Classes
AUCP offers several classes for different age groups and on different days to meet the needs of our families.
Panda class
(4 months to 2 years)
Panda classes are offered five mornings a week, gives infants and toddlers an opportunity to play, learn, and socialize in a safe, nurturing environment. Families may enroll their child one day a week, or more if space permits. Panda classes are open to children from the age of six weeks (for siblings of current AUCP students) or four months (for new families). Six Pandas are supervised by a teacher, an aide, and a co-oping parent. Parents are not required to remain on site when they have no co-oping responsibilities.
Kangaroo and Koala classes
(2 years old by September 30, 2010)
Two classes will be offered for children who are two years old by September 30, 2010. These classes will enroll 12 children each. Children in these two classes must have birthdays from October 1, 2007 to September 30, 2008 and need not be toilet-trained. The Kangaroo class will meet on Monday and Thursday mornings; the Koala class will meet on Monday and Wednesday mornings.
Penguin class
(3 years old by September 30, 2010)
The Penguin class is for children who are three years old by September 30, 2010. Children in this class must have birthdays from January 1, 2006 to September 30, 2007 and need not be toilet-trained. This class consists of 12 children and meets on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings.
Dolphin and Eagle classes
(4 years old by January 1, 2011)
Two classes will be offered for children who will be four years old by January 1, 2011 and have birthdays from October 1, 2005 to December 31, 2006. The Dolphin and Eagle classes will meet on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings. Each class will enroll approximately 14 children.
Cheetah class
(Science & Nature enrichment)
An optional enrichment class with a Science & Nature theme will be offered on Monday morning. The Cheetah class will stress the process of discovery. Children must be enrolled in the Dolphin, Eagle, or Penguin class in order to be eligible for this class.
Owl class
(Pre-kindergarten enrichment)
An optional Pre-kindergarten enrichment class will be offered on Monday and Wednesday mornings. The Owl class will provide opportunities for field trips, language activities, and cooperative learning experiences consistent with the children's' interests and needs. Children must be four years old by September 30, 2010 to enroll.
Lunch bunch
Lunch Bunch is an enrichment class for children heading off to kindergarten the next Fall. It meets once a week starting in January from 12:30- 2:30 pm, providing the children an opportunity to acclimate to a full day at school in an environment that is both fun and comfortable for them. The group activities are centered in art, science exploration and play-centered activities, all with a theme of the day.
Enrichment classes
Music
Each week our music teacher teaches each class and presents a 20-minute, age-appropriate music lesson that includes rhythm, music, and movement. Depending on the music teacher’s schedule, certain Panda classes will not have a music class.
Spanish
Our Spanish teacher visits the Dolphin, and Eagle classes each week and presents an engaging 20-minute Spanish lesson focusing on language and culture.
A typical day at AUCP
Although it varies by class and children’s ages, a typical class day may include:
- Free choice: teachers set up several stations each morning. Children can play and work at any station for as long as they like or move from area to area. Stations may include arts and crafts, playdough, tools, building materials, blocks, dolls, dress-up, play kitchen, puzzles, or the sensory table filled with water, sand, or other tactile materials.
- Music class: taught by veteran teacher Alison Marino once a week for each class, music includes singing, dancing, fingerplays, musical instruments, and scarves.
- Snack time: snack is provided by one co-oping parent each day, except in the Panda class where parents provide snacks for their own children.
- Circle Time: teacher-directed story time, music, show and tell, sharing time, group discussion, talks, or demonstrations by a parent or community member.
- Interest center or special activity: Children participate in as many as three teacher-planned activities such as arts and crafts projects, games, specific large or small motor skill practice, or specially chosen puzzles or other manipulative activities.
- Playground: children play on our beautiful and well-maintained playground. Often more than one class shares the playground at the same time, with plenty of adult supervision. Because children need a change of scenery and benefit from exercise and fresh air, we take them to the playground as much as possible except in extremely bad weather.
- Lunch: each child brings her own lunch. Teachers and co-opers supervise lunch and help children as necessary.