We strive for a well-balanced curriculum in all areas of developing the whole child,  including the emotional, intellectual and physical aspects of development. We utilize The Creative Curriculum, the same published, research-based curriculum that is used by the Toms River School System, to assure that our students are prepared appropriately to continue on into elementary school. Our program, led by Director, Valerie Frost-Lewis, MS Ed., includes a full range of activities in the fields of art, science, pre-reading skills, mathematics, physical fitness, literature, and music. Ample time is provided for sensory experience and free play during which a child selects his own activities designed to develop confidence, perception, judgment, and reasoning powers.

Enrichment Programs

Our program is enhanced by several visits from community resource people, special programs, and field trips throughout the school year. Also included in our program is a monthly visit from Mr. Scott the Music Man.

He offers the children a chance to move and groove to a variety of music styles, play age-appropriate musical instruments, and experience the fun of musical expression. If you’d like to learn more about Mr. Scott, visit his website here.

After School Enrichment

Stimulating…Engaging…Social…Creative…FUN!

• Our experienced teachers provide daily age-appropriate activities.

• Activities include: art projects, athletics, science, holidays, drama, cultural enrichment, reading time, service projects, and more

• Children will be encouraged to suggest themes and activities

• Free time is always available for those who prefer to “do their own thing”

Nourishment

We place a great deal of emphasis on nutrition. We use the USDA “Choose My Plate” guidelines to educate our students about healthy eating.  Since all food is sent from home, we offer parents workshops on nutrition, as well as ongoing tips about healthy lunchbox and snack ideas.   Children who attend all day bring their lunch and snack from home.  Water is made available all day, and we serve milk at lunchtime, sent in by parents who take turns sending in milk for their child’s class.  We ask parents not to send sugary snacks, desserts or drinks.  When sending in juice for your child, we ask that 100% juice only be sent in and that it is limited to one 4-6 oz serving per day.

We also offer a gardening curriculum in which each classroom has its own raised outdoor garden bed.  Each Spring and Summer we plant,  nurture, and tend a variety of vegetables in our gardens.  We also invite parents to help with weekend watering.  This exposes children to how healthy food is grown and provides them an opportunity to do meaningful work (growing food) and a chance to try the vegetables we grow.

Eligibility

• Early Learners Preschool (2 years by October 1 of the school year)

• Preschool (3 years by October 1 of the school year)

• Pre-Kindergarten (4 years by October 1 of the school year)

• We also offer before – and after-school programs and Holiday Care through 5th Grade for Toms River School District students attending Cedar Grove and East Dover Elementary schools.

In accordance with state regulations, every child must have a physical and the required inoculations before beginning school.

Center Terms and Hours

During the school year, we are open 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and offer quarter, half, and full-day schedules. And, during Summer Camp, we are open 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and offer full and half-day schedules.

Transportation

Parents are expected to provide transportation for their children. Carpools are always an alternative.