There is no place like Peppermint Tree for the
School Year
Thinking out these sections. Here are some options:
Keep it short and sweet—a few sentences + a link
Write a 4-6 sentence paragraph and embed the links in it.
do short and sweet intro sentences as to your WHY + 5 top reasons. Nature Connection has an example
they are all also anchored linked to so the home page will go directly to the section (not just the page)
A balance of best practices
Peppermint Tree has been around for the last five decades, and we are continually evolving with the times. Today, we aim for a balance of best practices to support whole child development. Early academics, nature-based education, social emotional learning, and family engagement form the pillars of our approach.
Our four age-appropriate indoor classrooms and outdoor learning space are rich with developmentally appropriate materials, and our teachers encourage play to build development.
early academics
We use The Creative Curriculum, a leading research-based, top-ranked, whole-child early childhood curriculum, which is used by the Toms River School District and assures your child a smoother transition into public school learning.
[is this THE NUMBER ONE REASON you use Creative? I think you can write one or two more sentences to share why it’s compelling and why you use it. TR feels like a nice bonus! ]
meet developmental goals in movement, SEL, literacy—something from this link? https://teachingstrategies.com/blog/10-reasons-creative-curriculum-pre-k/
meet learning objectives / standards?
kindergarten readiness?
WHAT ESLE CAN YOU SAY ABOUT EARLY ACADEMICS? any articles to link?
social emotional learning
PYRAMID MODULE https://www.pyramidmodel.org/
a few sentences to the WHY use the PMT for teachers and that each teacher and assistant is trained.
CONNECTION with nature
Time outside in nature is important to the growth and development of a young child, which is why The Peppermint Tree has an expanded outdoor space built for play, learning, and gardens.
Children in the U.S. spend an average of four to seven minutes outdoors each day in unstructured play, compared to 7.5 hours each day in front of electronic media, according to the, according to a report by Children in Nature [https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/4d/85/3b97b2b040a68276b2f30a4e4c65/children-in-nature.pdf]
To support a deeper connection with nature and a deeper understanding of our place in the world, we use the We Are Earth Friends curriculum, which builds a necessary foundation for understanding all life and all systems on our planet through play, discovery activities, and literacy.
The benefits to time spent outside are endless. [This is where we can pull quotes and research from that session!]
WHY connect children with nature? After a day outside children eat and sleep better, plus time in nature:
improves proprioception and increases attention span
decreases anxiety and builds confidence
strengthens immunity
stimulates all five senses
leads to healthier and happier children
[these could all have links too!]
FAMiLY ENGAGEMENT
TK
enrichment programs
School Day
Our school year program is enhanced by consistent visits from resourced members in our community and special programs, such as [TK]. We take several field trips each year to places like [TK].
Every month we get a visit from Mr. Scott the Music Man who offers the children a chance to move and groove to a variety of musical styles, play age-appropriate musical instruments, and experience the fun of musical expression.
After School
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”
Lunch & Snacks
We place a great deal of emphasis on nutrition. We use the USDA “Choose My Plate” [ link ] 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. [link to what to pack here]
Children who attend all day bring their lunch and snacks 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. [I would make this info a link of info to click through]
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 & HOURs
During the school year, we are open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and we offer quarter, half, and full-day schedules.
During Summer Camp, we are open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and offer full and half-day schedules. (Click here to learn more about camp!)
Preschool
3 years old (By October 1 of the school year)
Aftercare
through 5th Grade for Toms River School District students attending Cedar Grove & East Dover Elementary schools
Early Learners
2 years old (By October 1 of the school year)
Pre-Kindergarten
4 years old (By October 1 of the school year)
Parents are expected to provide transportation for their children. Carpools are always an alternative.