The Oak Grove Early Learning Center program is designed to provide developmentally appropriate activities for each child. We understand young children learn best in an active environment that is planned to match their level of development. Children are active learners, not sitters; therefore, we provide a learning environment conducive for active learning.
GOALS
Oak Grove’s Early Learning Center provides a safe and loving Christian environment for 3, 4 and 5 year olds* that addresses the following areas of growth and development: spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional and physical.
The program has the following goals:
- To nurture and encourage students to grow in their faith and experience God’s love.
- To provide a wide range of experiences and hands-on learning opportunities to help young people succeed in a school environment.
- To develop confidence and help children gain efficient and effective learning strategies through cognitive and gross motor skills.
- To encourage creative thinking, problem solving, the development of positive self-image and appropriate social skills.
- To develop readiness for kindergarten.
- To instill a love of learning and a wonder of the world around us.
* Children must turn 4 years old by July 31 for the 4 and 5 year old program. All children must be potty trained; no pull-ups allowed.
CENTERS
One of the features of the Oak Grove Early Learning Center classroom is the use of “centers.” Centers are an important part of the learning environment for young children – children are able to choose the centers they would like to work in each day. Some of the centers have a long history of use in early childhood programs, including art, reading, writing, science, housekeeping and block centers. Other unique centers are set up for two or three weeks on a particular topic.
Centers are small and allow for four to five children to work together. In this small group, children learn to share, take turns and value other children’s ideas. They use language to accompany their activities, expanding their vocabulary.
PROGRAMS AND MUSICALS
The Early Learning Center has a Christmas and spring program for parents, grandparents and special guests.These are special times for the students to showcase the songs and poems they have learned for their family and friends.
COMMUNICATIONS
Oak Grove is committed to staying in touch with parents on all the latest happenings at the school. Newsletters are sent weekly to parents with ongoing updates and Oak Grove’s Grover Gram e-newsletter is sent monthly. Early Learning Center teachers are available by e-mail or phone and parent-teacher conferences are held twice per year to communicate how each child is progressing.
