Supplemental Schedule/Snow Days
Lunchtime and Afterschool Program
The Infant Program at CNS was established because of the intense interest of several people, the lack of infant care in the community, and the need for a quality program. Through the generosity of Colgate University, the Infant Program was born.
The Infant Program, like other CNS programs, will provide each child with a safe, nurturing environment in which to grow and develop. We recognize the importance of creating a "home" environment in the setting of a quality early childhood program. Infants in the program range in age from 6 weeks to 12 months. The ratio between infants and caregivers is 3 infants to 1 caregiver. Tremendous changes take place at this stage of child development. The different stages give children the opportunity to experience and model related behaviors. Our staff is experienced at dealing with these rapid developmental changes.
Infants are introduced to a variety of age appropriate activities that will encourage their development. Socialization, through mealtime conversation, crawling, and playing on the floor helps the infants' social development. Staff is aware of the importance of conversation to the child's development. Infants process information at an amazing rate. All sensory and motor activities are interesting, new, and amazing. Rolling, climbing, playing peek-a-boo, and watching others do the same can keep young children happy, busy, and learning.
It is our intention that all children leave the Infant Room with the independence, confidence, and trust in caregivers necessary to explore the Waddler Room.
Parents are encouraged to visit the room at any time. Parents are asked to communicate any changes or concerns with the teachers. Parents are also asked to complete a daily form so that teachers may be kept informed about their child.
The Waddler Program was specifically developed for the 12 months - 24 months child. Ambulatory exploration is the rule of the day. Waddlers continue to learn by touching, jumping, running, and putting everything in their mouths. It is with this in mind that the Waddler environment was created. In order to proceed to the Waddler room, the child must be walking and able to handle other children who are running. Children are transitioned into the Waddler Program over a 2 week period. Information specific to transitions will be provided to the parents at the appropriate time. The parents' input is very important to us as their child develops.
More difficult sensory and motor activities are explored in this program. Children are nurtured and able to investigate their surroundings in a safe environment. The child to staff ratio is 4 Waddlers to every caregiver. Emerging social skills are strengthened, and playing next to a friend becomes a real possibility. The children are readied for the stimulating environment of the Toddler Room.
The
morning program (8:30-11:30) offers activities such as
singing, dancing, playing musical instruments, cooking, water and sand
play, simple science lessons, poetry and stories, muscle coordination
and fine motor skill development, outdoor play, and artistic endeavors.
Nutritious snacks are provided. In addition to a
teacher and an assistant, the three and four-year-old classes encourage
the participation of "helping parents."
The ratio between Toddlers and teachers is 1 to 5. The ratio
between Threes and teachers is 1 to 7. The ratio between
Fours and teachers is 1 to 8.
Lunchtime and Afterschool Program
Children enrolled all day will enjoy supervised play, creative activities, and the companionship of other children. Lunch will be at 11:45 for all children. Parents are advised to provide a nutritious lunch, no gum or candy please. Clearly label your child's lunchbox. All lunchboxes should be placed in the refrigerator as soon as your child arrives. The school will provide an afternoon snack. Children should bring a blanket for rest. A small stuffed animal or pillow is also acceptable.
We offer our after school program for kindergarten through 5th grade students each day from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. CNS offers school age children a variety of enjoyable activities including computer and board games and ample time outdoors. The program allows for the development of special new relationships among children of different ages. For more information please see the School Age Program handbook.
Summer Program (July–August Only)
The Summer Program is an important part of the CNS calendar. Parents may enroll their children for one or more weeks in this camp-like program. Minimum attendance is half-time, 2 days per week. Children bring their own lunch. Parents are encouraged to participate in the program and may be asked to participate with field trips or special events. Our program centers around weekly themes and activities, such as science, computers, fairy tales, and sports. There is no cooperative obligation for parents in the summer program.