Intentional teaching

I recently found this article on intentional teaching, if you were to ask what is the philosphy of the Burlington Integrated Preschool my answer would be is that we teach with intention and have a balance between teacher and child directed activities. This article does a nice job explaining what it means to teach with intention in early childhood.

http://www.naeyc.org/event/intentional-teacher

Intentional teaching involves planning—having a goal and a means to accomplish it. Intentional teaching can also be serendipitous—taking advantage of unexpected opportunities. That means teachers must not only be child development experts in general, they must also understand the specific knowledge and skills appropriate for children to master in content areas such as literacy and mathematics, social and emotional development, physical development, and the creative arts.

In child-guided experiences, teachers create a materials-rich and safe environment, and provide support. In adult-guided learning, teachers plan activities, occasionally demonstrate skills, and make comments and ask questions to introduce new concepts and challenge children’s thinking.

Sometimes it is clear when adult-guided learning is needed (for example, children cannot invent the alphabet on their own). At other times, child-guided learning predominates (for example, children intuit certain properties of number such as “oneness”). It is always a judgment call. We thus need to observe children’s behavior, know their optimal modes of learning, and adjust accordingly.

Commonly Asked Questions

In January the phone at the Burlington Integrated Preschool rings constantly with families inquiring about the program. I spend a lot of time talking with prospective Parents and the same questions come up over and over again. Below are the answers to many of your questions:

What is the staff to student ratio, and what is the background of the teaching staff?

All of the integrated preschool classrooms cap at 15. There can be 7 students with special needs and 8 neighborhood students in each room. All of the classroom teachers have masters degrees in special education with an emphasis on early childhood development. The instructional assistants as well as classroom aides all have college degrees. The program is part of the Burlington Public School (BPS) and all staff participate in all BPS professional development.

What type of communication can I expect?

Parents are provided with weekly communication via the program blog. Each classroom has a page on the blog which outlines what the students will be learning about in the upcoming week as well as any special events. Teachers are available for conferences with parents whenever necessary. All of the integrated preschool staff have BPS email addresses and all of the teachers check their email on a daily basis.

What is your philosophy about play and academics?

The Burlington Integrated Preschool provides students with a balance between play and work time. Children are given up to one hour a day of choice time. This is a time when children can explore areas and activities are open ended. However, a lot of time and planning goes into each center and teachers work hard to ensure that centers are connected to what is being taught in the classroom. For example, if we are learning about winter each center is focused around that theme. If you were to enter into the classroom you might observe children learning how to dress in winter clothes, exploring snow in the sensory table, painting with ice cubes at the art center, a mitten matching game at the math/manipulative table, the library area is full with books relating to winter weather and at the writing center there would be words and writing prompts that would go along with winter. The children think they are playing but through play they are learning.

What do you do to encourage developmentally appropriate practice?

The Burlington Integrated Preschool celebrates each individual child's development. Many of the activities that children are exposed to are open ended and all lessons are developed and differentiated to meet the needs of the diverse group of learners in each classroom.

How do you deal with behavior issues?

The program is designed in a way that behavior problems are rarely and issue. We have a very strong predictable routine with built in transitions. When a behavior problem crops up we use several different techniques:

Positive redirection is used to help the child make the right choice.

At times teachers will help children make a different choice or redirect them to another area. When children are struggling and need a break we use a technique called sit and watch. This is a time when the child is placed just outside of the activity for a minute or two to take a break from the situation. After they have sat, the rules are reviewed and the child then joins the group again.

What can I do to help in this program?

Parents are welcome to volunteer in the program in classroom. All volunteers need to have an updated CORI on file. All CORI"S need to be filled out in the superintendents office.


When is tuition due, and what if we want to go away on vacation do we still have to pay?

Tuition is due the first Tuesday of every month. Tuition is based on a 10 month program and is due monthly. If your family goes away for an extended period of time you are still responsible to pay your child's tuition. Non payment can jeopardize your child's spot in the program.

Does my child need to be potty trained?

No, your child doesn't need to be trained in order to start preschool. When your child is ready we will work together as a team to help bridge the gap between school and home. You are responsible to send in diapers and wipes if your child is not trained.

How old does my child have to be to start school?

All children need to be 3 years old by 8/31.

Do you provide transportation?

No, we don't provide transportation for neighborhood students.

Is there a sibling discount?

Yes, we provide a 10% sibling discount.

NEW DATE FOR OPEN HOUSE

Due to the snow the date of the open house has been changed to next Friday, January 28th.

The Burlington Integrated Preschool and the LABBB Early Childhood Program will be hosting an Open House on Friday, January 28, 2011 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Burlington High School - where the programs are located. This Open House provides families with an opportunity to view the programs, meet the teachers and pickup registration packets to enroll their children for next year. Students must be 3 years old by August 31, 2011. For more information call Laura at 781-270-1808.

Growing Pains

01/19/2011


Dear Preschool Families,

At the end of the month there will be some slight changes to the Burlington Integrated Preschool Program. Our program continues to grow and we find ourselves needing a new classroom space. On Monday, January 31, 2011, the space that is currently being used as the big room will become the home of the Friendly Frogs. All programming will remain exactly the same and the students will just have a new larger classroom space. I’m confident that Andrea, Pat and Diane will do an outstanding job setting up the room so that it’s a wonderful learning environment.

The old Friendly Frog room will become the new home to the Barnyard Buddies. As some of you may be aware, several weeks ago Shannon Conroy become a co-teacher in the Puppy Pals room. This classroom continues to grow and change and there are currently too many students in one space. Shannon and Liz will move next door to their own classroom and Tiffany and Lori will stay in the Puppy Pals room. Programming will look exactly the same for both the students in the Puppy Pals and the Barnyard Buddies classroom. Again, it will just provide both groups of students more efficient classroom space.

The loss of the big room impacts all of the students at the Burlington Integrated Preschool and every class will need to adjust their schedule. The goal of the program will be to try to get outside as much as possible. If it is below 25 degrees or it is raining out we will be inside, and the children will participate in a gross motor movement activities. Other than that children will be outside enjoying 15 to 20 minutes of fresh air. Please make sure that your children have appropriate clothes for the elements. This includes: snow pants, boots, hats, mittens and an appropriate winter coat.

If you have any questions or concerns about the changes in classroom space please feel free to give me a call at 781-273-7632 or email at d’amato@burlington.mec.edu

Thank You,


Louise D’Amato

Inclement weather

Inclement weather - The Burlington Integrated Preschool will not be open when school (BURLINGTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS) is canceled due to hazardous or inclement weather conditions. The school department may also call for a delayed opening.

When there is a delayed opening:

• There will be no morning session of preschool.

• ON DELAYED OPENING DAYS, afternoon class will be held.

• If afternoon class is cancelled, you will be contacted.

• Announcements are made on the major AM radio stations and on television as well as our BCAT channels.

• In cases of inclement weather when school has not be cancelled or delayed, parent(s)/guardian(s) may use their own discretion when sending their child to school.