Programs

Our theme based curriculum balances school-readiness skills with a social and emotional foundation, grounded in developmentally appropriate practices for each age group. There are two teachers in each class, providing for a lower teacher-to-child ratio than what is required by the state. Curriculum enrichment includes monthly music classes, science lessons with a naturalist from Beaver Brook Association, and story time with the town librarian. Children also benefit from field trips to visit community resources, walks around Amherst village or the nature trails behind the school, and school-wide family events. Our "Lunch Bunch" is an opportunity for children to extend their day with us. Children must be the age required in each program by September 30th of the school year.

2021-2022 Programs

3 Year Olds

Bumblebees: 3 mornings
   M+W+F
      or
2 mornings
  T+Th
   8:50-11:50
                                    Class size = 10

4 Year Olds

   Caterpillars: 4 mornings
M-Th
8:35-11:35
                                   Class size = 8

4 Year Olds

Dragonflies: 5 mornings
M-F
8:10-11:10
Class size = 12

5 year olds
The Salamander program is an extra year of growth before kindergarten. We respect that every child develops at their own pace, and that some may benefit from more time to practice the skills needed for the challenges of full-day kindergarten.
Monday-Friday (8:25-noon; 3.5 hours) Class size = 8

Extended Day

Lunch Bunch is available to the older classes (no Bumblebees) for an additional fee. Children bring a lunch from home and enjoy extra social time with friends. The Lunch Bunch group is limited to 8 children within the same class per Covid-19 safety precautions, with a minimum of 2 required on any given day. Parents sign up their child for specific days each month, or by calling or emailing the office at least 48 hours in advance.
Cost: $20.00 for 1:30pm pickup or $30.00 for 3:00pm pick-up
2021-2022: 1:30pm or 2:30pm pick-up times