Junior Preschool

Students in the Junior Preschool class are generally between the ages of two and three years. Taking turns, learning to be part of a group, independence, and self-help skills are an important part of the curriculum for Junior Preschool students. Teachers will guide students to make self-directed choices in basic social studies, science, simple counting, and name recognition skills. Process art and sensory activities are also encouraged for our youngest learners. Students will enhance their growing vocabulary and communication skills through books and singalongs. In the afternoon, time will be provided for a longer nap or a rest with a quiet activity. Students in this class need not be fully toilet trained but teachers may gently guide students towards this goal if the parents and child are ready.

Preschool

Preschool students who are three to five years old will enjoy a well-rounded school year. The curriculum will build upon established skills in social interaction, emotional regulation, and independence. Students in this class will engage in hands-on academic activities in literacy and math. For example, the curriculum may include concepts like letter recognition, beginning to write short words, and patterning/simple addition with objects. Science and social studies will be explored through our exciting units, as well as creative projects and process based art lessons. Teachers set aside time to work with each student and create specialized lessons that align with their abilities and interests. Afternoons will include a quiet time for optional napping. Students in our Preschool class are generally using the toilet daily and have some basic self-help skills.

School-Aged Programs

We offer before and after school care for students ages 5-8. Our before care includes a drop-off time as early as 7:30, with the students invited to explore quiet morning activities until bus arrival. After care includes a bus drop-off, afternoon snack time, and many options for play and projects until 5:30.

Open Year Round!

Our summer program offers a light academic curriculum with weekly themes related to nature and art. We spend much of our day outdoors exploring water play, and enjoy special guest visitors who teach us about things like yoga, soccer or cooking!

FAQ’s

Q: What should my child bring to Dovetail each day?

A: Your child should bring:

• Two snacks and a lunch

• Water bottle

• Slippers or inside shoes

• Blanket and fitted crib sheet for rest time

• Extra clothes - shirt, pants, socks, underwear (if using toilet)

• Diapers and wipes (if needed)

• Summer only: sunscreen, bug spray, swimsuit, towel

Q: I am interested in enrolling my child in the summer camp program. What are the steps I need to take?

A:

• First, set up a tour with us!

• After visiting, fill out the summer camp registration form. Families may sign up on a week by week basis - it is not required that you sign up for all 9 weeks.

• Submit your summer payment by the date specified on the registration form.

• Submit permission and other enrollment forms before your child’s start date.

Q: My child might be nervous at drop-off time. What should I do?

A: You have come to the right place! Our teachers have many years of experience with easing nerves at drop-off. We recommend conversing with your child about how fun school can be before you arrive. A short and cheerful drop-off tends to help many children settle in more quickly. In the rare event that your child remains upset for more than a few minutes, we will give you a call to check in and discuss the best options to assist them.

Q: My child doesn’t nap/takes a short nap. What would they be doing at rest time?

A: Students who are not sleeping after an initial period of resting time will engage in quiet activities. For a Junior Preschool student, the teacher may read books to them, assist with a simple art project, or help them with a snack/toilet training based on their needs that day. In the Preschool classroom, students might work on a puzzle, math game, writing project or jewelry making.