Sandcastle Kids
Infant Program:
Our infant program sets it’s pace around the needs and unique differences of each child. We work with each child’s abilities to encourage social, mental, physical and emotional development. We do this through letting your baby experience sounds, tastes, textures, patterns, tummy times, games and many other activities. Each infant receives individual attention while their own sleeping and feeding schedules are maintained to ease the transition from home and daycare. Our trained and professional infant teacher keeps detailed records of your child’s daily events (sleeping, eating, activities, diaper changing, etc.) and these records are passed on to you in the form of a “day sheet.” We encourage parental involvement, as you are the expert when it comes to your child. Feel free to stay and play for a bit or call to check in as you see fit.
Toddler Program:
This is a very high energy class, with new walkers and potty trainers. It is always busy, but a lot of fun! Our toddler teacher is always on the go, but never too busy to stop and enjoy a new discovery with your child. Children in this class are introduced to many new and exciting things such as play-dough, painting, circle times, group activities and one of the most exciting, the potty chair! We have circle times each day, where your child will hear new stories, learn new songs, play games and start learning ABC’s, shapes, colors and 123’s. Though circle time usually only lasts for 5-8 minutes, we repeat this 3 times a day as repetition is important to your child learning and expanding his/her attention spans for preschool. Your child will also have the opportunity to “free play” in their choices of several different “learning centers.” A “day sheet” will also be provided in this class to let you know how your child’s day went and what they did. You are welcome to stay and play, volunteer and help with a nature walk or call in as you see fit.
Preschool Program:
Our center is unique in establishing a no preschool fee for full and part time children to allow children from low income families to have equal opportunities to grow and blossom by attending our center. We currently use Mother Goose Time Curriculum. Mother Goose Time is a professionally designed preschool curriculum for use in preschool centers. It is nationally recognized curriculum that nurtures the whole child and supports the child's social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth. We will inspire a joy for learning as you and your children explore our monthly themes..
Our preschool program is one of the more advanced programs you will find in the valley. Our teacher holds an AA degree in early childhood and has 11 years of experience!
Opportunities are provided to develop the child’s visual, auditory, and large and small muscle motor skills and to improve communication skills by sharing experiences with formal and informal conversation/discussion. The daily activities help the child learn how to share ideas, thoughts, and materials as well as learn self-discipline and personal responsibilities.
Throughout the year we go on many fieldtrips (for example the pumpkin patch, and Royal Plaza Retirement Home), have guest speakers, focus on nature through insects, gardens, plants and animals and learn concepts in a hands-on sensory manner.
School Age Program:
Our before and after school program is a program of choice and independence. Each child receives individual attention in our relaxed yet active environment, with attention given to social needs as well as homework. When your child arrives in the morning, they join their friends for breakfast before boarding the Sandcastle Kids’ van to be safely transported to school or escorted to Webster to meet their bus. After a vigorous day of learning at school your child will again board the Sandcastle Kids’ van to be transported to our center. Once your child has arrived, they will be served a nutritious snack and given time to relax and talk about their school day. Later in the afternoon we will spend time working on homework assignments and other enrichment activities. We will also have fun arts and crafts activities and games planned for each day.
Our summer, Winter Break and No School Days are filled with fun and exciting activities. Notification of our activities will be posted on our sign-in sheet. Some activities your child can look forward to are swimming, going to movies, picnics in the park, meeting community helpers, touring a fire house, sitting in a police car, roller skating, bowling, Bumpers, having lunch at McDonalds, scavenger hunts, visiting local farms, touring the food bank, having crazy hair days, playing various outdoors sports, but most important learning and developing an understanding and love for our community and the never ending opportunities that our community has to offer them. Our school age program is evolutionary by not only taking your child to experience all these fun places, but we value and find the importance in showing and educating your child with tours of these businesses and guest speakers from our community all at an affordable rate.