Ages Served

We serve families with children ages six weeks to 12 years old. 

There are six classrooms:

(1) Infant room serving six weeks to about 12 months old.

(1) Toddler room serving about 12 months old to 24 months.

(2) Early preschool rooms serving 2-3 years.

(1) Preschool/TK rooms serving 3-5 years.

(1) School Age room serving children who have entered kindergarten - 12 years old.

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Schedules

We offer the following schedules

5 days per week: Monday - Friday

2 days per week: Tuesday/Thursday

3 days per week: Monday/Wednesday/Friday

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Ratios

Children under two years old are 1:4

Children 2-5 years old are 1:12

Children in Kinder - 12 years old 1:14

Please note; we prefer to operate at 1:8 for children that are 2-3 years old in our early preschool classrooms that also provide potty training and diaper changing.

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Curriculum

River City ELC's curriculum is themed, child directed, play based curriculum.  The curriculum is tailored and individualized for the child’s level. The curriculum is delivered through units of study, which are theme-based topics that provide a balance of activities using commonly recognized developmental domains.  The curriculum is developed by Nancy Dougherty, M.A. who has worked in a variety of aspects of early learning from direct care to creating early learning standards to coaching providers.

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​Enrichment Programs

We are seeking additional enrichment programs to enhance the curriculum and experience here at RCELC and currently have our Zumbini program included at no charge for children in our toddler and early preschool classrooms.

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Does my child have to be potty trained for the preschool programs?

We do not expect children to be potty trained and will work with families to develop a training plan when the time is right for their child. Families do provide diapers and RCELC provides hypoallergenic, unscented wipes typically found at a local Sam's Club. If your child has a sensitivity, you are welcome to provide an option that fits their needs.

 

What is a typical day like?

 

Circle Time - This is a whole class time where we go over the monthly focus color/shape/number/letter through language and literacy.  We will sing songs, listen to stories, and participate in group discussions.  The teacher also gives the children an introduction to the activities for the day.

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Small Group Table Activities - Children will be broken up into smaller groups to dig in and get hands on activities that the teachers have prepared and designed for the children that enrich the monthly theme concepts.

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Centers - Centers in the classroom provide the children with opportunities to develop their development in art, science, math, social & emotional skills, gross and fine skills.

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Outdoor Time - This is the time we get to move! Lots of learning happens outside while we develop our gross motor skills, play enriching games, and socialize.

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Snacks and Lunch - Parents provide lunch for their children and River City ELC provides a morning and afternoon snack and the menu can be found here. Mealtimes are also a great opportunity for children to socialize and build their social and emotional skills.