Early years
Children aged 3 to 5 participate in an inspirational learning program based on international Early Years Standards and inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach.
More information:
We want your child to feel secure and independent, to move from one activity to another as easily and confidently as possible. And we want to provide a variety of learning experiences for a well-rounded education. So we plan a daily schedule with these goals in mind. We follow this same schedule day after day, making small adjustments to accommodate special activities. It helps children feel secure because they know what comes next. This schedule works well for us. After a few months, children are amazingly independent. They tell us what they are supposed to do next
Frequently Asked Questions
ABOUT ISK’S EARLY YEARS PROGRAM
Do you have questions?
Children are best ready to join the Early Years Program when they are toilet trained (not wearing diapers/nappies), have had the experience of playing with other children, are able to communicate by speaking and can separate from parents when left with another family member or babysitter.
Parents can help prepare their children for the separation that happens at school in a number of ways. Explaining to your child what will happen during the day and reminding him/her that you will see each other after school is important. Showing enthusiasm for your child (and putting on a happy face, even if you are a bit sad to leave your child for the day) is always helpful. Reading books to your child about the fun that happens at school can help your child become more familiar about what to expect at school. If your child has not yet spent any time away from you, it is best to ease into the transition of leaving him/her at school for the whole day by arranging short play dates with other children where you leave and come back later.
It is normal for children to cry during the first week or so of school. Please talk with your child about the fun he/she will have when playing with friends. Make sure to remind your child that you will always see each other after school. Being punctual when picking up your child at the end of the day is crucial in building the trust between you and your child that you will see each other again at the end of the day.
A child who gets enough rest is ready to learn and best prepared to control his or her own behavior. Even if your child does not fall asleep, the quiet time is calming and a necessary part of a very full day at school.
Yes! We highly encourage bringing one soft toy or personal object to help your child feel comfortable for quiet time. Any valuable toy or object should be kept at home where it will be safe.
Nutritious, fresh foods with water are the best choice. Researchers found that when kids eat better, they learn and behave better. Hearty soups, salads, fruits and sandwiches with whole grains can all be packed in insulated containers to stay hot or cold. Please avoid sending sweets for snack or lunch. Sweets make kids tired, hungry and less attentive shortly after eating.
Lunch Ideas:
Sandwich or wrap with cold cuts, cheese, lettuce, tomato or other vegetables
Soup in a thermos with dinner roll or croutons
Meat roll-ups with bread sticks
Peanut butter sandwich
Pasta with vegetables
Snack Ideas:
Oatmeal based cookies
Granola or oatmeal based bars
Cheese & crackers
Yogurt
Veggies with dip
Fruits
To drink: juice or water. No soda please!
We encourage the children to learn independence, however at first the child can count on our help. We urge parents to allow enough time for their child time at home to try and practice eating, washing and dressing independently.
Clothes which the child can put on and take off independently are best, for example: shoes with Velcro, mittens rather than gloves, etc. Your child will get dirty, so clothes that are easily washed are recommended. Layers of clothes are more versatile than one warm piece of clothing. Accidents do happen, so a spare set of clothes (including socks and underwear) is needed.