Welcome to Watertown Public Schools Early Childhood Programs

Learning Looks Like This:

What We Believe:

Philosophy

Our goal is to encourage childrento explore, to wonder, to imagine,to experiment with language andmaterials, to play, and to develop a lifelong love of learning.We believe there is great potentialin each young child, and that it isthe responsibility of educators and families to nurture that potential in developmentally appropriate ways. We strive to create a community of learners with respect for themselves, their peers and the world around them.

Social Emotional Skills

Throughout the early childhood years, educators emphasize sensitivity to the feelings of others, kindness, patience and cooperation. These social-emotional competencies are often achieved through play related activities. Children learn to be respectful, contributing members of a community of learners.

Communication Skills

Children are encouraged to develop increasingly sophisticated language skills through social interactions, dramatic play and age-appropriate activities.

Foster Independence

Children gain confidence and self- esteem by being encouraged to master important self help skills such as:

Caring for their own belongings, managing their own buttons, zippers and shoe laces; washing hands and using the bathroom independently, and managing snacks independently.

Fine and Gross Motor Skills

Throughout the early childhood years, we encourage children to develop large and small muscles so they can have future education success. We expose them to a variety of activities designed to help them develop an awareness of personal space, hold scissors and pencils properly, and develop upper body strength.

Discovery and Inquiry (Science) Through the process of active,

hands on, and constructive exploration, children will work to develop their inquiry skills using their natural curiosity. Children will predict, explore, observe and document their discoveries.

Language Readiness Skills Children will be surrounded by

a print rich environment that promotes a variety of opportunities for exploration, practice and use of expressive language. Children will participate in multisensory activities that will build the foundation for literacy skills. We develop these skills by singing songs, reciting poems, reading and dramatizing stories and playing phonemic awareness games.

Number And Problem Solving Skills

Children will explore, manipulate and experiment with objects and materials to develop their spatial awareness, problem solving, and logical thinking skills. Classrooms will offer multisensory experiences that encourage mathematical understanding.

Other Useful InformationSchool Hours:

Early Steps Integrated Preschool1 Concord Rd617-926-7765

M – F 8:20 – 11:20Mon,Tues, Thurs, Fri 11:50 – 2:20

Cunniff School246 Warren St617-926-7726

PreK – 5th

8:15 – 2:30

Hosmer School1 Concord Rd617-926-7740

PreK – 5th

8:20 – 2:35

Lowell School175 Orchard St.617-926-7770

PreK – 5th

8:15 – 2:30

What Your Child Needs: A large labeled backpack. School

to home communication is typically via the child’s backpack. It is important to check daily for

notes, notices, or other information

A healthy snack they can manage by themselves

Outerwear appropriate for the weather

Before and After School Programs Available

Contact the individual school for more information