At CHDS, we have 3 programs: Preschool One, Preschool Two and Pre-Kindergarten / Kindergarten. A day in all of our classrooms at CHDS begins with a warm greeting and leads into a balance of free play and structured activities followed by a morning circle, healthy snack and project (based on the monthly curriculum). The children continue their morning with outside play and prepare for a nutritious lunch brought from home. After lunch, the children have a closing circle and the morning children say goodbye to their friends while half and full day children prepare for a quiet rest time. Following quiet / rest time, half day children are picked up while full day children engage in indoor/outdoor activities as a mixed-age group and prepare for their parents' arrival.
Our preschool programs prepare children both socially/emotionally and cognitively for Pre-Kindergarten / Kindergarten by emphasizing listening, choice time and assessment while having fun! Our preschool teachers foster independence in small and whole group activities when introducing concepts such as letter and sound recognition using an integrated curriculum. Activities are designed to develop fine and gross motor skills while engaging the children.
Preschool Schedule Options
Option 1: Morning 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
Option 2: Half Day 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Option 3: Full Day 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
Pre-Kindergarten / Kindergarten
The Pre-K/K curriculum is based on Piaget’s theory that a child’s curiosity drives his/her learning. Providing challenging, open-ended activities promotes cognitive learning and encourages children to think. Using an integrated curriculum, content areas include Reading and Literature with a focus on big books, guided and shared reading, phonics and whole language; our Writing curriculum emphasizes drawing with text, inventive/conventional spelling and Writing Workshop.
Our Math curriculum focuses on manipulatives, whole numbers, shapes, patterns, graphs and logical thinking/reasoning; Science is based on developing curiosity about things around us by observing, comparing, classifying, measuring and experimenting; we believe in the importance of understanding similarities and differences in areas of community, culture, history in teaching Social Science. Art projects are a major part of the curriculum as well.
Pre-Kindergarten / Kindergarten Schedule Options
Option 1: Morning 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
Option 2: Half Day 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Option 3: Full Day 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
The CHDS Summer Camp is a fun and educational seven week program during the months of July and August. Traditionally, the children are divided into two or three mixed age groups allowing children of different ages to interact. The Summer Program includes 3 of our most popular field trips of the year – a ride on the Swan Boats and a visit to the Boston Public Garden, Bike Day at the Millennium Park and exploring the Trailside Museum.
The summer curriculum includes a special theme each week. Daily fun includes playing in the wading pool, working in our garden and experimenting with our outdoor sensory tables. Our new playground allows us to enjoy the lovely weather and many of our activities are held outdoors enjoying and appreciating nature. Connecting with and understanding nature gives children a good sense for our environment.
Summer Camp Schedule Options
Option 1: Morning 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
Option 2: Half Day 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Option 3: Full Day 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
