Admissions
Hopefully you've looked around and The Grove School feels like a great place for your child. Fantastic! We’d love to meet up with you in person, answer your questions and tell you more first hand. Shoot us an e-mail or give us a call and we’ll get back to you shortly.
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Careers
We're looking for rare individuals. Teachers with degrees in early childhood or environmental education and a fire in the belly to make a difference. Administrators with a head for business and a heart for helping children reach their full potential. People who are so invested that they'll stay with us for years, growing and developing our educational community. Is that you?
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Connect
Let's play
Kids learn through play, but what about the grown ups? The Grove School is a playground for everyone. Join the fun!
(Psst, you can move the colored circles with your mouse.)
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  • the core experience

    themes we explore

    age groups

    before + after school

  • Each day, your child moves between structured group activities, one-on-one with teachers, and indoor and outdoor play. In everything we do, the focus is on developing critical foundational skills in language arts, math, science, social skills and personal expression. And we're always attentive to the unique personality, interests and needs of your child, suggesting appropriate activities to keep them happy and engaged.

  • the core experience

    themes we explore

    age groups

    before + after school

  • The school day also includes learning opportunities structured
    around these themes.

      • Nutritious eating habits and the importance of rest, fresh air and plenty of physical activity.
      • Self-expression through different types of media and the basics of shapes, dimension, texture and composition.
      • New experiences with rhythms, instruments, notes and musical terms.
      • Explorations of the world around us with an emphasis on ecology through the sciences.
      • Introduction to storytelling with props, puppets and costumes.

  • the core experience

    themes we explore

    age groups

    before + after school

    • EARLY PRESCHOOL
      Games, songs, movement and art help children reach developmental milestones for two year olds. They explore and discover at their own pace and gain confidence with social skills such as cooperation, sharing and taking turns.

    • PRESCHOOL
      Children are encouraged to explore with an emphasis on self-confidence and mastery of learning. Three and four year olds develop and strengthen literacy, math and science skills through thematic units and activities that combine learning and fun.

    • PREKINDERGARTEN
      Children learn to share, cooperate and practice independence through a curriculum designed to meet state and national early learning standards. We also introduce four and five year olds to projects, journaling and alphabet letters and sounds.

  • the core experience

    themes we explore

    age groups

    before + after school

  • We also offer before and after school programs to continue the day’s learning. Activities might include yoga, phonics and Spanish. Since each school offers different opportunities, please connect with the school director about your options.

 
 
 

One of the most difficult things for family members and children new to child care is adjusting to the initial separation period. Experiencing tears from your child when he or she realizes you’re about to walk out the door is not easy. However, knowing that your child’s reactions (and your own!) are quite normal and predictable can help with the process.

Most children begin showing signs of concern about a family member’s absence around six to eight months of age. At this stage in their development, children do not yet grasp the concept of object permanence—that things and people still exist even though they are out of sight. The child cries because, in his or her mind, Mom may never return. As children grow, they learn that Mom or Dad will return. In the meantime, there are some things you can do to make this transition smoother for everyone.

Begin slowly. Children need time to adjust to new environments and caregivers, so plan to visit the center several times before leaving your child the first time. Consider leaving your child at the preschool for only a few hours at a time in the beginning, eventually building up to a full day.

Be prepared. Recognize in advance that you and your child may have difficulties separating. Young children often gauge situations by how adult family members respond to them. Therefore, try not to make your concerns too evident to your child. On the other hand, do not ignore or diminish your child’s concerns. For example, it is okay to tell your child, “I know you are sad when Mommy leaves, but I will think of you all day and will be back to get you after your nap.” Remember, too, that staff members at The Grove School have a lot of experience with issues of separation, and are always willing to help you and your child work through the transition.

Be consistent. Having a routine during the first few weeks is essential. Because young children cannot tell time or even recall day-to-day events, their sense of security comes from predictable routines. Waking up in the morning, leaving your home, saying your goodbyes in the same way each day, and picking your child up from the center at the same time of day will provide much-needed consistency. Even if your routine occasionally changes, try to keep your child’s routine the same. Sometimes, having special rituals during drop-off and pick-up times can be helpful.

After time, your child will learn that you will come back when you say you will. As important, a foundation of trust is established between you and your child—one that will make any future transitions easier.

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Meg is an editor in our Education Department. She’s been writing and editing for over 20 years, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, Early Childhood Education.

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