Infant Toddler Looping Program
Each class of students stays together for 2 1/2 – 3 years with the same teacher and peer group. Research shows that this consistency of early care and education contributes significantly to greater brain growth and overall development in the most critical first three years of life.
When it is time to move to Prescholar/3K, one of the Looping teachers spends time helping the children become adjusted to the change.
Consistency of early care and education in the critical first three years of life
Prescholar/3K
Children come together in a mixed age group for one to two years. The mixed age group allows for valuable peer teaching and peer learning experiences in a classroom that more closely resembles a natural community.
The educational program is play-based and hands-on in enriched learning/play areas that encourage self-directed learning with teacher support and facilitation.
Hands-on enriched learning and play areas that encourage self-directed learning
Four-Year-Old Kindergarten (4K)
The 4K program follows all Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction guidelines regarding programing, including a total of 540 hours of instruction. The curriculum offers early literacy, math, science and social studies activities, the nationally recognized “Handwriting Without Tears” writing curriculum, and three yearly “specials” with activities including music lessons, studio art and swimming lessons.
The Northern Door Children’s Center 4 Year-Old Kindergarten program, staff, and curriculum are fully supervised by a Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction licensed teacher.
A stimulating and accepting environment
Camp Cool After-School/Summer Day Camp
Children attending Gibraltar Area Schools who require after-school care arrive from Gibraltar on the school bus each afternoon. They have a snack, do their homework and/or have a creative activity and play outside, weather permitting.
During the summer months, children who are age five by the first day of the summer program participate in the Camp Cool Day Camp program. Each summer has a creative overall theme with corresponding activities and off-campus field trips.
Fun activities and free play experiences with peers and teachers
Wrap-Around Care
Following the morning educational program, families may opt to have their children remain for “wrap-around” care. This includes lunch (either a hot lunch for a small additional fee or bring a lunch from home), rest time, snack, and an afternoon program.
The afternoon program focuses on more learning with relaxed, fun activities and indoor or outdoor play (weather dependent).
Lesson plans tailored to meet the needs of each child and each classroom
Curriculum & Assessment
All curriculum is developed and based on Creative Curriculum, the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards, the Pyramid Model for Social-Emotional Education and the Teaching Standards Gold standardized assessment, performed three times per year for each child.
Lesson plans are developed weekly to meet the needs of each child and each classroom.