When talking with Christa E., proud mom of a 2-year-old little girl, who attended Mini-Moments at Jacksonville Country Day School last year, she shared some of her thoughts and experiences:
“My daughter loved every second of Mini-Moments! Mini-Moments gave us a hands on experience and provided us with insight into JCDS and the programs that are offered. I enjoy watching my child’s enthusiasm to play and interact at the school as well as the opportunity to meet other children and parents that plan to attend JCDS. My oldest daughter attends JCDS and loves it!
Often when we drop her off at school, my youngest wants to stay and play. Mini-Moments allow her to do this while gaining exposure to the school and making her more comfortable with the environment. This will help to better prepare her for when she is old enough to attend. I also have the opportunity to learn something new about the school each time we go. Mini-Moments at JCDS helped my oldest daughter gain excitement about starting preschool and familiarized her with the school surroundings.”
It is never too soon to start getting ready for your family’s educational journey. Children learn best when they feel emotionally safe and secure in their environment. For children just starting school, there is much that is new. Having a new routine, interacting with new friends, engaging with a new teacher, and seeing older children in the hallways can all be overwhelming for young ones. For most children, gradual familiarization feels safer than abrupt immersion in a new environment. Visiting a new school with a parent for just a short amount of time can help with the transition, especially if there are several consecutive visits.
Providing young children a safe learning environment is Jacksonville Country Day School’s top priority. Designed for two and three-year-olds along with a parent or caregiver, Mini-Moments are your chance to participate in a free, interactive event with your child, make new friends, learn about the school and help provide a more seamless transition for our youngest students. Led by talented early learning-certified teachers, Mini-Moments are a way to help your child get used to an organized school environment in a social, interactive setting. Jacksonville Country Day School’s Mini-Moments help young children get a feel for what preschool will be like.
A high-quality preschool program is one of the best investments you can make in your child’s future. Jacksonville Country Day School understands how important it is to take the time to choose the right fit for your family. JCDS hopes to see you at one of the Mini-Moments events or upcoming Admissions Open Houses to explore the preschool options that this nurturing school has to offer.
Mini-Moments Schedule: Mini-Moments are scheduled for the following Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. over the course of the 2017-18 school year. The events are free, but space is limited. RSVP the team at JCDS by emailing [email protected] or calling 904-641-6644 Ext. 128. For more information and to learn more about our Mini-Moments events click here.
Sep. 8: Music
Come gather round the drums! This developmental music and movement class will have you and your child singing, dancing, and learning to make rhythmic and tonal patterns, playing instruments, and using fun props together with music.
Oct. 20: PE
Let’s get physical! This energizing movement class uses a variety of materials (balls, hula hoops, tumbling mats, etc.) to help develop gross motor skills.
Nov. 10: Storytime
Reading rocks! You and your child will enjoy stories, songs, puppets, shaky eggs and much more! Come join us for a relaxing, fun morning in this age appropriate storytime class.
Feb. 16: Learning Centers
Play in Pre-K! You and your child will have the chance to explore different materials in an open center time just like the children do in the Pre-K classes at JCDS. There will be light exploration, artistic centers, building centers and more!
Mar. 9: Art
Let’s get artsy! This art class will educate you and your child about a famous artist while experimenting with different materials in a developmentally friendly way to create a beautiful art piece inspired by that artist.
Apr. 20: Yoga
Namaste…Come enjoy a different spin on yoga with your child. This children’s yoga class includes songs and stories while learning some of the basics of yoga practice.
Admissions Open Houses: Additionally, JCDS will hold Admissions Open Houses on November 9, 2018 from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. and January 11, 2018, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
About the Author: Lori Hall is the mother of two younger children at Jacksonville Country Day School, the Admissions Coordinator, and an FSU graduate.
About Jacksonville Country Day School: We help your child to realize her or his full potential. Our whole-child education approach allows your son or daughter to embrace his or her unique talents and gifts in a safe, nurturing, and family-centered environment. We focus on character education and social-emotional development, as well as encouraging healthy living with daily PE and an emphasis on good nutrition. Led by highly effective teachers, daily learning experiences integrate and emphasize art, global studies, literacy, math, music and movement, science, and Spanish. We invite you to tour the JCDS campus and discover all that our school has to offer. Located at 10063 Baymeadows Road Jacksonville, FL 32256.