What would a typical day be like for my child?
A typical day at The Gardner School depends on the age of the child. When you tour the Center, you will notice the daily schedules posted on the parent board located near each room. The daily schedule that pertains to the age of your child will provide you with information regarding your child's daily routine. Generally, the day will include: morning welcome; learning activities; outside play; lunch; rest time; afternoon snack; and afternoon activities that could include supplemental enrichment activities such as Tap, Ballet, Gymnastics, Music, Karate, and Computer Instruction. We assure you that your child will experience a balance among learning activities, rest and play.
Who will be at the school every day?
The presence of lead and enrichment teachers sets TGS apart from the competition. Your child’s lead teacher is trained for the child’s age level and stays with him or her throughout the day for continuity and consistency. TGS enrichment teachers are dedicated and trained in such areas as computers, dance, gymnastics, music and karate. Supporting our total learning experience is a seasoned Executive School Director, Assistant Administrative Director and School Director of Training and Curriculum. A faculty of teacher’s assistants and aides as well as a kitchen manager complement the team by offering support and assistance.
What is the faculty to children ratio?
The ratio of faculty to children is age and state specific. We are committed to following the designated state ratios at a minimum. Keep in mind that The Gardner School also utilizes assistant teachers and aides in the classroom to help the lead teachers implement activities which further lower the ratios at many times throughout the day.
What type of background do the teachers have?
The Gardner School has a stringent policy on hiring our faculty members. Work related and personal references are checked and a full criminal background check is performed. Further, grade transcripts and course descriptions are obtained from the educational institution(s) from which the applicant received his/her early childhood teaching credentials. The Gardner School requires all of its employees to complete continuing education courses in the field of early childhood education. Moreover, The Gardner School seeks out people who are passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of young people. Lead teachers are required to have a 4 year college degree and most have their major in Early Childhood Education. Assistant Teachers are encouraged to have their CDA and previous related working experience.
What are The Gardner School's safety measures?
The main focus of The Gardner School is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for young children. Our passion for child safety is seen in the basic design of our building, which includes an open floor plan with numerous windows for viewing, Closed Circuit TV for administration monitoring, plenty of secure exits and a protective fencing around custom designed playground areas. Our state-of-the-art building also includes a fire alarm system and a complete security alarm system. An annual inspection by the fire marshal is performed to ensure that the sprinkler system, fire alarms and fire extinguishers are all functioning properly. The Gardner School also performs a monthly fire drill. In order to gain entry into the building, parents are provided with a unique pin number that must be used to open the front door. Only parents having the proper code will have access to the School. Members of the School's faculty accompany all other guests while they are in the building. Above all, The Gardner School hires childcare professionals who are conscientious and place the safety of the children first.
What kind of curriculum do you use?
The Creative Curriculum for Infants, Toddlers & Twos is a comprehensive curriculum that helps teachers achieve the very best program for children under the age of three. If the interactions children have are nurturing, consistent and loving, and the experiences they have are appropriately challenging, then infants, toddlers and twos grow and flourish.
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The DLM Early Childhood Express (Needs adobe reader. If Adobe reader is not installed in your computer, download it here)is implemented in our preschool and Pre-K programs. It is a comprehensive, research-based Pre-kindergarten curriculum that develops children’s minds and bodies through carefully selected and sequenced learning experiences.
How should I dress my child?
For children under the age of three, comfortable play clothes and dress as the weather dictates. Sneakers are the safest and most comfortable footwear for active, playful children and we ask that no open toed shoes or backless shoes be worn to school. Children three years and older are required to wear The Gardner School uniform Monday through Thursday. Fridays and Camp Gardner are casual days. Uniforms are to be purchased through Parker School Uniforms. Studies have shown that there are many positive academic, behavioral and social outcomes for students adhering to a dress code.