Profile of a Shelton Preschooler

At Shelton we are concerned that our children be secure about theirown self image and that they leave our programs as happy,self-motivated, interested children. The children we serve are:

• Talented and gifted
• Intelligent
• Some may also be at risk for language learning differences.

Young children acquire many important habits, attitudes and skillsbefore they make formal contact with textbooks in first grade. Our goalat Shelton is to see that our students enter elementary school withhigh self-esteem and high expectations of success. We guide work andplay so that these successes are possible for our preschoolers.

Building an Early Foundation for Later Success

The Shelton Early Childhood Center, a division of The Shelton School and Evaluation Center, offers children age three through six a highly individualized program emphasizing the development of the whole child. Shelton looks at each child developmentally. We place emphasis upon what a child can do rather than upon when the child was born. This philosophy allows the student to progress at his/her own rate of development.

Though Shelton School serves children with learning differences in grades 1 through 12, the preschool is open to all children between three and six years of age who are average or above average in intelligence. Shelton's teachers are specialists in learning and skill development. They will thoroughly discuss a child's strengths and weaknesses as he progresses through the preschool program with their parents.

Finding Just the Right Match for Each Child

Shelton provides a program in which each child's educational plan is matched to that child's unique developmental levels. If a teacher presents information above a child's developmental level, it frustrates the student. If the teacher presents information below the child's developmental level, it bores the student. When a teacher can identify and teach to a child's developmental level, meaningful learning takes place. Shelton offers a nurturing family atmosphere in the preschool, which serves as a transition from the family unit. In this environment of knowledge and concern, the child's academic, social, emotional and physical skills are enhanced. Through this experience of successful learning, a child's positive self-concept develops.

Parents Encouraged to Participate

Parents are encouraged to participate with the staff in their child's early education. Staff holds regular conferences about each child's progress, as well as conduct informational meetings. Parent visitation in the classroom is welcomed.

When students are able to enter elementary school with a sense of self worth and joyful expectation of success, they have a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning.

Teaching a Bright Mind to Learn

Within a structured setting, which provides security, each student receives individualized instruction from skilled and concerned teachers who use the multisensory approach to teaching. Shelton's curriculum incorporates the best of traditional and Montessori educational strategies. The curriculum emphasizes:

Oral Language Development Competent verbal expression is critical to progress in elementary school. The preschool program stresses the development of oral expression.

Readiness Skills Life skills such as tying, buttoning, pouring and cutting help a young child develop confidence. Sensorial discrimination prepares a child for the more abstract discrimination and memory tasks in reading and writing. Shelton's preschool works to build the readiness skills necessary for academic work.

Preparation for Reading As a child becomes ready for learning the letters and sounds of the written language, skills are taught in a sequential multisensorial procedure. Beginning reading is introduced with three-dimensional manipulative letters. The young child needs to proceed from the concrete to the abstract. Shelton's preschool helps the child make this transition.

Multisensory Math Your children "discover" the rules of math and learn to understand basic math concepts in a program involving hands-on techniques and precise manipulatives.

Social Studies and Science All young children love science and social studies. At Shelton this curriculum is presented in an exciting way with materials and projects that help a child to understand even complex concepts.

Mastery of Concepts and Skills Our emphasis is not upon subject matter but rather the mastery of concepts and skills. Cooperation in work and play is guided by the teacher so each child will begin to develop the responsible behavior necessary for a positive learning experience in elementary school. Other areas of the curriculum include:

• Gross and fin perceptual motor skills
• Organizational skills
• Enrichment activities including art, computer, and drama

Talk with him some in the weeks ahead about going to school. Emphasize how wonderful it is that he is old enough to begin to learn new things and make new friends. Do not stress that school is all fun and games. We will tell him that school is a place where we learn to do good work and that good work makes us feel good about ourselves. We will also tell him that at school he can learn about the world he lives in and begin to study the things he must know in his world.

Always smile and be positive when talking about school. Tell him his teachers are there to help him. Do not be worried. We will take care of your child. Talk with us about anything that concerns you. If you are worried about your child's first school experience he will sense it and worry too.

Never threaten you child with stories of how a teacher will punish him if he misbehaves. Our teachers will be firm, calm and objective in all discipline. Young children are very eager to please their teachers and are usually most cooperative if they know what the teacher wants. We are very consistent in our rules and guide the child to develop self-discipline. Children are always treated gently.

Do tell your child that he must mind his teacher and show respect for all adults. Tell him the teacher has many children to help at school and you expect him to always do what she asks.

If your child is upset or crying often the first days of school, the teacher will take him from you and we request that you leave immediately. Small children are often upset at parting with the mother, but we find can be easily comforted and are less upset after the parent is gone. We will gently help your child begin his work, and once he is busy he will usually go about the rest of the day very well. He may cry every morning for a while, but if we continue to bring him in to class and get him started on his work, he will adjust. Even if this upsets you, ty not to show it. It is best ot smile, say "Have a good day," "I'll see you later" and go. Parting slowly is much harder.

During the school year we will have regular parent meetings to discuss the Montessori Curriculum and child management.