-Full Days 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. $150/wk
Preschool 5-Full Days 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. $140/wk
Preschool/2yrs 5-Half Days 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. $100/wk
Preschool/2yrs 3-Full Days
(M, W, & F) 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. $75/wk
Preschool/2yrs 2-Full Days
(T & TH) 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
$65/wk
E.O.B Welcomed

Health and Safety

Signing In/Out
Signing in/out is required for our records as well as state requirement. The signing in of a child effectively transfers control of that child to the center and retracts the control of the child when the child is picked up ONLY by a pre-approved parent or an adult. Please use complete signature. Proof of identification may be required. Children must be accompanied into the center.

Medication
Our standard policy is not to administer medication to students unless there is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate assistance (asthma, epi-pen, etc.)

Immunization Requirements

Polio 3 doses
DTP/DT 4 doses
Measles 1 dose - on or after 1st birthday
Mumps 1 dose - on or after 1st birthday
Rubella 1 dose - on or after 1st birthday
Hib 1 dose
Hepatitis B 3 doses
TB Test Within one year of Preschool
entry - Negative results

Tardiness
Our class session starts promptly at 9:15 a.m. Please do your best to be on time, entering the class after the session has started can be disruptive to the class; and children who are brought in late take longer to adjust.

Visitor Policy
All visitors need to be accompanied with a teacher/teacher assistant while in the building.

Observing Your Child
Parents may visit the classroom and/or activities of their child. We invite you to drop in, unannounced, at any time. Stop and see us whenever you wish.
• We encourage parents to view their child in the classroom setting.
• You may also enter the room and speak with your child.
• We ask you to try not to disturb the class as a whole where possible.
• You may speak with the teacher concerning your child at any time. We prefer this be arranged
ahead of time so as not to disrupt the flow of instruction for other students.
• Conferences may be requested for children having special needs or problems.

Lunch and Snacks
A Small Wonder provides nutritional lunch and snacks daily, which is included in your weekly tuition. We strive to build good eating habits and positive attitudes toward food at an early age. We also provide Milk, Juice, or Water with snack and meals.

Meals are prepared onsite and served in the classrooms. Second portions are available for hungry appetites. Menus are sent home to parents at the beginning of each week and are posted on the Parent’s Board and kitchen.

First-Aid Policy
All teachers and teacher assistants are First Aid and CPR certified and prepared to handle an emergency.

Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
For the safety of all children please bring your child to their classroom where teachers can acknowledge the child has arrived - This exchange responsibility from parent to teacher. Upon doing so, please to be sure you have sign your child in at the appropriate time and date. Upon dismissal please be sure to sign your child out at the appropriate time and date. Children are not to be dropped off at the door or in the driveway under no circumstances; this poses a very dangerous situation for the child. The center has no way of knowing your child came to school that day.

Emergency Drills
Fire, earthquake and lockdown drills are scheduled on a regular basis throughout the year as required by the state of Nevada. Fire and earthquake drills take place once a month and lockdown drills take place once a trimester.

Emergency Contacts
The school has a file containing current emergency care information for each student. Each parent is responsible for annually updating this information. Information concerning emergency information is required to attend A Small Wonder, which is included in your registration materials. Please keep your emergency and all other numbers current at all times. In case of emergencies, information may be released to appropriate persons if it is necessary in the judgment of the Director, Owner or his/her designee to protect the health or safety of the student or other persons.

Emergency Evacuations
In the event of a natural disaster, turn your radio to your local radio for emergency information. We will follow the direction of the Clark County School District as to the opening or closing of the School. [Please see contingency plan on the following pages]

Disaster Preparedness
A Small Wonder has developed a disaster preparedness plan to be used in the event of a major emergency. Our staff has been trained in first-aid, CPR, and emergency procedures. Our buildings are all up to code and inspected regularly to maintain a safe environment. The welfare of your child is our primary concern. In all emergency situations children will be kept at school under staff supervision until they are released to an authorized person, unless evacuation is ordered to a civil defense area. If the children have been moved elsewhere, information will be posted at all the regular entrances to the Center and parents/emergency will be contacted. Children will be released only to a parent or designee listed on your Emergency Information Form kept on file at the Center.

CONTINGENCY PLAN FOR EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

Responsibility

1. School - The school will retain responsibility of all children on premises until they are released to a parent, guardian, or other designated person, or until they have been transported to an official evacuation center, in which case selected staff will remain with the children until they have reunited with their families.

2. Employees - All employees will remain on the premises as service workers, as designated by law. Such employees will be subjected to whatever tasks are assigned by the person or persons in charge, and may not leave the premises until the same person or persons in charge give them official permission to do so.

3. Parents - Parents should not telephone the school; they should listen to the radio for progress reports on whatever disaster is taking place. Follow official instructions relayed by officials via the radio. If parents are able to reach the school without danger to themselves or without interference with disaster workers, they should come to pick up their children. Children will be released only to parents, guardians, or other designated persons known to them or to their parent guardians on the emergency card.

A. In Case of FIRE, NATURAL DISASTER, or BOMB THREAT:

1. Save lives - evacuate any persons in immediate danger.
2. Evacuate the children and adults out the front door. Meet as a group in the parking lot of Stella Flemings Tower, which is NorthEast of A Small Wonder. Person in charge to check for stragglers, takes attendance book, schedule, emergency files, and makes a head count. Secondary exit plan: out of Pre-K Room door.
3. Sound alarm- pull on any fire alarms. Supplement with voice shouts or whistle.
4. Report fire- dial 911. Say: "There is a fire at A Small Wonder Preschool, 5100 Alta Drive. The cross street is Alta and Brush and major cross street is Decatur. (Tell specifics of what is burning) Assign one person to meet fire officials.
5. Use portable fire extinguisher or wall extinguisher if it is safe to stay inside area while doing so.
6. Contain the spread of the fire and smoke by closing all doors and windows (if possible).

After evacuation:
1. When safe within the pre-designated area, all children and adults must be accounted for.
2. Person in charge reassures children of their safety.
3. First Aid is administered if needed.
4. Building is not re-entered until permission is given by the officials.
5. Parents will be notified of incident and told whether to pick up their children or not.

B. In Case of POWER OUTAGE:

1. Remain calm.
2. If weather is nice, evacuate building if rooms are too dark to use.
3. If weather is hot and electricity blackout has caused the air conditioner to cease operating, plan for being outdoors in a cool, shady spot, if possible.
4. Utilize available emergency supplies to keep children comfortable.
5. When the announcement is made to close the preschool, person in charge will attempt to notify parents, guardians, or designated to pick up child.
6. Parents should arrange to pick up their child as soon as possible.

C. In Case of LOSS OF WATER OR HEAT:

1. The person in charge will notify the Las Vegas Water District and/or Nevada Power to remedy
the situation as quickly as possible.
2. The Preschool must meet minimum requirements regarding temperatures, hot water, flushing of
toilets, running water, etc...in order to operate. After the problem is evaluated, the person in
charge will make a decision whether or not the Preschool should close.
3. If preschool need to close, parents or guardians will be notified to pick up their child.

D. Expanded Emergency Evacuation Plan:

In the event of an emergency situation that requires an evacuation of the A Small Wonder Preschool facility, one of the following plans should be implemented. In all situations, the teacher in charge shall take when evacuating:
• Accurate attendance list, file box with children's emergency information, daily schedule.
• Account for all children and staff that was present for the day and while on new location .
• Bring any necessary information to assist with emergency evacuation.

1. If the environmental emergency is confined to the immediate area of the
A Small Wonder Preschool facility (5100 Alta Drive) e.g. fire, toxic fumes,
etc... and the children cannot stay on the premises, the children will walk
to Red Rock Elementary (408 Upland Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89107,
(702) 799-4223 where they will remain accompanied by teacher(s) while
parents/emergency contacts are notified of the situation and
arrangements are made for either the transporting home or care taking for
the remainder of the day.
a. In the event of exposure to toxic materials, gases, flooding, etc... and a physical examination is recommended, children will be transported by ambulance/police cars to the nearest facility available.
2. In the event of a major environmental emergency which is more
widespread and encompasses a larger area (neighborhood, several
buildings/homes) due to a non-confirmed environmental threat, e.g. toxic
materials/fumes from a spill, floodwaters, brush fires, etc...and the
children cannot remain in the area, the children and teachers will follow
emergency personnel to a designated spot. Parents/guardians are notified
and arrangements are made for either transportation home or continuation
of care are made.
3. In the event of a major environmental hazard that necessitates a larger
area evacuation (several neighborhoods, a city/town) due to a non-
confirmed hazard, e.g. nuclear accident, earthquake, etc...the children will
be transported by emergency vehicles/personal cars (if necessary) per
emergency personnel designation. The children will remain accompanied
by teacher(s) while parents/guardians/emergency contacts are notified and
arrangements are made for their pick-up. We will work closely with all
emergency personnel to evacuate all children and teachers to the safest
location as quickly as possible.

Curriculum Outline

We believe that early childhood years of development are important years in education that prepares children for long-term growth and build educational curiosity. Our Pre-K program is in-depth curriculum that promotes exploration, discovery, investigation, and learning. With an emphasis on reading readiness as a goal in our pre-kindergarten using phonemic awareness and phonics Throughout all the programs we address the “whole” child by emotionally, physically, intellectually, and socially. We understand children have a range of developmental stages, and our curriculum strive to meet the needs of students using a diversified approach. Our curriculum includes art, social studies, logic, science, music, computer and library.

Our curriculum goals are to develop new interests, learn good work habits, follow directions, socialize, share, and establish self-direction. In addition, teachers promote: respect for self and others, respect for property, good table manners, problem solving, personal discipline, and courtesy.

These goals are all embedded in the seven areas of child development throughout the program: social and emotional; physical; dramatic play; art; music; discovery; and cognitive.

Two-Year Old
A Small Wonder provides a wealth of classroom experiences through four areas in which a child grows: emotional, social, cognitive, and physical. Each of these areas is equally important. The children learn through exploration, discovery and play; progressing from solitary to parallel play.

Three-Year Old
The Three-Year-Old curriculum includes non-directed activities where children can pursue learning centers as well as directed activities that facilitate goal-oriented tasks. The children meet new challenges in a climate of group living that is secure and caring. The curriculum for the three year olds is balanced between a focus on social-emotional, cognitive, and physical growth.

Pre-Kindergarten
Our Pre-Kindergarten class emphasizes Kindergarten readiness skills by building a firm foundation. The program integrates Nevada Pre-K Standards consisting of math concepts, problem solving, pre-reading skills, and pre-writing skills. The Pre-K curriculum is more directed, with integrated centers, and gross motor skills to free play. Most importantly the curriculum causes students to explore and find answers to their questions.

Two Year Old Curriculum

Social and Emotional Development
The development of socialization skills is an integral part of our students' growth. The children learn to interact with their peers and teachers by communicating their needs, ideas, problems, and frustrations. They also learn to respect their classmates as well as their teachers. The emphasis are put on the sensitivity to the feelings of others, kindness, patience, and cooperation.

Language and Communication Development
Teachers read aloud with enthusiasm everyday. They make stories come alive with facial expressions, voice inclinations, and gestures. Children’s vocabulary is increased by reading as well as picture identification. As students progress closer to the age of three they will learn to repeat nursery rhymes, identify objects in pictures, and “pretend” to read books independently. Children are introduced to writing by having them hold crayons correctly, trace lines, and color fun pictures in an encouraging pressure free environment.

Cognitive
The development of mathematical skills starts as a counting game. Teachers count ears, fingers, toys, etc., during reading, singing, and playing. As the teacher counts, the children are engaged while she demonstrates one-to-one correspondence. Comparison, superlatives, color, and size are introduced in a relaxed atmosphere. While at the same time children explore the world around them using their five senses with enthusiasm.

Fine-Motor Coordination
Teachers introduce fine motor coordination skills by having children string large beads, and use zippers, snap, and buttons. Your child will be encouraged to use crayons, paint brushes, and finger paints. Your child will explore the use of 3 and 4 piece puzzles, place large pegs into pegboards, and fit shapes into shape boxes.

Music
“A Small Wonder” weaves music throughout the program. Children sing songs and rhymes, keep time and rhythm by clapping, play instruments, and listens to a variety of music.

Gross Motor Skills
Physical education is included through using large muscle play on our playground, through activity tapes or CD's, games, or obstacle courses. Children engage in coordination activities through ball play, dancing, running, jumping and chasing.

Manners
Throughout the day teachers will gently guide children to use cooperation, courtesy, manners and sharing.

Three Year Old Curriculum

Social and Emotional Development
In a loving and nurturing classroom setting, the children are taught respect for peers, adults, and materials. Teachers model kindness and respect, promote cooperation, teach children how their behaviors affect others, and encourage them to help their peers. The children are encouraged to try new activities and experiences and helped to develop the ability to comfortably follow routines and accept guidance and redirection. We create an environment that promotes independence, the acceptance of responsibility, and a willingness to take risks.

Language Arts
Language Arts are integral to the total Preschool program. In addition to the skills in the toddler curriculum, children are encouraged to speak, to listen, to comprehend, to follow directions, and to develop a longer attention span. Stories, poetry, and related activities are used to enhance vocabulary and expressive language skills. Children will extend their writing skills by tracing lines and curves with crayons. Then they proceed to tracing letters (upper/lower case) with a crayon, markers, and large pencils by the end of the year. Children will expand their alphabet knowledge to phonetic sounds – consonants and vowel sounds in preparation of reading. Teachers teach children to distinguish upper and lowercase letters.

Mathematics
Math experiences are formal and informal, at times occurring incidentally during the school day. Games, toys, and other manipulative materials are provided with conscious attention to the way young children learn. Teachers also provide planned experiences that foster the development of mathematical concepts. Most materials used are manipulative and have a game-like quality.

Social Studies
Our Social Studies curriculum promotes an understanding of self and a respect for others. The classroom community encourages cooperation and fellowship. Multi-cultural literature, experiences, and themes provide a natural means of helping young children develop an appreciation for the differences that abound in our world. Children learn to recognize individuals in our community and different modes of transportation.

Science
The Science program seeks to stimulate intellectual curiosity. Interests are stimulated through a multi-sensory approach to build a better understanding of the concepts. The children have hands-on experiences with Life, Physical, and Earth Sciences.

Music
Our music program encourages children to grow in their understanding, appreciation, and love of music. Children sing and play rhythm instruments, and move to and listen to music of diverse cultures. Each student practices musical skills and gains confidence through group and individual classroom experiences.

Art
Art is a form of communication and a way for children to express themselves. Art is exploratory and provides the child with a focus on objects outside himself. It is a source of immediate experience and does not need to be planned or purposeful. Our students have opportunities to create art each and every day. Preschool children engaged in art activities develop fine motor coordination, awareness of color, shape, size and texture, and an understanding of spatial relationships.

Dramatic Play
Dramatic play allows children many opportunities to use their imaginations in the following areas: the play house, the manipulative area, and the play ground. This kind of play is fun and an extremely important part of a child’s growth and development. Children learn to: express their needs, problem solve and experiment with solutions, play out real life roles, and imitate adults.

Physical Education
Our physical education program is designed to enable each child to achieve and to maintain his or her personal best level of physical fitness and performance. Various planned experiences encourage the children to enjoy physical activity, feel good about themselves, and be accepting of others.

Manners
Throughout the day teachers will gently guide children to use cooperation, courtesy, manners and sharing.

When you enroll your child at A Small Wonder Preschool, we assume the responsibility of becoming the “parent for the day” in your absence. We will love and respect your child and help him/her grow emotionally, socially, physically, academically and mentally. Your child will be given our maximum consideration as an individual. We will look after the health and well being of your child as well as present a planned program to provide a beneficial and educational experience. Our goal is to provide high quality care in a respectful and loving environment that foster growth.

How to Reach Us

A Small Wonder Preschool
5100 Alta Drive
Las Vegas, NV 89129
702-258-9055
aswonder.com