Early Childhood Education

Serving ages 18 months through 5 years old

King Street Center’s Early Education program includes a Toddler Classroom for children 18 months – 3 years old and a Preschool classroom for children 3 – 5 years old.

Our daily routine at King Street provides children with a rich environment of creative curriculum where children learn through play. Our skilled and knowledgeable team of teachers maintain a developmentally-appropriate curriculum with individualized goals and expectations for each child. We build the foundation for life-long learning: a sense of curiosity and compassion, the academic and social skills needed for success in Kindergarten and beyond, and – most importantly – support children in developing a positive self-image. We want children to be aware of their strengths and what they can count on about themselves and other.

Meals, snacks, and diapers are provided.

We value Play
We value Equity
We value Communication
We value Health & Safety

Our program is rooted in profound respect for children and families. We value relationship building and meaningful connections. We understand that children’s needs grow and develop over time. We get to know your child and their individual learning style so that we can create a dynamic environment for all children.

We value Play

As King Street Center Staff, we will provide opportunities for learning, development, and success in a positive, safe, and developmentally appropriate environment through child-directed, open-ended play. We emphasize social-emotional development and nurture children’s own interests and natural curiosity.
As Family members I/we will support, to the best of our abilities, children learning through play, exploration, and discovery.

We value Equity

As KSC staff we will honor all children as individuals and celebrate our similarities and differences through an exploration of identity, diversity, justice, and action.
As Family members I/we will honor that all are welcome at KSC. The staff and children involved are unique and KSC is an individual program.

We value Communication

As KSC staff we will communicate honestly about your child’s development through notes, photos, and projects on a regular basis; record observations of your child during play and throughout the day; meet with you, at least twice a year, for Family/Teacher conferences; acknowledge and carry out the policies in the Family Handbook, in word and in spirit.

As Family members I/we will communicate honestly about my child’s experience at home as well as other information that will support my/our child at school; read and respond to information shared about my/our child’s day at school; attend Family/Teacher conferences at least two times/year; consult the Family Handbook and adhere to the guidelines as described herein.

We value Health & Safety

As KSC staff we will ensure a clean and healthy environment by maintaining handwashing practices for children and adults and following all Department of Health guidance; exclude children and staff who exhibit signs of illness in accordance with the policies outlined in the family handbook; keep children safe to the best of our ability both in and out of the building through Active Supervision.

As Family members I/we will communicate honestly about my/our child’s health and well-being; uphold the agreed upon hours my/our child will attend the program; notify the Early Education Director or Classroom Teacher when there are changes in our contact information or for anyone approved for pick up/emergency contact.

Enrollment

As an Early Head Start and Head Start Partner Center, we accept children who Head Start eligible, and qualify for child care subsidy. Together with Head Start, a federal program, Early Education at King Street provides children with educational opportunities as well as comprehensive family-centered services for parents and children – including resources and referrals in the areas of health, nutrition and other social services.

When are the programs open?

King Street Center is proud to offer full-day care in our Toddler and Preschool classrooms during the school year as well as for 8 weeks, late June until mid-August. Currently, King Street Center Early Education Programs run 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday-Friday.

To ensure a positive transition for all children, we have a staggered start to the school year so children have time in small groups for half-days before starting together as a whole class. This begins in late August and by early September — around Labor Day — our whole-class, full-day schedule begins.

Where are children during the school day?

You can find us in our beautiful light-filled classrooms, in our spacious gym, downstairs in our multi-purpose gross motor room, and even on our unique rooftop recreation area. When not at King Street Center, children in Early Education are out on community walks, playing at nearby playgrounds, or taking advantage of opportunities with our community partners.

Why choose King Street for my preschooler or toddler?

At King Street, we believe in the positive effect of prevention programs. Studies show that healthy intervention in a young child’s life will have tremendous rewards in later years. Together with parents, we nurture children to be aware of their strengths, and believe in themselves and others.