Parents, I know how tough it is to balance work, errands, doctors, laundry and ensure your preschooler is getting the socialization and education they need before Kindergarten. In a small town like Leavenworth, options are hard to come by for families, so at Sprouts we have been working hard to open solutions to fit family needs as well as meet our youngest learners where they are.
Starting February 6th, 2017 we will open our first half-day classroom - the Willow Class. Our home base is the E. Lorane Young House at Wenatchee River Institute (WRI), with our classroom being the great outdoors! In order to meet the complicated schedules of families, this class will run in sessions rather than year round, with a couple spots reserved for drop-in only use. That means families can use this class to supplement your current preschool program, start your young preschooler out in a program for the first time, or drop in when you need a few hours. Classes are mornings from 8:30am - 11:30am. Registration can be for as many days and sessions as you like and drop ins are welcome anytime, depending on availability.
We welcome preschoolers between the ages of 3 and 5 who are independent in the bathroom. Our Evergreen Class (our current full day program) is also mixed age. It is a wonderful opportunity allowing for mentorship and unique problem solving among peers.
Our favorite part of the new Willow Class is the same thing we love about our current Evergreen Class: being outdoors! This class will spend almost the whole class time outside, no matter the weather. From much research on child development we know children learn through play. When children are given the opportunity to play and learn outdoors, they engage with concepts holistically and through real-life inquiry and experiences. When we make patterns from fallen pine cones and leaves, or count petals on a new spring flower, children are developing their skills in math; when we use our Naturalist Guides to identify the plant and animal species that are before us, children are developing their skills in observation and science; when we record these observations in our nature journals, children are developing literacy skills. Through imaginative, outdoor play we intrigue their curiosities while developing all the fundamentals to prepare them for Kindergarten and beyond.
As true explorers and scientists outside every day, we build inner and physical strength. Our focus is on developing critical thinking, independence, social skills, and strong bodies - all accomplished exploring our world outside, with our friends and teachers, ready to take on Kindergarten and the world.
We can't wait for you to join us in this new class! Registration opens on January 3, 2017.
Check back to our website soon for more info or email info@mtnsprouts.org!