Penelope's Place Childcare

 “Play is the highest form of work.” Albert Einstein 

Penelope’s Place is different than most programs for young children in that we include infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children. This approach provides all ages with multiple learning experiences in a setting similar to an extended family. The children have access to opportunities for education in a constant, secure, and familiar base. See this page for more about the benefits of a multi-age program.

Infant Program

The focus of the Infant program is on developing loving, healthy attachments. These bonds are critical to the developing infant’s brain and future ability to learn and grow. We focus on providing a stable and secure environment with predictable routines. Infants are allowed to establish their own schedules for eating and sleeping, but there is always time to snuggle, talk and sing together.

Toddler Program

The Toddler Program builds on the foundations of the Infant Program. Toddlers work in an emergent curriculum where they are they decide on the themes to explore while adults provide resources to expand or elaborate their play. Basic toys such as wooden blocks, dolls, puppets and dress-ups are offered as props.  Imaginative play is supported by encouraging original uses for toys such as using a wooden block for a shoe, phone, or a barn. Storytime happens daily and includes songs, rhymes and fingerplays. Toddlers explore in a safe predictable environment with secure and loving relationships with caregivers and older children.

Preschool Program

Preschoolers develop ever more elaborate play themes through drama, dance, and role-playing practicing more complex language, concepts and problem-solving skills. They spend more time constructing both complex physical and cognitive structures as their attention spans increase. Gross Motor skills are practiced in daily outside play, while fine motor activities are available in art and sensory activities. Literature, puppets and songs are woven throughout the day, as well as in scheduled circle time.

After School Program

A healthy snack is served after children are picked up at school or the bus stop. The school-age children may do homework, work on quiet activities or play outside. They are expected to interact with kindness and respect. The older children develop nurturing and sensitive behaviors with younger children – an opportunity not always available in same age groups. Supportive relationships between age levels occur naturally in this setting and children develop confidence without the competition typical of mixed age settings. All children take responsibility for helping those who are younger.