Educational Program

CURRICULUM

At Abracadabra, the framework for the educational program offered to children is the High/ Scope curriculum, a highly acclaimed, language based system that positively structures the experiences of children. Jean Piaget’s theories of child development have been a major influence in the evolution of the High/Scope Educational Approach. David P. Weikart and his colleagues began developing the curriculum in the early 1960’s, and it now reflects the contributions of numerous educators as well as adaptations from traditional nursery school practice. The curriculum is structured to support children’s developments in key areas which the curriculum identifies as “key experiences”, fundamental activities and processes through which children develop important skills and learn basic concepts.  This educational approach accepts children as active learners who, with adult guidance, take responsibility for planning, carrying out, and evaluating their activities (plan, do, review).

CLASS SIZE AND TEACHING STAFF

In order to meet the individual needs of each child and also implement the curriculum in small groups, staff numbers are sufficient and class size is limited. The Munchkins have between 10 – 12 children and 1 lead and 2 assistant teachers. The Wizards and Genies have a maximum of 16 children and are lead by a lead teacher and an assistant teacher in each classroom. 

COMMUNICATION

Nap sheets are posted in the Genie and Wizard classrooms at the end of each day to give parents an idea of what went on during the day. Munchkin parents receive a nap sheet for each individual child that includes information about eating, sleeping, diaper changes or toileting as well as activities. Abracadabra also makes use of email communication. Whole school announcements as well as individual communications are sent to families via email. It is important that we have an email address for each parent if possible. Work email is particularly useful so parents can receive communications during the school day if necessary.

TEACHER TRAINING

According to state licensing standards, teachers need a minimum of 16 training hours during the course of the school year. We always exceed state licensing standards in training hours as we believe well trained teachers contribute to a high quality program. For that reason, Abracadabra closes for 3 days during the year for staff development. Typically, those days are a Friday in March or April and the Thursday and Friday before Labor Day. In addition, we try to have occasional staff meetings during naptime. We rely on parent volunteers to “napsit” during this time.

NUTRITION AND FOOD SERVICE

Abracadabra’s meal menus follow USDA recommended guidelines. Lunch is catered by Good Food Company, a company who caters food to child care centers. Food is low in fat and salt, and high in nutritional value. A monthly menu is sent home as well as posted in the kitchen. Good Food also has a website - www.goodfoodco.com. Breakfast consists of the following menus: pancakes or waffles, fruit, milk; bagels, cheese, juice; cereal, milk, juice. Afternoon snack consists of goldfish, pretzels, graham crackers, Ritz Crackers, Teddy Grahams or granola bars, and juice. Juice is 100% fruit juice with no sugar added. Cereals are fortified.