Dear Prospective Parent,
The Acorn School for Early Childhood Development was established out of a desire to create a comprehensive, effective, and replicable model of a high quality early care and education program. The Acorn School is focused on providing excellent education and care for children and support for families. Equally as important, are program elements designed to enhance staff development, retention, and satisfaction.
It is our belief that continuity of care is one of the most vital aspects of early childhood education. While there are many childcare centers that provide the “basics” of care, such as meals, naps, and supervision, this is not enough to stimulate a child’s intellectual and emotional growth. Children require supportive, committed, and bonded relationships with their caregivers in order to thrive and progress in their development.
Our goal is to foster and continue our philosophy of primary caregiving, which is the essence of our School, and childcare at its best. Primary caregiving matches children with teachers who remain with them from toddlerhood through pre-kindergarten. Children enter the program as infants, toddlers, or preschoolers, and are placed in small clusters of eight to ten children. The children shift classes together with their teachers each year, while the oldest cluster graduates to kindergarten. This system emulates a family environment within the context of a childcare center, and allows teachers to fully comprehend the needs and learning patterns of their children.
At The Acorn School for Early Childhood Development, each child’s learning strengths are evaluated, and teachers set the stage for children to interact in eight interest areas: blocks, dramatic play, table toys, music, art, sand and water, library, and the outdoors. Teachers track each child’s development through journals filled with photographs, notes, anecdotes, and developmental milestones that provide a record of the child’s early years. Teachers also provide parents with specific ideas for promoting the child’s development at home. As a result of this approach to early learning, we generally witness children who display high self-esteem and communication skills, pro-social behavior, and high levels of kindergarten readiness.
The Acorn School is a non-profit organization that serves a population of diverse socio-economic backgrounds. One way we provide support for our families is by offering scholarship assistance based on family size, income, and need. We welcome CCCAP, CLIFF, and GAP participants, CPP (Colorado Preschool Program), and we receive funding for financial assistance from the Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation and the Anshutz Foundation.
When a family enrolls at The Acorn School, we encourage them to become actively involved in our community. Many parents volunteer, serving on the Board of Directors, or other short-term interest
committees. We are extremely fortunate to work with a group of parents who are so committed to their children, and to The Acorn School.
Thank you for taking the time to investigate The Acorn School in your search for high-quality childcare.
Tours of our facility are offered weekly on Thursdays at 9:30 am, or we can schedule a personal tour for you at another time. We look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Matt Eldred
Executive Director