Class Programs

The parent/child program is for children who are between the ages of 18-24 months as of September of the entering school year. The program meets one day a week on Friday for 90 minutes and both parent or caregiver and child attend together. During the first 30 minutes of each class the adults have the opportunity to participate with their child in the classroom using the Floortime model. In the next hour, parents and the CDS Director of Parent Education, Dr. Rene Hackney, discuss parenting strategies, educational theories, and research on developmental issues while classroom teachers lead the children in activities.

The twos program, for children who are two by September of the entering school year, meets two mornings (Tuesday and Thursday), three mornings (Monday, Wednesday & Friday), or five mornings (Monday-Friday) a week for 3 hours a day. The children are introduced to the concept of “school” as safe and nurturing place to learn and play with other children. Through exploration, play, music, and use of the many Country Day playgrounds the children participate in numerous activities that help develop their social skills and help them become comfortable in a group setting. View the Twos curriculum here.

The threes program is for children who are three by September of the entering school year. The program meets four (Monday-Thursday) or five (Monday-Friday) part days a week, in the morning or afternoon, for 3 hours a day, or the full day program which runs for 7 hours each day of the week (Monday-Friday). Children in the afternoon and full day programs may lengthen their day with the Stay & Play program. In the Threes program language and literature play a major role as the children participate in a wide range of activities to increase their language competency. The children also enjoy many science and math explorations both inside and outside of the classroom and continue to master social skills as they participate in dramatic and cooperative play. In addition to the classroom activities the children participate in music/movement, science, art and Spanish enrichment activities. View the Threes curriculum here.

The fours program is for children who turn four by September of the entering school year. We offer part day programs which meet for either 3 or 5 hours per morning each day of the week (Monday-Friday), or a full day program which runs for 7 hours each day of the week (Monday-Friday). Children in the full day program may also participate in the Stay & Play program which can extend the day. During this exciting year, the children in all options expand their language and pre-literacy skills, develop increasingly complex problem solving and critical thinking skills, and learn to make predictions and test ideas. At this age level, the children also begin to work more independently and manage their own projects, taking advantage of all classroom and enrichment activities. View the Fours curriculum here.

The kindergarten program is for those children who are five by September of entering school year and whose families wish for them to have the advantage of a lower child to teacher ratio than many other schools. The curriculum includes instruction in language arts and reading, mathematics, social studies, science, art, physical education and music. In both small groups and individually the children develop problem solving abilities, increase their ability to think analytically and learn time management skills. Kindergarten is a full day program which meets seven hours each day of the week (Monday-Friday). A kindergartner's day may be lengthened with the Stay & Play program. View the Kindergarten curriculum here.