Our Explorers Program

Explorers are 18 to 30 months. Children are welcome to this classroom based on their age and readiness, and following conversations with parents. In this classroom there is one adult for every six children. Of course, there are always extra hands provided by assistants.

Explorers discover:

• Experienced and responsive teachers who focus on each of them.
• A flexible and responsive environment designed to give them chance to move freely and explore their world.
• A fenced in yard with a mud kitchen, a sound and organic garden, and plenty of places to discover bugs, flowers, and frogs.
• Soft seating and structures for climbing, pulling up, walking, and developing gross motor skills
• Sand/water tables for early sensory development
• Instruments, art supplies, magnifying glasses, bug boxes, blocks, and trikes
• Trains and trucks, multicultural dolls, and manipulatives for rich language and social development.
• An extensive picture book library

Separation

Reggio Emilia’s “Inserimento,” which translated means “settling in,” is the approach our teachers take as they introduce both parents and babies to our environment. The teachers learn as much as they can from parents about each child’s personality, routines, and needs. To accomplish this understanding, they allow time for parent and child to separate and to become acquainted with the new surroundings. Our goal is for both parents and children to feel comfortable during this first separation.

Teachers as Co-Researchers and Caregivers

Our teachers communicate with parents about each child’s current state of development and daily progress as they rapidly grow. This reporting is accomplished through the use of an online portfolio. This portfolio follows each child through each day and year of schooling at Voyagers’.

Schedules, Times, and Connections

The routine of the day is predictable, but flexible so that toddlers know what to expect. There is a “child rhythm” embedded in the routine, so each child’s needs and interests are always at the forefront.

Children are given plenty of time to explore and play throughout the day. A gentle routine of free play, circle time, songs, rhymes, and games are accentuated. These little ones explore both in and outdoors. They are not rushed from one activity to another.

Our Explorers become more deeply engaged in play and discovery experiences when they have the time to do so. Routines, such as sleeping and eating, are given careful attention and considered another part of the curriculum. Providing rich materials, building relationships, and being present for each child, creates a secure, safe nest in which children can grow and flourish.

Active play is each Explorer’s way of practicing how to be in the world. These children are in play  continuously learning, developing new skills, seeking information, and gaining knowledge. The availability of multisensory materials, along with the teacher’s gentle guidance, facilitates each child’s inquiries and investigations.

The teachers watch, listen and document each child’s ideas and theories as they go about their daily routine. Teachers actively observers and reflect on what they learn about children’s interests. Only then do they make plans. These plans allow, within safe limits, for children to discover, create and share.