Programs Nursery School Programs at Laurel Hill Laurel Hill follows a child-centered philosophy of early childhood education. Children are allowed to learn through play and by exploring their environment at their own developmental pace. Organized activities are offered daily and children are free to participate in whichever activities they prefer. While children are assigned to a classroom as their base at school, they are free to roam about and take part in activities in any room they choose, or to play outside. The following programs are available for children who are between the ages of two years, nine months and five years of age. The program maintains a ratio of one adult for every five children. Sessions Time Morning 9:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. Afternoon 1:00 p.m. to 3:50 p.m. Extended Care Available 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. * (*) Extended care available as space allows Extended care is additional hours of childcare that families may elect to use for an additional fee. Extended care can be used occasionally or on a contracted basis, depending on the needs of the family. Contracted rates are considerably cheaper than the drop-in rates, as they allow for much easier scheduling for the school. Pre-K Program Laurel Hill's Pre-K program is specifically designed for children who would benefit socially or physically by deferring kindergarten entrance. The program is located in a classroom built especially for the Pre-K in 1994. The ratio of adults to children in the Pre-K program is 1 to 5. Our Pre-K curriculum is tailored to the needs of young five year olds while still adhering to our child-focused philosophy. Children in the Pre-K program participate in learning activities and projects over extended periods of time. The program helps the children develop more focus than our younger kids can handle and fosters independent problem solving. Special attention is paid to physical development, as well as acquisition of kindergarten readiness skills. Hours The Pre-K hours are 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Extended care is available from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m as space allows. Eligibility Please see our admissions page for eligibility requirements. Parent Participation As part of a cooperative school, Pre-K families may choose their participation level: They may assist in the classroom every week, attend two parent education meetings each month, and fulfill other school requirements, including assistance with fundraising activities. They may elect to be non-participating families, at a higher tuition. The number of non-participating families is limited, to maintain the cooperative nature of the school. Schedule   Morning 8:00-9:00   Extended care opens for a.m. children 8:50   Workday parents arrive 9:00   Morning session begins 9:10-10:10   Indoor/outdoor choice; projects; free play 10:10-10:30   Snack time 10:30-11:20   Indoor/outdoor choice; free play 11:20-11:40   Potpourri (music/movement) or free play 11:40-11:50   Group meeting with snack and story 11:50-11:55   Gate time. Morning session ends   Afternoon 12:00-1:00   Extended care hour. Lunchtime and indoor play 12:30   Pre-K session begins 12:50   Afternoon Workday parents arrive 1:00   Afternoon session begins. 1:05-2:05   Indoor/outdoor choice; projects; free play 1:50-2:10   Pre-K snack. 2:05-2:25   Pre-school snack time. 2:25-3:20   Indoor/outdoor choice; free play 3:20-3:45   Potpourri (music/movement) or free play 3:40-3:50   Group meeting with snack and story 3:50-3:55   Gate time. Afternoon session ends 4:30   Pre-K gate time 4:00-5:30   Extended care available