Caterpillar

Caterpillar (3-4 year olds)

15 children maximum with 1 head teacher, 2 assistants

The characteristics of this age group are that they want to feel independent and "in control". This is a critical time for children to develop independence in social, emotional and physical behavior. We offer the children choices whenever possible while introducing social guidelines for group participation. At this stage, the children are very interested in participating in small group activities and fantasy play as they develop a strong sense of self. Sharing and developing good social skills are an important part of their daily experiences. Some of the skills and concepts covered are:

• Social: - Work and play in small group - Encourage parallel play - Encourage sharing
• Language/Literacy: - Colors - Shapes - Counting and number recognition - Days of the week - Recognize their written name
• Cognitive: - Teaching them to see other people's point of view - Encourage creativity through art experiences and play- Accept and follow direction - Can problem solve if they are simple - Encourage curiosity - Exposure to new vocabulary
• Physical Development: - Working on fine motor skills (gluing, lacing, stacking, coloring) - Introduce them to training scissors- Begin to use material such as play dough, paste, finger-paint- Large muscle development: jumping, running, hopping, skipping, etc.
• Basic Life Skills: - Continue to work on self -help skills (hand washing, eating, toileting, and dressing). - Potty training - Sit and eat meal without getting up - Encourage them to use their words when they want or need something - Practice sitting at circle for a longer period of time - Encourage each child to return toys and materials

Caterpillar - 3-K Schedule

Daily Schedule may alter depending on the needs of the children

8:00- 8:20

Arrival

8:20- 8:40

Large Group

8:40- 9:30

Choice Time

9:30- 9:50

Snack Time

9:50- 10:30

Gross Motor / Outdoor

10:30- 11:00

Choice Time / Small Group

11:00- 11:15

Story Time

11:15- 11:45

Lunch

11:45- 12:30

Nap

12:30- 1:30

Choice Time / Small Group

1:30 - 2:00

Gross Motor / Outdoor

2:00 - 2:20

End of UPK Meeting and Departure

Caterpillar - extended hours

Daily Schedule may alter depending on the needs of the children

2:30 - 3:00

Gross Motor / Outdoor

3:00- 3:30

Snack

3:30- 3:50

Large Group

3:50 - 4:15

Choice Time / Small Group

4:15 - 4:30

Story Time

4:30 - 6:00

Choice Time/Small Group