Our Programs
At Red Caboose our primary goal is to encourage the emotional and social development of children in a safe, nurturing, and loving environment. We strive to help them learn that people are different and that differences are good.
We strongly believe children learn through play, and hands-on experiences. Our rich, stimulating environment promotes creativity and learning. We supply age appropriate materials and activities for dramatic play; art, dance, and music; science exploration; cognitive development; and motor coordination. Daily routines provide structure and encourage self-reliance, responsibility, and independence. We give children opportunities to make choices through a combination of teacher-directed and child-initiated play, large group and individualized activities, and quiet and active play spaces. In addition, developmentally appropriate field trips acquaint the children with the workings of the neighborhood and city around them.
Language and communication skills are emphasized in all our rooms and programs. Helping the toddlers identify and communicate feelings and ideas lays the foundations for the problem-solving and nonviolent conflict resolution emphasized in our preschool and school age classrooms. Helping children learn to talk and listen respectfully strengthens their social skills, critical thinking, and confidence.
We foster friendships among the children and between children and teachers. Knowledge of each child’s background, needs, and interests helps us work more effectively with all the children. For this understanding the input of parents is crucial. We believe parents are an important part of the Red Caboose community and we welcome their involvement in all aspects of our program.
Red Caboose is deeply committed to fostering learning and community. Our teachers continue their education in developmentally appropriate practices by attending workshops and reading current literature. We welcome children of all races, cultures, and economic groups, as well as children with special physical and developmental needs. The diversity of our families, children, and staff enriches everyone’s experience. We encourage the involvement of all the members of the Red Caboose community to enhance the classroom environment. As we prepare preschoolers for school and help school-agers navigate the many transitions of their elementary years, we aim to open the minds of the children to the wider world and teach them more about themselves.
Goals for children in the:
Turtle Room
- Receive lots of hugs and physical affection
- Learn to be gentle with others
- Play with peers as part of large and small groups
- Are introduced to the concepts of sharing and taking turns
- Begin to put words with actions, feelings, and needs
- Transition to and from parents, and from one room/activity to another
- Help at clean up time
- Learn to stay at the table and sit during mealtimes
- Practice following directions and routines, such as hand washing
- Discover materials, activities, and physical spaces through creative play
- Listen to stories, songs, and music
- Are introduced to the community and to families, staff, and volunteers of different backgrounds
Elephant Room
- Receive lots of hugs and emotional support
- Play with peers as part of large and small groups
- Expand on the concept of sharing and taking turns
- Develop language skills
- Develop beginning problem solving skills
- Work toward independence
- Clean up after self
- Stay at table and sit during mealtimes
- Follow directions and routines
- Discover materials, activities, and physical spaces through creative play
- Are introduced to concepts through stories, songs, and play
- Explore the community through field trips and interaction with families, staff, and volunteers of different backgrounds
Bumblebee Room
- Encourage the love of learning
- Feel comfortable, relaxed, and at home
- Develop social skills including developing peer friendships and relationships with adults
- Begin experimenting with sharing ideas
- Continue developing language skills
- Learn to identify feelings and solve problems through talking and listening
- Increase self confidence and independence
- Discuss and practice manners
- Follow more complex directions
- Experience diverse creative activities that encourage the love of learning and exploration
- Expand understanding of concepts through stories, songs, and play
- Explore the community through field trips and interaction with families, staff, and volunteers of different backgrounds
Grasshopper Room
- Feel safe and happy
- Learn to work as a group and play cooperatively
- Use group meetings to plan, problem solve, and discuss classroom issues
- Explore written language
- Explore languages other than English (Spanish, German, Sign, etc.)
- Expand on problem solving skills by gathering information, brainstorming, and implementing solutions
- Work toward independence by accepting responsibility for materials and belongings
- Initiate and carry out independent activities without direct adult supervision
- Practice sitting during group times - gradually increasing time as kindergarten approaches
- Learn to follow a schedule
- Discover materials, activities, and physical spaces through creative play
- Expand understanding of concepts through stories, songs, and play
- Explore the community through field trips and interaction with families, staff, and volunteers of different backgrounds
School Age Program
Red Caboose School Age Program’s mission is to help each child become an active and positive member of his or her Red Caboose, Lapham/Marquette, neighborhood, city, state, national and global community. It is our goal that each child will:
- Learn to interact peacefully and meaningfully with peers and adults.
- Develop thoughtful decision making skills.
- Have the opportunity to recognize and pursue his or her interests.
- Learn how to build a positive self image.
- Learn how to recognize and address the physical/social/emotional needs of himself or herself and peers.
