The Penguin Classroom is for children ages two and a half to three and a half.
This room is smaller, has its own entrance and an option to use a separate playground. Many children are moving to this school from our toddler learning center, or are attending school for the first time. This room offers children and parents the opportunity to slowly get comfortable in a larger school setting.
Children in this classroom should be potty-trained or ready to move forward with that process. As with all skills, we help them every step of the way. In this classroom, children are exposed to learning in small groups and larger groups. They are taught many self-help skills such as dressing and family style eating. Through talking, reading, games and hands on activities, children are taught concepts of letter recognition, basic science and math principles, art and music enjoyment and social skills. We take time each day to focus on nutrition and movement as well as social emotional skills. The emphasis in this classroom is placed on helping each child to become independent in life skills and to unite the classroom as a community using cooperation and loving kindness.
A note from Miss Jodie
Welcome to our transition-to-preschool room! We are so excited to have the opportunity to guide and nurture your child as they develop during this very important time in their lives. Our activities support the foundation of your child’s future education and their individual social and emotional development while encouraging individual creativity and freedom of expression.
I have worked with Young Peoples for two years now and feel as though it is my home away from home. Previously I was the school-age director at before and after school programs both at O’Dea Elementary and Cottonwood Elementary. This past January I began my transition into the Penguin classroom. I have enjoyed it very much and I am excited to accept the roll of lead teacher this fall.
Our days are filled with laughter and learning which go so well together. Our classroom promotes peer interaction and we work on concepts around taking care of one another as well as our pets – a fish tank and a hermit crab – and our classroom plants. Through these interactions we learn empathy, understanding, patience and friendship as well as self-esteem and a stronger sense of self. I look forward to building a quality and caring relationship with you and your children throughout our time together this school year!
Jodie has been working at YPLC since 2009.
Jodie is working on her Early Childhood Education Degree and is trained in C.A.R.E.S, Applebaum, Touchpoints and S.A.C.E.R.S curriculums and standards. Jodie stresses the importance of allowing children to express themselves by remaining open minded, flexible, understanding and creative. She believes in the symbiotic relationships between children and educators in sharing learning, laughter and love.
“I enjoy working with the children and families at YPLC because it offers the opportunity for me to grow as an educator and advocate for early childhood education.”
-> Preschool Homepage -> Parrots: 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 year olds -> Eagles: Pre-Kindergarteners
