The Goddard School, Arnold

We are proud to be an integral part of your children's early childhood development. Our school is owner operated, with one or both of us at the school everyday to ensure that your child receives the highest quality preschool experience. As parents of young children, we understand the needs of growing young children and their busy parents. Our loving and nurturing staff will provide a positive educational experience, by using fun hands on activities. We will develop a strong foundation to promote children's desire to be life long learners for kindergarten and beyond. Our infant care play area is filled with toys and books that help your baby develop at his or her own pace. Teachers sing songs and read stories to encourage language acquisition. They also pass balls and play games to develop motor skills. In many Goddard Schools, American Sign Language is introduced to encourage children to express their thoughts or needs. Goddard Teachers also work with the parents to ensure a balance of home and school. Together they develop the child's daily schedule including nap times, play times and bottle times. As part of the Infant Program, the First Steps classroom helps the child transition from Infant to Toddler as the budding explorers learn new vocabulary and self-help skills. The Goddard School® F.L.EX.® Learning Program sets the stage for self confidence by encouraging progress at a child’s own pace, according to individual needs and abilities. Learning centers for math, science, dramatic play, music, creative art and computers provide opportunities to balance both shared and independent learning experiences. Fitness, art history and manners are incorporated into the preschooler's daily schedule, as well. Visits by local museums and libraries, community helpers, and theatrical productions supplement classroom learning within the safety of our schools. Each classroom has a balance of quiet reading time with social and imaginary play. The Goddard School® F.L.EX.® Learning Program's fun activities, guided by highly trained teachers, foster the cognitive and social development of every child. Most Schools offer further educational diversity with foreign language, yoga, world cultures, manners and computer skills in order to expand their learning opportunities. Each Goddard School works with local districts to ensure every child's smooth transition between Kindergarten and First Grade. Through The Goddard School® F.L.EX.® Learning Program, teachers plan daily activities in a bright and cheery environment to encourage eager investigation of the world. Within the consistent structure toddlers crave, they enjoy a daily balance of quiet activities, spirited music and movement and plenty of outdoor climbing, running and jumping. Learning Centers are always open for imaginary play with blocks and puzzles, creative art and lots of books. Circle time incorporates stories and songs that encourage language skills and social growth. Children are guided through activities that strengthen gross motor skills, such as using balance beams and standing on tip-toes; and fine motor skills through crayon and marker use. Our programs promote cooperative play and collaborative problem-solving skills through classroom-appropriate lesson plans. Most Schools offer music appreciation, foreign language, world cultures and access to computers, as well. The Goddard School Pre-K/Junior K Programs have earned AdvancED and Middle States accreditation after demonstrating the highest standards in early childhood education. This means The Goddard School® F.L.EX.® Learning Program will help each child gain exceptional skills for kindergarten success.