Three Year Old (3K Program on 86th Street)

Three-year-olds gain more self-esteem and need more opportunities to be independent.  The 3K program focuses on exploration, discovery, and teacher-directed lessons, hands-on learning, and center-based free play.  The three-year-olds work on early mathematical concepts, alphabet knowledge, emerging literacy, and creative arts.  The 3K teachers work diligently on increasing social interaction, encouraging curiosity, and enhancing problem-solving skills.

This transitional program into pre-k focuses on social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and language growth by providing opportunities for children to engage in center play, outdoor play, daily art projects, enrichment time, and storytime.  There is an introduction to simple optional home projects and weekly newsletters for teacher-parent communication.  This process continues the learning at home between teacher, parent, and child.  Children will engage in special event performances for parents’ enjoyment and to share what the children have been engaging in throughout the school year.

The three-year-olds embrace their safe learning environment under the care and supervision of dedicated staff.  Our teachers show compassion and consideration to each child as they prepare them for preschool.

Daily Schedule for Three-Year-Olds

Small Group Meeting/Morning Circle Time
Greet each child with a new song per week, introduce the day of the week, the month of the year, the year, and the weather through music and dance. Introduce the letter and number of the week.

Center Time/Activity Time
A balance of individual and small groups in the centers set up in the classroom. Centers include blocks, library, writing, kitchen, dress up and much more. One teacher-directed activity at this time will be set up for the children to participate at their choosing. 

Outdoor Playtime A balance of individual and group play opportunities in the outdoor play yard.

Story Time/ Nursery Rhyme / Poems The children will listen to a story read by the teacher and partake in reading a story to their friends as well.  The children will engage in nursery rhymes and poems in small groups through song, hand puppets, finger plays and dance movements.

Daily Care involves washing hands, using the potty, cleaning up, and prepare for lunch or snack time.

Lunch Time
Each child will be encouraged to sit at the table to eat with their friends. Lunch will be served and children will begin to foster independence at mealtime while the teacher models good eating habits.

Rest Time Children will rest on cots and listen to classical lullaby music.  A mid-day nap and rest plays a crucial role in enhancing the memory, alertness, as well as the cognitive and physical development of students.

Physical Education/Movement
The children will engage in large group teacher-directed movement activities; sometimes accompanied by music.

Afternoon Circle Time
Review letter and number of the week through music, dance, or literature.

Center Time/Activity Time
A balance of individual and small group in the centers set up in the classroom
One teacher-directed activity at this time will be set up for the children to participate.

Snack Time The children will enjoy a small snack and beverage with their friends.

Outdoor Time A balance of individual and group play opportunities in the outdoor play yard.

Enrichment Time
The children will engage in different activities per day: Yoga, Science, No-Bake Cooking, Drama, Music/Art History.

End of the Day Circle Time
Review of the day’s activities, talk about what will happen tomorrow and prepare the children for departure.

Full-Day Dismissal
Children who are full day will be dismissed outside the front of the school.