Starting Kindergarten is a huge milestone in a child and family’s life and you want to know your child has a safe and supportive place to go after school. At Catalyst Kids we believe our programs nurture healthy school habits and develop well rounded children. We foster a sense of belonging while encouraging creative expression and a healthy lifestyle. Our daily schedule includes meeting time, homework and academic enrichment, 30 Fit, enrichment clubs, open recreation and a nutritious snack. Individual programs structure their day to meet the needs of the children and families they serve.
Our Kindergarten Enrichment programs provide a high quality, academically challenging, and developmentally appropriate curriculum for TK and K children. “Learning through Literacy” is a curriculum approach that teaches English Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies and other content areas using children’s literature, both fiction and non-fiction. The primary resources for “Learning through Literacy” is KidzLit, a research based literacy program designed specifically for use in afterschool programs. It enhances a child’s motivation to read, builds skills, and develops core values. This curriculum resource was launched during the 2014/2015 school year.
Schedule
In our programs, children have opportunities to work individually, in small groups or in teams to mentor other children, facilitate discussions or take initiative by taking on a role or job. Our goal is to provide opportunities for continued development of communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity skills. Below is a quick synopsis of each segment of the daily schedule.
Meeting Time – We begin each day with a whole group meeting as a way of building community and welcoming everyone to the program. During this time the group shares information about activities planned for the day, special visitors that may be in the program, teacher or child absences and/or problems or conflicts needing to be resolved.
Homework and Academic Enrichment time – Our programs strive to connect the activities we plan with what children may be learning in school. Our activities focus on creating connections to school day learning through literacy based curriculum, with high quality children’s books, as an entry point into exploring writing, reading, math, social studies, science and social/emotional skills.
30 Fit – We offer 30 minutes of planned physical activity intended to support your child’s physical development and healthy lifestyle through fun games.
Enrichment Clubs – Every 4 – 6 weeks your child will have an opportunity to select one of our club options. Clubs offer your child a chance to explore an area of their interest in a small group setting. Past clubs have included: legos, baking, drawing, photography, gardening and chemistry for kids.
Open Recreation – We offer your child the opportunity to play in large or small groups, develop hobbies/ skills or simply “hang out” with friends.
Environment
Our environment is a unique reflection of the children, families, staff and school community who are part of our program. Our spaces are designed as an extension of the “classroom” space, intentionally accessible and set up to support children in meeting their own needs. They include areas for art, dramatic play, blocks, reading, quiet space and outdoor space.
Our Staff
Our teachers understand the developmental needs of children ages 4 – 6 years. Our teachers make authentic connections that nurture growth in children through creative, fun, respectful, and collaborative relationships. Our teachers live in their passion and talents as seen through their engagement with children and curriculum development.
Family Engagement
We believe family and school partnerships are essential to each Kindergarten child’s success. Family partnerships are developed through daily conversations, collaboration on center events and a variety of parent meetings. Our partnerships with school personnel are developed through quarterly meetings, school events and shared program goals.