Forest Hill Nature Preschool and Childcare
Forest Hill Nature Preschool and Childcare
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2s Program

Our 2s need sensory learning experiences and opportunities for language, movement, and exploration.

Philosophy of Education

2-Year old children are just beginning to discover a world beyond their own family. Play is their primary vehicle for understanding the world around them. Through play they learn to handle new people, experiences, and objects, words, and discoveries. Children at this age are growing cognitively as well.  They are learning language, relationships, motor skills both using both large and small muscles, independence skills, and basic cognitive skills. Our goal is to nurture the whole child—to help each individual student grow and learn in several basic areas.

We believe  that 2-year-old children learn best by doing.  The experiences we create for our
students allow them to move around, play, get dirty, engage their senses, and build a sense of accomplishment. Projects are planned to reinforce the concepts we are learning, practice independence skills, allow creativity, and give
students an opportunity to feel good about their “work.” Children are offered a variety of materials both for play and for artistic creation. Our schedule reflects a flexible balance of active and quiet activities, individual and group activities, and indoor and outdoor activities (weather permitting).  Parents receive regular feedback from teachers about class activities and programs, and about how their child is progressing through daily written notes and face-to-face interactions with the teachers.

2-year old Developmental Focuses

Personal and Social Development

**Practice using manners and cooperating with 
    peers and adults
**Practice self-control
**Begin to respond to the feelings of others
**Begin to develop an understanding of
self, family, and others through personal relationships
**Begin to participate in group activities
**Begin to demonstrate taking turns and sharing
**Assist in self-care—dressing/undressing, blowing nose, washing hands, feeding/eating
**Follow simple 2-step directions (put toy away and sit down at the table)
**Develop a positive self-image

Physical Development

**Practice toilet training
**Develop gross motor control by running, hopping, marching, climbing
**Develop fine motor control by scribbling with crayon or marker, painting with large brushes, stringing beads, and manipulating
blocks, puzzles, and clay, and using glue on
paper
**Begin to move creatively to different types of music

Language and Cognitive Development

**Develop an increased vocabulary
**Name familiar objects in books and in the
environment
**Identify animals and their sounds
**Sing the alphabet song
**Practice rote-counting to 10
**Begin to recognize and identify basic
shapes and colors
**Begin to recognize similarities and differences in objects
**Begin to recognize the first letter of their name
**Begin to repeat simple songs and fingerplays

Spiritual Development

**Experience God's love in nurturing and accepting classroom environment
**Begin to recognize themselves as God’s
creation
**Begin to develop Christian values such as compassion, respect, honesty, and fairness as
modeled and communicated by the teachers.  
**Begin to form an understanding of the natural world through firsthand sensory experiences that relate our creation to God
**Listen to stories about God and Jesus
**Sing songs to praise God

2A

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Classroom Teachers

Miss Katie

 

This is my eighth year working in a school, and I truly love what I do. Supporting young children as they grow, explore, and learn brings me so much joy and purpose. I'm originally from New Hampshire, but I moved to Maryland three years ago and have loved getting to know the area. One of my favorite things to do is spend time outside-whether it's walking through a local park, enjoying a sunny day, or just sitting on a porch with a good cup of coffee.

When I'm not in the classroom, l enjoy catching up with friends, singing, trying out new coffee shops, and caring for my many houseplants. I also love spending time near the water and exploring new places,

especially anywhere with beautiful views or good food!

In the classroom, I work hard to create a space that feels safe, welcoming, and full of joy. I believe in the power of play, laughter, and connection, and I want every child to feel confident, curious, and loved just as they are.

I'm so excited for all the fun, growth, and memories this school year will bring!


Contact: misskatie@fhnaturepreschool.com

Mr Patrick

 

Hello! My Name is Mr. Patrick. I Will have been here at FHNP for three years coming up this September, and I am so excited to see what a new year in the classroom brings! I love all things art and music, and have played the guitar since I was seven as well as playing in two local bands! I love the outdoors too, and can frequently be found hiking or just hanging out outside! My girlfriend and I have one cat, but I love all sorts of animals! Most importantly, I love working with the kiddos and watching everyone grown and learn throughout the school year!


Contact: patrick.filar@gmail.com

Class Pet: Lollipop

Meet Lollipop, the snuggliest leopard gecko around! Lollipop loves to sleep, chase crickets, and give teeny lizard kisses! 

Daily Schedule

7am - Morning Care

*Please drop off in morning care room and put belongings away in classroom*

7:30 - Arrival, Play, & Potty

8:15 - Clean up

8:20 - Morning Meeting

8:30 - Snack & Potty

*Please plan to arrive by 8:30 whenever possible so students have time to get ready for outside play after a snack*

9:00 - Outside

10:00 - Play, Craft, & Potty

11:15 - Clean up

11:25 - Group

11:30 - Lunch & Potty

*Please plan to pick up half-day students by noon*

12:15 - Nap

2:15 Play & Potty

3:00 - Outside


2B

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Classroom Teachers

Miss Emily

Hi! I'm Miss Emily, and I've been teaching at FHNP since we opened in 2013. I have my AA in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Special Ed. In the classroom, I absolutely love doing cooking projects, nature walks, and yoga. When I'm not at the school with Miss Onie, you can usually find me at the gym, planning a theme party, watching reality TV, or reading. I can't wait to get to know you and your child and spend the next few months together. It's going to be an amazing school year!


Contact: 

Miss Onie

 

Hi, Im Miss Onie! Im so excited for this summer and to meet everyone! This is my fourth year teaching and my third year working with Miss Emily! When I'm not here with the kiddo's & Miss Emily, you can usually find me reading a good book at the beach, going on hikes or kayaking, or maybe doing my nails. Some of my favorite things to do during the summer here at FHNP are splash days, hill runs, and getting to spend a little extra time outside in the wonderful weather.


Contact: 

Daily Schedule

7:00 - 7:30 Before School Care (Please drop off in Beforecare classroom!)

7:30 - 8:30 Arrival and Free Play

8:30 - 8:40 Story Time

8:40 - 9:00 Morning Snack

*Please plan to arrive by 9:00 when possible!*

9:00 - 10:00 Outside Play

10:00 - 11:00 Free Play and Craft

11:00 - 11:15 Clean Up 

11:15 - 11:30 Circle Time

11:30 - 12:00 Lunch 

*Please plan to pick up half-day students by noon!*

12:00 - 2:15 Nap

2:15 - 3:00 Free Play

3:00 - 4:00 Outside

4:00 - 4:30 Afternoon Snack 

4:30 - 6:00 Aftercare Play

Class Pet: Ravioli

2C

1/2

Classroom Teachers

Ms GiGi

 Hi! I'm Ms. GiGi and I'm so excited to be a part of the 2C team. I grew up in the country. I have four siblings. I currently have my 90 hour Infants and Toddler certification, 90 hour Preschool certification, and my 90 hour School age certification. I've ben in childcare for a little over 4 years now and it has truly changed my life :)


Contact:

Ms Jayda

Hello, my name is Jayda. I'm 20 years old and from Baltimore. I've been working with kids for about 2 years and I love being in nature. I have a cat named Kitterton and I love to cook, bake, and read! I am an active person, so I like to hike and play tennis.


Contact: 

Daily Schedule

7:30 - 8:00 Arrival and Centers

8:05 - 8:15 Morning Meeting

8:15 - 8:30 Snack Time

8:30 - 9:00 Bathroom Break

9:00 - 10:00 Outside Time

10:05 - 10:15 Circle Time

10:15 - 10:40 Enrichment and Centers

10:40 - 11:00 Bathroom Break

11:00 - 11:10 Story Time

11:10 - 11:20 Music and Movement 

11:20 - 12:00 Lunch 

12:00 - 12:20 Bathroom Break

12:20 - 2:15 Rest Time

2:15 - Wake Up

2:20 - 2:55 Bathroom Break & Invitation to Play

3:00 - Dismissal


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