Caterpillar Class

“Play is the work of children. It’s serious stuff and if it’s properly structured in a developmental program, children can blossom.” – Bob Keeshan a.k.a. “Captain Kangaroo” Children’s TV Show 1955 -1984

This class serves our older two up to young four-year-olds.

These children typically engage in independent and parallel play. Often a Caterpillar child is just developing an acknowledgment of others. They may also demonstrate a feeling of insecurity and need loving reinforcement. For these reasons, the teachers assigned to the Caterpillar Class work very hard to make sure the class is one that provides a stimulating and loving environment. Activities are designed to help foster the growth and positive development of these very young children.

FOUNDATION BUILDING

Preschoolers progress developmentally at very different paces. They are always exploring, listening, doing and learning how the world works. The Caterpillar classroom is intended to be the bridge for these children to assist them in crossing between just beginning to develop language and social skills to the actual blossoming and being able to move on and grow in all of the areas of development. This is an important time during which the foundations for future learning are being built.

COGNITIVE AND LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

To promote cognitive and language development, the emergent curriculum of the Caterpillar classroom encourages the children to express themselves during group times and self-select times. The children begin to problem solve and explore ideas which assist in these areas of development.

MOTOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT

In the afternoon, the emphasis is on motor skills, arts, and science. Regardless of the activity, all of the Caterpillar teachers work hard to help the children make good choices and to let each person know he or she is loved and secure at CRCC.

In the Caterpillar class, children engage in table games, art projects, and group activities that stress fine motor development. Gross motor skills are practiced in a variety of outside activities such as climbing, bike riding, balance beam, playing ball, & canyon hikes.

SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The development of social and emotional skills is made a part of every activity in the Caterpillar class. Self-expression, empowerment, and confidence building are stressed and are encouraged.  Taking responsibility for personal belongings and basic self-help skills are taught throughout the day and are emphasized at times such as clean up; when having snacks; as well as when the children are arriving and leaving.

PROGRAM GOAL

When a child leaves the Caterpillar class to move along in their preschool experience to either the Fish or Butterfly class we want them to be socially and emotionally comfortable.  They should be able to express themselves in meaningful ways. They should be able to consistently demonstrate the ability to take responsibility for their possessions and to be able to follow more complex directions.