RMAE | Our Preschool

RMAE Preschool is a "Friends of Core Knowledge" Preschool. We are working toward achieving "Official Core Knowledge Site Status."

Letter from the Preschool Director

Dear Parents,

Welcome to the Rocky Mountain Academy of Evergreen Preschool. For those of you who are not familiar with our program, I will first provide you with a brief history of the school, which I initially proposed in June of 2003. It opened the following September with the additional help of a group of parents and board members already affiliated with Rocky Mountain Academy. Following a future plan for the K-8 campus to open a preschool, an ever-strengthening support from the community allowed it to happen much sooner than anyone had anticipated. Within two years, the number of students increased from 28 to over 65, which includes both part-time and full-time enrollment. In order for the preschool to align itself with the Core Knowledge teaching methods implemented in the K-8 program, it is currently working towards achieving the "Official Core Knowledge Site Status," which is expected to be completed within the next two years. In addition to state-mandated early childhood training, preschool staff members are currently undergoing required instruction that specifically addresses the Core Knowledge curriculum.
The Core Knowledge Preschool Sequence will teach children the necessary skills to help them grow emotionally and socially, while also developing independent thinking and problem solving skills. Our literacy-rich environment, which includes a strong emphasis on oral language development, provides many learning opportunities that will encourage young children to develop an interest in reading and writing. There is also a strong emphasis in mathematical reasoning, orientation in time and space, scientific reasoning, music and movement, physical education, and visual arts.
Last year we successfully employed the Core Knowledge Assessment tool, ensuring that your child has received the highest quality of a preschool education. In addition, staff members wrote individual goals for each child and conducted two parent/teacher conferences, at which point a goal-oriented progress report was provided to the parent. This allowed us to better evaluate each student's performance and has provided us further insight into the individualization of each program. It has also taught us that maintaining a low student:teacher ratio is one way of ensuring a positive and productive learning environment. This upcoming year we will be offering Preschool programs Level 1, Pre-Kindergarten Level 2, and Jr. Kindergarten, which is a combination of Level 2 and the Core Knowledge Kindergarten curriculum. We will also begin teaching the Social and Peacemaking Skills curriculum in all grades, in which children will learn the universal "Stop & Think Problem Solving Steps": Stop and Think, Good Choice or Bad Choice, What are My Choices or Steps, Do It!, and Good Job! Please be assured that our staff members are very aware of the subjectivity of these topics and are dedicated to working with your children in a way that is consistent with the nurturing environment that is provided in your home. A meeting will be scheduled early in the school year to provide in-depth information on this program.
RMAE Preschool appreciates and encourages parent involvement. We invite you to become involved in your child's classroom and in any of the programs that are offered through our Preschool, PTO and Board of Directors. By supporting and becoming a member of the PTO, you are helping to provide funding for extra projects and activities that benefit all the children. We also host a variety of community building events and ask that you attend as many as you can of the following: Registration, Playground Clean-up, Open House, Lunch With Your Child and Teacher (new this year), Back-to-School Night, Visits to the Evergreen Life Care Center, Winter Holiday Program, Auction, Sock Hop, Scholastic Book Fairs, and the End of Year Celebration. In addition, all of our classrooms participate in numerous family-oriented celebrations throughout the year. These are great activities to meet other families in our school, and ways to become involved in the Evergreen community. We look forward to seeing you around!
Thank you for making the choice to enroll your child at RMAE Preschool. We look forward to getting to know your family, and look forward to an exciting year. Each of our teachers and staff is committed to making sure that your child has the best experience possible in their early learning years. We also want you to know that we are here to support you in any way we can, and hope that RMAE Preschool offers a positive experience for you as well.
I hope you find this Family Handbook useful in answering your questions related to our school's procedures. Your comments are appreciated, and I encourage you to bring your concerns or questions to my attention at any time. I can be reached at the Preschool 303-670-3447 x5 or if you prefer to email me at dcaruso@rmae.org.
Thank you and have a nice day.

Sincerely,

Debbie Caruso
RMAE Preschool Director

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Preschool Schedule

Office Hours: 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Preschool I & II, Pre-Kindergarten, and Jr. Kindergarten
2 day – 8:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Tue/Fri
3 day – 8:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Mon/Wed/Thurs
5 day – 8:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Monday through Friday

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Preschool Curriculum

The Rocky Mountain Academy of Evergreen Preschool combines elements of the Core Knowledge Curriculum, the Creative Curriculum, and The Active Learning Series Curriculum, Open Court, and Funshine Express and developmentally appropriate practice with young children.

The curriculum is designed to facilitate many areas of development including:
Intellectual/Cognitive
Language Development
Social Interaction and Emotional Development
Self Identity and Self Help
Gross Motor and Fine Motor Development

Centers and play materials include:
Arts and Crafts
Blocks and accessories
Books, Magazines, and Posters
Dramatic Play and Housekeeping
Large Muscle Equipment/Outdoor Play Activities
Manipulative Toys and Materials
Musical Equipment
Science Materials
Games (both indoors and outdoors) Structured and Unstructured
Tactile Tables (sand, water, rice, beans, etc.)

What Will My Child Learn In Preschool?
To be away in a trusting, safe, loving and nurturing environment
To work with teachers and groups of children
To work independently and make choices
To cooperate and share, solve problems and negotiate
School rules, classroom limits and new routines
To complete a task or activity and feel good about it
To ask questions and seek answers with confidence
To become independent and ask questions without being afraid
To develop excellent language skills
Pre-reading and pre-math skills
Good nutrition and health practices, and much, much more!

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Preschool Program Overview

Preschool I

The Core Knowledge Curriculum guides our youngest program for children beginning at age 2 ½. Additional activities are provided by the Active Learning Series, the Creative Curriculum, and many other resources. Developmentally Appropriate guidelines established by the National Association of Education for the Young Child are closely followed in making thoughtful and appropriate decisions about the program’s schedule, activities, and guidance strategies. This program is designed for young children based on what is known about young children. Individual needs are met by the teacher’s approach to each child's level of development and provide the necessary content within the classroom environment to meet these needs. Children are not grouped according to age or ability, but are looked upon as unique individuals. Our teachers support the growth and development of all children, and use everything they can to learn about each child. This includes individual learning styles and preferences, interests, personality and temperament, abilities, challenges and difficulties.

The Preschool I classroom environment is set up to encourage development for self-help skills and promote independence. Centers include materials and activities that are rearranged throughout the day and provide an environment for young children to explore and participate in child-initiated, autonomous play and learning opportunities. Young children learn by watching real people perform real things and experiencing the way a world works. Children in our program will experience the way their world works. The preschool environment provides a variety of open-ended materials such as art, and writing supplies. These centers offer complexity and encourage independent decision-making skills. A balance of music and movement is provided throughout the day. Math manipulatives and science experiments are provided to stimulate reasoning, problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Realistic toys and props are used during constructive, dramatic, and imitative play. Play is important for children's developing sense of competence. Through play, children become empowered to do things for themselves, to feel in control, to test and practice their skills, and to affirm confidence in themselves. Children are treated with kindness and each new learning experience is approached with patience and understanding.

Because young children are creatures of habit and ritual, repetition throughout the day provides soothing structure to their day. At the same time, the schedule remains flexible enough and is able to offer a wide variation in order to meet individual needs. Teachers give time to help young children participate as fully as they would like during routines. Children are included in helping to make transitions go smoothly, and ample periods of time are provided for quiet and inactivity. Snacks are served family style so children can learn to try different foods. Child-size serving utensils are provided to encourage independence, confidence and self-esteem.

Outdoor play is recommended daily and is a valued component of our program. Whenever possible, children will have the opportunity to experience art activities outdoors and make discoveries about their outdoor environment by taking nature walks around the school property. Curriculum does not just take place in the classroom. The schedule provided is simply used as a guide.

To be considered for enrollment into the Preschool Program the following pre-requisites must be met:

• A child must be 2 ½ years old at the start of the school year.
• The child must be emotionally ready to attend a preschool program.
• Child must be potty trained, or well on his/her way; understands when and how to use the bathroom facilities.

Many young children who are entering into the early childhood setting for the first time experience some separation anxiety at the start of the program. Our staff is trained and will assist children and parents in making the transition into preschool positive.

The Preschool I Schedule (SAMPLE)
8:15-8:30 Student’s Arrive / Welcoming Activities
8:35 Attendance
8:40-9:15 Circle Activities
9:15-9:45 Bathroom Break / Snack
9:45-10:15 Recess and Outdoor Play
10:15-10:30 Return from Recess / Bathroom Break
10:30-11:10 Literacy Activities
11:10-11:20 Bathroom Break
11:20-11:40 Story/Music/Rhymes /Lunch Preparation
11:40-12:10 Lunch
12:10-12:30 Clean Up / Bathroom Break / Nap Space Ready
12:30-1:30 Nap Time
1:30-1:40 Pick-up Mats / Bathroom Break
1:40-2:10 Science / Math Blocks
2:10-2:30 Art Activity / Centers
2:30-2:40 Prepare to go home / Story Time
2:45 Dismissal

• Preschool I children do not go on field trips requiring transportation in vehicles.

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Preschool II

The Preschool II Core Knowledge Curriculum is intended to guide the planning of experiences and activities for children by offering a coherent progression of skills and knowledge in the following areas: Physical well-being (Movement and Coordination), Social and Emotional Development, Establishing Work Habits, Language Development, Cognitive Development, (e.g., Mathematical Reasoning and Number Sense, Orientation in Time and Space, Scientific Reasoning and the Physical World, Music and the Visual Arts.) The Active Learning Series, Creative Curriculum and many other resources will be used for planning multiple enrichment activities in the classroom. Curriculum content can include weekly, seasonal and Holiday theme-units. Our program also follows the developmental guidelines established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

The Preschool II Program meets the individual needs of each child in the classroom. In this program children will have the opportunity to express their individual interests of learning. Children will have the opportunity to participate in the planning of their projects and classroom activities throughout the year. This process promotes critical thinking skills and is encouraged throughout the program. Children will also have the opportunity to participate in both Small and Large Group activities and learn through active, self-initiated exploration and interaction with concrete materials, adults, and other children. New experiences are provided daily to offer challenging opportunities for children to develop their independence and express their individuality. Teachers interact in ways to help structure the children's activities by asking open-ended questions.

During Small Group the classroom environment is organized for children to make a selection among many hands-on learning tools that are related to what is being taught. Children can make their own choices, and are able to participate in more than one activity, time permitting. Journal writing is used for children to practice their writing strokes, names, numbers, and draw pictures and shapes daily. As writing skills progress, children also practice age appropriate inventive spelling in their journals. Children are encouraged to perform their best and are challenged individually according to their abilities. Science experiments and multi-media arts are also offered as a Small Group allowing children to explore the various supplies and materials and experiment with material on their own. Books are available for daily use in the classroom.

Large Group activities include Calendar and Opening Exercises. Language development occurs through Circle discussion, Share Time, Finger-plays, Rhymes and Storytelling, and Singing. Circle time is an important part of the morning schedule. Listening skills are developed, behavior expectations are modeled, and participation is encouraged. Play centers such as blocks, construction toys, cars and trucks, animals of various shapes and types, woodworking equipment, dramatic play/dress-up, housekeeping, water or rice and bean tables are all samples of Large Group activities.

Play is essential for all children's healthy mental growth and development. Through play, children's cognitive, language, literacy, social and emotional, physical, and creative development occurs. Play enables children to make sense of their own world and provides children the opportunity to meet and solve real problems in a natural setting. Field Trips are provided and used as enrichment throughout the curriculum. Outdoor play is essential for good health and promotes gross motor development and creative expression.

Positive Guidance strategies are used to encourage expected behavior. Clear limits are set and redirecting children to a more acceptable activity are the strategies used in the Preschool II classroom. This method is highly successful and teaches children ownership for their actions.

All children will be evaluated on a daily, individual basis. Assessment in the Preschool II classroom is an on-going process. Approaches such as directed observations, checklists, work sampling and portfolios are used to assess children's progress guided by the Core Knowledge Assessment Tool.

Whether your child is attending the 2-Day, 3-Day, or 5-Day Option, he/she will have the opportunity to participate in a large variety of activities and subject materials daily. All program options will follow the same curriculum; however the content will be adapted daily to offer new and exciting experiences every day. Teachers will use a variety of methods, strategies, and materials to help each child achieve their end goals.

The Preschool II Schedule (SAMPLE)
8:15-8:30 Students Arrive / Welcoming Activities
8:30 Attendance
8:35-9:15 Circle Time/Attendance/Weather/Letter of the Week
9:15-9:45 Letter Work
9:45-10:00 Potty Break
10:00-10:10 Snack
10:10-10:50 Recess
10:50-11:00 Potty Break
11:00-11:30 Show ‘N’ Tell/Story time/Rhymes/Singing
11:30-12:00 Number Work
12:00-12:10 Potty Break
12:10-12:40 Lunch
12:40-1:00 Clean Up/ Potty/ Prepare for Nap Time
1:00-2:00 Nap Time
2:00-2:15 Potty Break/Put Away Mats/Tidy Class
2:15-2:30 Review Day
2:30-2:40 Prepare to go home
2:45 Dismissal

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Pre-Kindergarten

The Pre-kindergarten Core Knowledge Curriculum is intended to guide the planning of experiences and activities for children by offering a coherent progression of skills and knowledge in the following areas: Physical well-being (Movement and Coordination), Social and Emotional Development, Establishing Work Habits, Language Development, Cognitive Development, (e.g., Mathematical Reasoning and Number Sense, Orientation in Time and Space, Scientific Reasoning and the Physical World, Music and the Visual Arts.) The Active Learning Series, Creative Curriculum and many other resources will be used for planning multiple enrichment activities in the classroom. Curriculum content can include weekly, seasonal and Holiday theme-units. Our program also follows the developmental guidelines established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

The Pre-kindergarten Program meets the individual needs of each child in the classroom. In this program, children will have the opportunity to express their individual interests of learning. Children will have the opportunity to participate in the planning of their projects and classroom activities throughout the year. This process promotes critical thinking skills and is encouraged throughout the program. Children will also have the opportunity to participate in both Small and Large Group activities and learn through active, self-initiated exploration and interaction with concrete materials, adults, and other children. New experiences are provided daily to offer challenging opportunities for children to develop their independence and express their individuality. Teachers interact in ways to help structure the children's activities by asking open-ended questions.

During Small Group the classroom environment is organized for children to make a selection among many hands-on learning tools that are related to what is being taught. Children can make their own choices, and are able to participate in more than one activity, time permitting. Journal writing is used for children to practice their writing strokes, names, numbers, and draw pictures and shapes daily. As writing skills progress, children also practice age appropriate inventive spelling in their journals. Children are encouraged to perform their best and are challenged individually according to their abilities. Science experiments and multi-media arts are also offered as a Small Group allowing children to explore the various supplies and materials and experiment with material on their own. Books are available for daily use in the classroom.

Large Group activities include Calendar and Opening Exercises. Language development occurs through Circle discussion, Share Time, Finger-plays, Rhymes and Storytelling, and Singing. Circle time is an important part of the morning schedule. Listening skills are developed, behavior expectations are modeled, and participation is encouraged. Play centers such as blocks, construction toys, cars and trucks, animals of various shapes and types, woodworking equipment, dramatic play/dress-up, housekeeping, water or rice and bean tables are all samples of Large Group activities.

Play is essential for all children's healthy mental growth and development. Through play, children's cognitive, language, literacy, social and emotional, physical, and creative development occurs. Play enables children to make sense of their own world and provides children the opportunity to meet and solve real problems in a natural setting. Field Trips are provided and used as enrichment throughout the curriculum. Outdoor play is essential for good health and promotes gross motor development and creative expression.

Positive Guidance strategies are used to encourage expected behavior. Clear limits are set and redirecting children to a more acceptable activity are the strategies used in the pre-kindergarten classroom. This method is highly successful and teaches children ownership for their actions.

All children will be evaluated on a daily, individual basis. Assessment in the pre-kindergarten classroom is an on-going process. Approaches such as directed observations, checklists, work sampling and portfolios are used to assess children's progress guided by the Core Knowledge Assessment Tool.

Whether your child is attending the 2-Day, 3-Day, or 5-Day Option, he/she will have the opportunity to participate in a large variety of activities and subject materials daily. All program options will follow the same curriculum; however the content will be adapted daily to offer new and exciting experiences every day. Teachers will use a variety of methods, strategies, and materials to help each child achieve their end goals.

Sample Pre-Kindergarten Schedule (SAMPLE)
8:15-8:30 Students Arrive / Welcoming Activities
8:30 Attendance
8:45-9:30 Circle Activities
9:30-10:15 Bathroom Breaks and Snacks
10:15-10:45 Literacy Block
10:45-11:15 Recess
11:20-11:30 Return from Recess
11:30-11:50 Math Block
11:50-12:00 Lunch Preparation
12:00-12:45 Lunch / Library
12:45-12:55 Bathroom Breaks
12:55-1:30 Story time/Quiet Time
1:30-2:30 Open Centers/Science/Art
2:30-2:40 Daily Review/Class Meeting
2:45 Dismissal

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Jr. Kindergarten

This program is designed to provide academic learning, ages 4 ½ years and older, opportunities ranging in periods of time between 30-45 minutes in the following areas: Mathematics and Mathematical Reasoning Activities, Literacy: Reading Activities, Phonics, Language Skills Development through Rhymes, Poetry, and Storytelling, Journal writing and other various writing activities, Science, and Social Studies. Arts and Creative Expression, Music, Movement, Drop Everything and Read (DEAR), Cooking Activities, Dramatic Play, Discovery Time and Free Play, Field Trips, Classroom Celebrations and Special Events.

This schedule has been proven to be successful in preparing children for the rigorous and challenging academic Core Knowledge Curriculum Kindergarten Program. The Junior Kindergarten Program is developmentally appropriate and meets the individual needs of each child in the classroom.

This program offers children who are also kindergarten eligible but need an additional year of early childhood education, and those children who will be attending kindergarten the following year and already attended the pre-kindergarten program. The Jr. Kindergarten program is designed to offer more challenging opportunities for the slightly older child. In order for a child to be completely successful in this program, we recommend attendance all five days. If a child attends all five days, it is not uncommon for a child to take off an occasional day during the week, especially in the beginning of the year. There are also 3-day and 2-day options available (M/W/Th and T/F.) The curriculum content is more limited for these options.

The schedule offers a balance between academics, arts, music and movement. It also provides many opportunities for children to mature socially and emotionally. In the Jr. Kindergarten program children are provided many new hands-on learning opportunities in which they will learn to gain more focus, increase their attention span and improve work habits, and work quality. These are skills necessary for the success of all children entering Kindergarten. This additional year of early childhood also provides children time to develop their leadership skills, self-confidence, and self-esteem. Children want to become more independent. They learn to be more responsible for their own actions and belongings by placing higher expectations upon them. Children's fine motor development increases at a rapid rate around the mid-year mark and there is vast improvement in eye-hand coordination. Reading, Math and Language development readiness skills are increased and children are once again, better prepared for Kindergarten.

In the Jr. Kindergarten classroom snacks are served as a center and children are taught to serve themselves and develop self-help skills. Most Social Studies and Science projects are child-initiated which helps children to develop critical thinking skills.

To be considered for enrollment into the Junior Kindergarten Program, any one of the following pre-requisites must be met:

• Child must be 4 years 6 months or older.
• Child must have attended a pre-kindergarten program or equivalent.
• Child must be emotionally ready to attend a full day more structured program.

The Jr. Kindergarten Schedule (SAMPLE)
8:15-8:30 Students Arrive
8:30 Attendance is taken
8:35-10:00 Centers / Snack
10:00-10:30 Circle Activities / Literacy Block
10:30-11:00 Math Block
11:00-11:30 Recess
11:30-11:50 Story time or Complete Math or Literacy Activities
11:50-12:00 Lunch Preparation
12:00-12:30 Lunch and Clean-up
12:40-1:10 Drop Everything and Read
1:10-1:40 Science, History, Social Studies, Math Block
1:40-2:30 Open Art Centers
2:30-2:40 Prepare to go home/Story-time/Review the Day
2:45 Dismissal

One field trip will be scheduled per month for each option.

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Statement of Purpose and Goals

Rocky Mountain Academy of Evergreen Preschool provides a holistic learning environment for young children. Teaching emphases are based upon the emotional, social, and intellectual development of each child. Our classrooms offer developmentally appropriate learning centers in a warm and friendly environment. Each day in the classroom includes teacher-instructed activities, which promote individual encouragement to all children in achieving their goals. This approach exposes the children to a variety of choices so that our teachers can enrich and challenge all types of learning styles. Choices vary depending on the specific classroom and ages of children. Significant time is spent on multi-media arts, dramatic play and storytelling, music, interactive science experiments, constructive play, sand/water, rice/beans, library instruction, outdoor play, nature walks, and field trips within and out of the immediate community.

Each child's progress is carefully monitored through daily observations by the instructor (s). Standards and expectations are high for each child. Progress is recognized and rewarded at each level of achievement. We strive to develop personal and trusting relationships between child, parents, faculty and administration.

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Philosophy

Rocky Mountain Academy of Evergreen Preschool seeks to provide a nurturing environment where all children develop a healthy, happy, and secure approach to living and learning. In our preschool program we meet the children's individual needs with love, patience, and understanding. Our teachers and staff are dedicated to working with young children. Our program is designed to promote curiosity and discovery in a warm and inviting developmentally appropriate learning environment. The Core Knowledge Curriculum is used as the foundation for our learning environment. Children are encouraged to develop their personal capabilities, strengths, interests and learning styles. Our staff strives to develop each child individually by recognizing and accepting their differences. The main component for success is self-esteem and self-confidence. Through this program and environment our goal is to help children achieve these qualities. It is our responsibility to develop trusting relationships within our community. Our Board of Directors, Director of RMAE, our Preschool Coordinator, Faculty, Staff, and Parents work together to form this partnership in the development and education of each child who enters our school.

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Preschool Enrollment

Priority consideration is given to:

• returning families
• RMAE staff members
• siblings

Download the application for Preschool Enrollment:

2009-2010

Preschool Enrollment

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Preschool Contact Information

Mailing address	Physical Address
RMAE Preschool 2959 Royale Elk Way Evergreen, CO 80437	RMAE Preschool 2981 Bergen Peak Drive Evergreen, CO 80439
Phone Number/Fax Number
(303) 670-3447 ext. 5 / (303) 670-6930

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Classroom Communication

Preschool I	Preschool II	Pre-Kindergarten	Jr. Kindergarten (M/W/Th)	Jr. Kindergarten (T/F)

Coming soon!

Frequently Asked Questions

Coming soon!

Preschool Family Handbook

Coming soon!

Core Knowledge Yearlong Plan

Coming soon!

Updated August 21, 2009