Our Programs
At The Garden Patch Play School, your children ARE the curriculum. Our goal is to form a deep connection with each individual in our group and work to create the best learning patch together. Through observation, we will get to know where they are developmentally. We look at the whole child - their physical development, social, and emotional, language development and cognitive skills.
They will have experiences with art, science, and sensory, as well as opportunities to take risks and challenge their gross and fine motor skills. We will truly have an emergent curriculum as teachers will be able to follow children’s interests and supplement with materials to expand their learning. The environment is really our extra teacher at the Patch as we will use the Garden, Sandbox, and Mud pit - we’ll run and have obstacle courses in the Meadow, and swing as high as the sky.
Infant Program
AGES: 6 weeks to 18 months
After assessing the needs of our community, we decided in March of 2022 to open our Infant Program at the Patch. Our quaint, intimate baby room welcomes 6 infants between the ages of 6 weeks and 18 months or time to transition to the Toddler program.
We have 3 loving caregivers to nurture and help promote healthy development focusing on gross and fine motor, social skills, emotional attachment, language and cognitive skills as well.
Our days are filled with ample time outdoors enjoying nature and sensory rich experiences. Language begins to blossom with books and songs, felt board stories and fingerplays and games to music.
Toddler Program
AGES: 18 months to 3 years
What a time of wonder and discovery as our Toddlers take on the Meadow.
Our toddlers spend the first hour of our morning in the Prairie classroom as they build their community and enjoy language rich curriculum filled with songs, stories and games with a great deal of repetition to help build those vocabularies.
Toilet training happens naturally as children are invited to use the potty when they are showing signs of readiness. The toddlers have an area of our Meadow yard segregated for their use with a playhouse, tree swings, a sandbox, art and creative exploration, and sensory play as well.
Preschool
AGES: 3 years+
Our preschool program is for children ages 3 and up. This is a unique and crucial time in a child’s development and we do our best to ensure that they have a real, authentic childhood. The children are the curriculum. We follow their lead as they script the learning that is taking place.
Our main focus is on their social and emotional development as we help them build problem solving and conflict resolution skills. We also validate ALL feelings and try to help them express those feelings in appropriate ways. We love big body play and children learn to take risks and try new things which might be out of their comfort zone.
We have a sensory rich environment with a sand box and mud pit and 5 hoses throughout the yard. Art is encouraged everyday and is a free creative expression - no ditto sheets or cookie cutter crafts. We value the process over the final product.
Music, Yoga, Games, and Stories fill the yard and children learn to appreciate nature and care for all of the living things at our Patch because it truly is a place to grow.
Big School
AGES: TK / Kindergarten to 2nd Grade (and still growing!)
Our early childhood program fosters curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning through meaningful play and exploration. Children are given the time and space to discover the world both inside and outside the classroom, engaging with nature, materials, and one another in ways that spark wonder and imagination.
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Through hands-on experiences, children develop important social and emotional skills such as cooperation, problem-solving, confidence, and empathy. Our nurturing environment encourages children to ask questions, try new things, and build independence while feeling safe and supported.
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Learning is woven naturally into each day through storytelling, art, music, movement, early literacy, and foundational math experiences. Outdoor play and nature exploration are an essential part of the program, allowing children to connect with the natural world while developing curiosity, resilience, and joy in discovery.
Sunny Sprouts Enrichment Program - TK-1st Grade
AGES: Children must be 5 years old between Sept. and April or by teacher discretion
Our Sunny Sprouts program is for children 5 years and up. It is a supplemental program meant for homeschool students who want further enrichment and socialization.
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Sunny Sprouts is our afternoon enrichment program that offers a space for children to continue their day through meaningful, hands-on experiences. Designed for full day students, half day students, and homeschool families, this program provides opportunities for creativity, connection, and exploration in a nurturing, play-based environment.
Children engage in a variety of enriching activities including art, science, nature exploration, gardening, cooking, storytelling, music, movement, individual and collaborative projects. With a strong emphasis on social-emotional development, children will build friendships and grow in confidence as they learn alongside each other.
Outdoor time is an essential part of our afternoon, allowing the children to unwind, explore, and connect with nature. Our program supports a variety of educational paths, offering a balance between structure and freedom while honoring each child's individuality and love of learning.
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Learning through playful, age-appropriate experiences
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Activities focused in literacy, math, science, cooking, gardening, movement, construction, and community
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A balance of child-initiated and teacher-initiated learning
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Individual learning within a community
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Choose from 2-4 days per week, Monday-Thursday from 1:00-3:00pm (playtime until 5:00 available)
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Although each day will have a designated lesson plan according to the learning domain; stories, songs, and games will happen each day and some crossover activities will take place. We are working to build a micro-community strengthening social skills as well as concepts of readiness.
ENROLLMENT OPTIONS
HALF DAY PROGRAM
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
(toddler and preschool age only)
2 Days a Week
Tuesday and Thursdays
3 Days a Week
Monday, Wednesday, Fridays
5 Days a Week
Monday through Friday
FULL DAY PROGRAM
7:30 am - 5:00 pm
5 Days a Week
Monday through Friday
2 and 3 days Available in Limited Capacity
Got a Question?
We are happy to answer any questions you may have about our programs.