Classroom

Beginnings Schools meet and exceed ratio requirements set by the Department of Early Learning.

Your child will be welcomed into a classroom most suitable to his or her age and readiness.

CLASSROOM - INFANT

• Age: 3 months - about 12 months
• Child to Staff Ratio: 3:1

CLASSROOM - TODDLER I

• Age:1 - about 1.5 years
• Child to Staff Ratio: 4:1

CLASSROOM - TODDLER II

• Age:1.5 - about 2.5 years
• Child to Staff Ratio: 5:1

CLASSROOM - PRESCHOOL I

• Age:2.5 - about 4 years
• Child to Staff Ratio: 9:1

CLASSROOM - PRESCHOOL II

• Age:4 - 5 years
• Child to Staff Ratio: 10:1

Curriculum

We believe that children learn through play and exploration.

Children process the world around them in a different way at each stage of their development. Our program recognizes the deep interplay between intellectual, emotional and physical abilities, and the need to develop all these through a rich blending of social interaction and individual exploration. Our curriculum creates an environment that engages, sustains and encourages children to participate in productive learning experiences. It is tailored to meet the unique and differing needs and similarities of young children.

At Beginnings we take great pride in a strong, developmentally appropriate curriculum, and a staff capable of putting it into action.

DEVELOPMENTAL GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS (BENCHMARKS)

It is well established that the earliest years are the most important learning years. A child’s brain at this age is making connections that will last the rest of their life.

The developmental domains developed by the Department of Early Learning are utilized at Beginnings to determine whether a child has reached developmental milestones and can accomplish the major associated tasks.

Using a portfolio method, evaluation of a child’s growth is gathered from a variety of sources and methods: parents, classroom observation, developmental assessment, and other appropriate tools. Systematic observation gives us a picture of where children are in their growth. Observing a child’s development can also provide valuable information, allowing us to design curriculum and environments; we adjust expectations so that all children can feel secure and successful in school.

SPECIAL ELECTIVES AND PROGRAMS

Betsy Dischel: Red Ukulele facilitates an interactive music class taught primarily in Spanish and American Sign Language with English support; hands-on instruments and large motor activities are introduced during each session. (Infant-Preschool; Tuesdays at Queen Anne, Wednesdays at Capitol Hill)

Music Class with Teachers Bonnie and Bruce: A music and movement class taught by local musicians; students are introduced to different music genres ranging from classical to jazz and traditional folk, and a variety of instruments, including: banjo, guitar, ukulele, violin. (Infant-Preschool; Wednesdays at Queen Anne, Thursdays at Capitol Hill)