Terrific Twos

The Terrific Twos program strives to provide guidance and structure to young children in an atmosphere of security and warmth by discovering, playing, and learning together. 

CURRICULUM
Our curriculum encourages growth and learning through play and ‘hands on’ activities.  Our program is committed to providing an innovative and developmentally appropriate curriculum to encourage discovery and growth.

DAILY PROGRAM
The Terrific Twos are in class on Monday and Wednesday from 9:15 – 11:15 a.m.

• Gathering and settling time with free play in the classroom.
• Group time with songs, stories, name recognition, and learning.
• Free play & project time where children choose their own activities (train table, climbing area, painting, sand/water table, kitchen area/workbench area, story area, and floor toys) and work on a teacher-initiated project when offered.
• Clean-up time when children work together with teachers to clean up the room.
• Large motor time when children go to the Gym for games and exercises.
• Group time with music, creative movement, floor puzzles, and learning games.
• Snack time where children learn to wash their hands and share a simple snack together.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
To be two years old is to be fully self-absorbed.  As a child journeys from two years to three years of age, they move from a ‘me’ centered world to a world of relationships.  It is our goal to guide our terrific twos through the process of moving from relating the world entirely to their selves to relating to a world outside of their selves that includes peers, teachers, and older children.

• Promote social skills such as respect, kindness, and empathy.
• Enhance self esteem through individual accomplishment.
• Learn how to value another person's rights by teaching respect for others.
• Encourage cognitive development and reasoning skills.
• Develop an appropriate pattern of dependence and independence.
• Foster a sense of continuity between school and the outside world.
• Create a place of community, teamwork, and friendship.
• Explore creativity and self-expression.

PROGRAM GOALS
The goal of our program is to provide an opportunity for young children to explore their world as they develop a new sense of independence in a safe nurturing environment.  Our number one goal for this age group is to create a healthy and happy classroom experience.  We strive to nurture growth in the following areas:

• Language and vocabulary skills
• Early math and patterning skills
• Self-awareness and self-expression
• Eye/hand coordination
• Large muscle development
• Social awareness:  sharing & getting along with others
• Curiosity and awareness of the world

REGISTRATION
Registration for each school year is open to alumni and church families in January.  Open registration for the public begins in March. 

Children entering the Terrific Twos must be 2 ½ years of age by September 1st to be eligible for enrollment in this program.

If your child does not meet the age requirement, you are eligible to roll into the program during the school year (if there is space available) when your child turns 2 1/2 years of age. 

Application for the Two Year Old Program in Word or in Adobe Acrobat.

TUITION
Tuition is $116 per month for nine months.
The first monthly tuition payment is due on July 1st.
A $60 activity fee is due in September.

TOILET TRAINING/DIAPER POLICY
Children do not need to be toilet trained to participate in the program.  Children may wear pull-ups to class.  Diapers will not be changed by the staff.  If a child needs a clean diaper, the parent will be called to come into the classroom and change the diaper.

TRANSPORTATION
Parents are responsible for bringing their child to and picking their child up from the classroom.  Parking is available in the parking lot on Harrison and Jefferson.

RELIGIOUS EMPHASIS
First Pres Preschool observes Christian holidays, sings a brief prayer before snack time, and fosters the kindness and community of Christian living.

LICENSING & POLICIES
First Pres Preschool is licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services of Illinois (DCFS).  It is in compliance with health and safety standards established by DCFS and the IL Department of Public Health.  Further policies are set by the Preschool Staff with the approval of the Session of First Presbyterian Church.

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