Recent research on brain development shows the importance of the early years. Quality experiences in children’s early years are critical for further social, emotional, physical and cognitive development.

To provide quality experiences, knowledge of child development is essential. Equally important, the knowledge of each individual child is required to make decisions about curriculum.

  • What does this child already know?
  • What might this child be ready for and interested in next?

The learning environment at Woodland Place is highly academic. While we recognize the value of free play, and provide ample time for this type of activity, much of our day is devoted to age-appropriate learning activities that involve the body, mind and senses of our students.

The formal curriculum at Woodland Place is based on Guidelines set forth by the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and the Common Core Standards. These are a detailed outline of specific content to be taught in the areas of language arts, history, geography, mathematics, science and fine arts. Using these foundations as the core of our curriculum provides a solid, coherent foundation of learning and provides an easier transition into Kindergarten.

Our Natural Environment

Nature itself is one of the most fascinating classrooms ever created, and we recognize that our natural environment provides countless opportunities for learning and discovery. Therefore, our daily curriculum includes outdoor exploration. It is our hope that discussions concerning the inter-connectedness of plants, animals and people and the environment will foster the development of ecological awareness and a sense of responsibility toward all living things. We believe in capitalizing on the awe and wonder of childhood, and using it to help our students gain greater knowledge and understanding of the world around them.

Every aspect of our curriculum, whether traditional or natural, creates developmentally appropriate learning environments and opportunities that empower children to become confident and successful lifelong learners who can think independently and can solve problems.

Toddler Program

Young toddlers grow emotionally and intellectually through experiences with rhythms, patterns of sound, light, movement and texture. Our Toddler Program is conducted in an environment filled with sensory delights. Interesting colors, tactile experiences await the young toddlers that come to us.

We at Woodland Place understand that children of this age need to bond emotionally with their caregivers. Providing our young toddlers with a nurturing environment filled with smiles, songs and individualized, one-on-one conversation is the first step towards developing secure, trusting children who are eager to learn.

We have opportunities for sensory-motor exploration and discovery within our facility. Large and small motor experiences as well as sensory and cognitive experiences are maximized by age-appropriate learning centers. Ours is a stimulating environment that responds to a child’s efforts and actions, providing them with their first successes and thereby laying the foundation for self-confidence, pride and self-worth.

Pre-school Program

Pre-school children are like sponges. They soak in the world around them, using their emerging skills to explore their surroundings, process their discoveries and learn from them. Our Preschool program prepares children for a lifetime of academic success by offering children and their families’ early learning readiness experiences and comprehensive child development programs.Children take great delight in developing a new skill and preforming it repeatedly, for anyone willing to watch and cheer for them. We consider ourselves privileged to have the opportunity to experience these thrilling moments with our students.

The Pre-School Program at Woodland Place offers a broad range of experiences designed to assist the children in developing and expanding their skills and capabilities. Our goal is to provide the children with the knowledge and skills that they will need to succeed in Kindergarten. As with all of the programs at Woodland Place, we provide hands-on learning centers that continue to build on a child’s knowledge and skills in the areas of language, science, math, computers, art music and dramatic play.