There are two sessions, one in the morning from 8:45am-11:45am for three year olds, and one in the afternoon from 12:45pm-3:45pm for four and five year olds. Extended day is an option three days a week.

PHILOSOPHY
Socialization, emotional and intellectual growth are our primary goals. Bellevue South's program is eclectic, combining
progressive and traditional modalities. Here, a child is given the freedom to develop at his or her own speed in a supportive,
non-competitive atmosphere. Informal teaching takes place as a child expresses interest in particular subjects. Our
principle objective is to provide abundant opportunities that stimulate creativity, initiative, appreciation of beauty, love of
learning and enjoyment of social activity. Each child selects materials and activities from the structure and routine created
by the teachers within the environment, fostering both independence and security. Children feel safe to explore in their
environment, which is one key to healthy separation.

SEPARATION
At the time of entry, children frequently experience an extended adjustment period. In anticipation, teachers visit each child
in his or her own home before school begins. This gives our teachers a link to the child's home that often eases adjustment
to the school environment. Children are phased into the program in small groups during a period of shortened sessions.
Parents or caregivers remain in the room as needed.

ENVIRONMENT
The environment includes an entire room for dramatic play that houses a kitchen area, puppet theater, climbing apparatus
and dress-up clothing. The main room has areas for arts and crafts, manipulatives, water, sand, blocks, language and
math materials and a computer. We play outdoors in one of the most exciting playgrounds in the city, right above our
school on the plaza, with a view of the East River. Nature, science, and cooking are also integral parts of the program.
At our kitchen, children have been known to make pumpkin bread, cornbread, and pretzels, sharing what they make
with their parents after school.

THE ARTS
Music, including live piano, is part of the daily movement period. We are lucky that our director is also a wonderful piano
player who teaches music and musical theater to the students. (Our modified version of the Nutcracker is one of our
favorite performances for the parents). One of our teachers is a trained artist and art specialist, and painting is an important
part of every day. We do individual art projects, group projects, process-driven painting, and projects that center around
a finished project tied into the curriculum. The "doll room" is an important room for role-playing, improvisation, and investigations.

SCHOOL READINESS
The morning class is focused on socialization, play, cognitive development, and the adjustment from home to nursery
school. The whole child is nurtured, and teachers are sensitive to the formation of friendships and group dynamics.
Children are read to every day in small groups. Parents are given parenting support when needed.

The afternoon class, for four and five year olds, takes a leap forward in terms of reading and writing readiness,
deductive reasoning, and preparation for kindergarten. Children have a daily group meeting where they learn about
a topic and practice sharing with the group. The school helps parents plan for the next step- kindergarten.

The Director spends a great deal of time one-on-one with parents helping them through the process of applying to
kindergarten. Many of our children are admitted to the gifted and talented public schools, including Hunter, NEST, and
Anderson. Other children go on to some of the top private schools in the city. The school prides itself on nurturing parents
through this process, while remaining a non-competitive community, and keeping the emphasis on the here and now
for the children.