BioKids provides a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to develop into caring, self-sufficient individuals. We value and encourage parent participation in our co-operative program. BioKids is a play-based program where children’s individuality is honored; we believe that children learn skills and social consciousness through play. Our classrooms provide developmentally appropriate activities where each child can feel safe, challenged and valued. We expect and encourage children to respect each other and the world in which we live.
What does our Mixed Age Preschool Classroom look like? How does it feel? How are we able to have one classroom with children between the ages of 2 and 5?
BioKids uses the “primary care model” to provide a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment for children between the ages of two and five years. The primary care model affords each child a close relationship with one specific teacher. While the children all play together for most of the day, during classroom and outdoor play times, there are two distinct age groups and teachers are assigned primary responsibility for a specific group of children. The two year olds and younger three year olds are in one group and the children who are about three and a half and older are in another group. The younger group is always smaller; these children need more help with daily activities and self-help skills such as putting on jackets, diaper changing, toileting, and following directions. The children break into their age groups for meals (lunch and snacks) and for small group or circle time. At circle time the older group may, for instance, be focusing on letters, while the younger group may be talking about colors. The Mixed Age Preschool Room affords younger children plenty of older role models, and it also gives the older children an opportunity to mentor the younger ones. Of course, regardless of primary responsibility to an older or younger group, all of the adults in the room work together to insure a quality environment for all of the children. It seems to work well for all.
The following is an actual chain of emails, sent in November 2006, between the BioKids director and two sets of parents. The comments address how families feel about the mixed age group setting and what it may look like from a child’s perspective.
Hi, Does Amanda ever mention Mike? He is two years old, turning 3 in January. They have a lovely little friendship. About six months ago I was giving a tour and was talking about the benefits of the mixed age classroom. Then we walked into the room and Amanda and Mike were sitting side by side in the block area sharing a book; she was “reading” to him. It was a perfect example of what I had just been talking about! I spent about an hour in the classroom the other day and noticed the two of them cozying up in the library, each with their own book. On other occasions I have seen Amanda “big sister” him. It is really very nice to see. Sometimes he resists, just like a little brother.
Oh yes, Amanda talks about Mike all the time. She used to tell us that she was helping him learn to talk. Now she tells us she is helping him learn to read. She also has stated that sometimes he doesn’t always want the attention that she gives him! I agree, and you can quote me on this for future parents, BioKids has given Amanda a big sister role that she loves! It has been very good for her, given her little sister role at home, to expand her place in the world. Kindergarten will be a let down for her after the amazing community experience of BioKids.
That’s so cute of them being big sister and little brother…I still remember when Mike first moved into the big room (from the Infant/Toddler Room). He was the youngest child and every morning Amanda eased Mike from my hand and gave him hugs and kisses. Mike always fussed, saying he didn’t like the hugs and kisses, but then every time we’d see dandelions on our way to BioKids, Mike picked them and put them in Amanda’s cubby. Anyway, I’ve always appreciated BioKids’ multiage classroom, but after having a tough morning with Mike today, I feel especially grateful that he has such a warm environment at BioKids and such a lovely bond with Amanda.