Sunroom
3-4 years old
Sunroom is a vibrant and engaging space designed to inspire curiosity and foster a love for learning. In the Sunroom, children are exposed to learning concepts and skills through play and their daily routines. Social-emotional development continues to be the primary focus as students navigate group dynamics. The thoughtfully planned experiences in Sunroom are emergent, meaning that student interest and inquiry is at the heart of what we do (see "Invitations to Play" below for more information). In recognizing that children grow and develop at their own pace, upon a 1 year completion of the Sunroom, students may go on to the Treehouse program (Pre K/TK), outside TK programs, Kindergarten, or continue for an additional year in the Sunroom depending on each child’s developmental growth and strengths.
Invitations to Play
"Invitations" are carefully crafted open-ended activities or experiences based on the unique interests and inquiries of our students, ensuring that they are fully engaged and excited about their learning experiences. Our dedicated co-teachers closely observe and interact with the children in their play, identifying their individual focus skills. By integrating these skills into the invitations to play, we create a rich and meaningful learning environment that promotes growth and development across various areas.
Skill Building
Play has an important (if not the most important) role in the constructs of learning. When children are allowed to play they encounter natural situations that require problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration and many other skills that allow children to expand their way of thinking when tackling a new adventure.
Cooperative Experiences
At this age, cooperative play really begins to blossom. Sunroom provides plentiful opportunities for students to work together cooperatively, whether it be working on an intricate block structure, negotiating roles in dramatic play, or working on a project with a friend (or friends!). As they engage in these cooperative experiences, adults are always nearby, ready to lend a helping hand when needed to coach students with communication, negotiation, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.
Community Development
Everyones uniqueness is valued and individuality is encouraged. With a set of guiding principles, students learn that their presence matters and is respected by everyone in the group. In turn, they are learning how to be collaborative and supportive members of a community where there is space for everyone to shine. Each student is a contributor and learner within a safe and respectful space.
Active participants in their education
In the Sunroom students are encouraged to expand on their curiosity by “doing and questioning.” Students use their voice to share their thoughts, views and ideas while also being thoughtful listeners of others’ ideas and plans. Children are here to have fun and enjoy a process that reflects a greater purpose, not a singular product. In the Sunroom learning happens organically through inquiry, exploration, developing plans, holding reflective conversations with peers and grown-ups, and trial and error. All of these areas are co-existing while a deeper solidification of self-regulation and social-emotional growth is occurring. This is #TheOCNSway.
$6950/Year
Monday-Thursday, 8:30-12:30
Ms. Andrea & Ms. Harriett
2 working parents
15 students