(401)539-3300
LITTLE BEGINNINGS
Early Childhood Learning Center
At Little Beginnings, we believe in the uniqueness of each child. We understand that each child learns differently, and at their own pace. We respect the diverse cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds of all children and families. We believe a child’s first teacher is their parent and we are committed to working closely with families to ensure the child’s success in our program.
OUR STORY
At Little Beginnings, we’re proud to provide a caring and safe environment for your children. Since we are a small center, it is easy to connect with and really get to know each child and each family- which is something that the staff here at Little Beginnings prides themselves on!
We believe that the learning experiences throughout the first five years of life are the most crucial and set the foundation for a prosperous future. Research shows that the brain develops the most; and the fastest during these years. Therefore, our teachers and staff strive to provide the best learning experiences; along with a structured curriculum aligned with the Rhode Island Early Learning and Development Standards, to ensure the best early childhood education. Get in touch to learn more!
LITTLE BEGINNINGS MISSION
Our Mission at Little Beginnings Childhood Learning Center is to provide affordable, high quality, developmentally appropriate child care and early education for the children of families in the Chariho district and surrounding communities for ages 6 weeks to 5 years.
At Little Beginnings, our focus is on the areas of development of the total child, which are: Intellectual, Social, Emotional, Language and Physical.
From language and literacy development to social skills and creative expression, the children at Little Beginnings are constantly being exposed to new activities and environments in which to thrive. We build on the strengths and interests of each child to help build a solid foundation where they can develop their futures.
Get in touch to learn more about us.
OUR PROGRAMS
At Little Beginnings, our focus is on the areas of development of the total child, which are: Intellectual, Social, Emotional, Language and Physical. We understand that each child learns differently, and at their own pace.
INFANTS
6 Weeks - 18 Months
֍ Goals ֍
• To provide age-appropriate activities that encourage curiosity and use of the five senses
• To provide physical activities that support large and small muscle development
• To provide a safe, healthy, and attractive environment for the children
• To support social and emotional development through positive guidance and interactions
TODDLERS
18 Months - 3 Years
֍ Emotional Goals ֍
• Begins to show empathy for others
• Feels safe and secure away from parents
• Shows dislikes
• Shows pride in new accomplishments
• Asserts self appropriately
• Exhibits contrasting moods (stubborn to compliant)
֍ Social Goals ֍
• Imitates others
• Influences or persuades others
• Helps at clean-up time
• Tries to please others
• Exhibits an intense interest in adult
• Enjoys “exploring” with others
• Understands sharing
֍ Physical Goals ֍
• Sits well in chair
• Climbs up steps
• Marches in place
• Rolls, throws and kicks balls
• Stacks blocks
• Uses a crayon or paintbrush
• Attempts to put on shoes, socks, jacket, etc.
• Washes and dries hands
• Uses a spoon
• Drinks from a cup
֍ Independence in ֍
• Separation from caregiver
• Getting up and down stairs safely
• Sitting in structured group time for 5 minutes
• Handling transitions without crying
• Getting used to the routine/schedule (understanding what’s next)
• Following simple 2‐step instructions
• Indicating preferences (non‐verbally or with simple language)
֍ Continued growth in ֍
• Communication skills (non‐verbal and verbal)
• Fine motor skills (grasping utensils)
• Gross motor skills (push/pull toys, dance, climb)
• Self‐help skills (cleaning snack area, awareness of personal needs)
• Imaginative play
• Asking for help
• Persistence in problem solving (stacking toys, simple puzzles, shape sorters, etc.)
• Desire to learn by exploring
֍ Introduction to ֍
• Cooperative play with teacher guidance
• Shapes/colors (through teacher guided art projects, circle time, etc.)
• Books
• Potty training (for some)
• Simple songs
• Socializing with peers
• Using manners (please, thank you, etc.)
• Difference between safe and unsafe behaviors/environments
• Art through sensory exploration (finger-paint, playdough, etc.)
PRESCHOOL
3 Years - 5 Years
Our learning environment is designed to meet the overall needs of preschoolers and to facilitate their development through age-appropriate experiences. Due to the individuality of each child, expectations vary; each child is challenged, but not hurried. Ideally, the following goals should be met by the time a child enters kindergarten.
֍ Emotional Goals ֍
• Displays a sense of security
• Exhibits self-confidence
• Has a positive attitude
• Shows a desire to learn
• Willing to try something new
֍ Behavioral Goals ֍
• Listens attentively
• Follows directions
• Is not disruptive
• Exhibits self-control
• Uses toys and materials appropriately
֍ Self-Help Goals ֍
• Puts on jacket without assistance
• Puts on shoes without assistance
• Takes care of his/her own toileting needs
• Cleans up after self at snack and lunch
• Tries to solve problems independently
• Participates in classroom clean-up
֍ Social Goals ֍
• Plays cooperatively
• Helps others
• Interacts positively with peers
• Interacts positively with adults
• Stands up for his/her own rights
• Resolves conflicts peacefully
• Exhibits good manners; courteous
֍ Language Goals ֍
• Speaks clearly
• Has age-appropriate vocabulary
• Uses personal pronouns correctly
• Expresses needs and ideas verbally
• Recites jingles and rhymes
• Tells events or stories in sequence
• Follows 3-step verbal directions
֍ Cognitive Goals ֍
• Demonstrates knowledge of colors
• Demonstrates knowledge of shapes
• Demonstrates knowledge of numbers
• Demonstrates knowledge of letters
• Can work a 10-piece puzzle
• Recognizes his/her own name (written)
• Knows “left” and “right”
֍ Personal Information Goals ֍
• Knows his/her full name
• Knows his/her age
• Knows his/her birthday
• Knows his/her telephone number
• Knows his/her street address
• Knows first and last name(s) of his/her parent(s)
֍ Physical Goals – Gross Motor (Large Muscles) ֍
• Is well coordinated
• Displays good balance
• Exhibits skill on playground equipment (climber, balance beam, slide, etc.)
• Pedals tricycle
• Builds with blocks
• Throws/catches balls
֍ Physical Goals – Fine Motor (Small Muscles) ֍
• Pours milk/juice/water into a cup
• Holds pencil correctly
• Can cut with scissors
• Can manipulate fasteners
• Unties a bow and/or loose knot
• Draws a recognizable person
• Writes own name