Welcome to
Toddler and Preschool 1
Our P1 classroom is full of exploration and discovery. Open communication and a loving, nurturing environment are our main goals as parents and children experience a new school setting for the first time. Our P1 friends learn self-help skills and independence as they engage in a classroom designed specifically for them, with many proud statements of “I can do it all by myself!” throughout the year. We have been enriching the minds & nurturing the spirits of children from Boston and the neighboring communities of Newton, Brookline, Dedham, Westwood and Needham since 1987.
What to expect in P1
Our experienced, patient teachers guide parents through the transition to preschool as children work on toilet training, napping at school and becoming more independent. Teachers update parents on daily events in individual communication notebooks during the first few months, in addition to daily emails and weekly picture blogs.
Have a look at our sample calendars.
Philosophy & Curriculum
The P1 classroom and curriculum promote social, emotional and cognitive development through individual, small and whole group activities. Through dramatic play, blocks, discovery, sensory activities, art, music, movement and more, our P1 friends begin to develop the skills and self-confidence of preschoolers. Songs with Mr. Wayne and yoga with Ms. Kim are highlights of our week!
Here are a few examples of activities from the P1 bird unit:
Early Literacy: Children bring in items that begin with the letter B for the sharing bag.
Math: Creating and counting eggs — how many eggs are in your bird’s nest?
Science: Building our own bird’s nest with items we found on our nature walk and observing birds at our bird feeder using binoculars.
Drama: How do we care for animals and other creatures in our veterinary office?
Multicultural: What kinds of birds do we find all over the world? How do we say “bird” in our many languages?
Our Typical Day
- Arrival and free play
- Morning snack
- Dance and music
- Morning meeting
- Outdoor play
- Center time
- Lunch
- Library time
- Naptime
- Free play
- Afternoon snack
- Outdoor and group activities
- Dismissal
"Children’s Happy Day School is an extraordinary environment for young children. Each classroom offers a wide array of educational opportunities in a safe nurturing setting that enables children of all ages and temperaments to thrive. The warm caring teachers are excellent and the school is committed to ongoing professional development that benefits the children and the teachers. After more than a 25 year relationship with CHDS, I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend this wonderful school to any parent of a preschool child."
-Paula R., Brookline
CLASSROOMS ARE DESIGNED FOR GROWTH AND LEARNING
Toddler and Preschool 1
