It seems so unstructured – is there any structure?
Yes. We provide a rhythm to the day, so that children know what to expect and can count on things feeling consistent day to day. Elements that provide that structure include a group time, washing hands, eating snack together, and music time together at the close of each day, with a Goodbye Song that acknowledges each child.
The rest of the day is free play! Teachers set out what we call “invitations” for children to find, based on emerging skills or children’s interests, and the children can choose to use what we have provided, or use what is in the classroom environment in just about any creative way they like. At Cottage, children drive their own learning, and adults listen and observe them closely, providing just-right support. Children are natural born learners. It’s amazing what they can do, when we give them space to try.
How do you handle conflict?
Teaching and learning conflict resolution is at the core of the skills we build at Cottage. Our goal is for all of the adults (that’s right, we have our own learning to do!) and all of the children to receive support and learn to navigate the feelings that lead to conflict. We learn to pay attention to both verbal and nonverbal communication, respond empathetically, and resolve conflicts without rewards or punishments of any kind. The goal is for all parties to have a chance to feel heard, and conclude with trust and mutual respect.
Does your curriculum include any academics?
Children learn academic skills in a developmentally appropriate manner. Young children learn best through self-directed play, through reading children’s literature together with trusted adults, and through songs, and stories, and from each other.
Many classic children’s pastimes have hidden skills built in to them. Blocks and puzzles are practice for spacial awareness, hide and seek includes an opportunity to practice counting, and reading and writing emerge as children draw and label their ideas. Childhood is not a race. At Cottage, kids are allowed to be kids.
But what do I actually *do* in the classroom?
We have two Parent Teachers each day to help us get ready for the day and clean up afterward. In between, we become part of the class! As Parent Teachers, we follow the kids’ lead. We may find ourselves in a restaurant pretending to eat mud pies, climbing through the jungle on the play structure, reading stories, or mediating conflict over in the bike area. Although our help and supervision is needed and appreciated, it is always okay to call in a Teacher for support if things get too hot.
At the end of each class, we have the chance to debrief about the day with our fellow parent teacher and our lead teachers. What were the kids working on? What kind of help did they need? What did you find challenging? What worked? What didn’t? Working together like this allows us to get to know our child’s classmates and form close bonds with other families at the school.
My mom/brother/nanny watches my child. Can they work in the classroom for me?
At least one parent in each family is required to participate as a Parent Teacher. Parents can share the teaching duties as long as they have both been trained. Additional close family members may be considered "parents" for the purposes of these volunteer commitments as long as they attend Parent Teacher Training, participate in Parent Education, and submit proof of vaccination, the same way other parent volunteers must do.
Full-time child-care providers or extended family members may not be considered as substitutes for the parent in the classroom. We are accountable to each other as part of a tight-knit community, and it is important to participate in order to generate that closeness and trust.
Can I bring my baby/younger child with me when I am working in the yard?
We need all of your focus on your Parent Teacher work days. We ask that you arrange childcare for siblings when you are scheduled to work in the yard as this allows you to fully engage in your classroom duties and have fun! If you have a nursing infant, they can remain close-by with a caregiver upstairs in our parent room where you can nurse or pump as needed.
There is also flexibility in scheduling your shifts throughout the year to accommodate new babies, family visits, work obligations, vacations, etc.
What do you serve for snack? My child has allergies.
Our snack menu is designed to widen palates, while making sure kids have energy to play. It is always vegetarian, and includes a protein, a fruit and/or vegetable, and a carbohydrate. We try to make sure varied tastes and textures are offered. Some typical examples include:
Lentils, bruschetta and whole grain pita chips
carrots, hummus, and akmak crackers
rice crackers, tofu, dried seaweed
Our school is peanut free. We maintain a current list of food allergies for all children, and aim to keep those items off the menu for the safety of the students. Parents are welcome to bring an alternative snack to serve their child and communicate dietary restrictions to the staff.
I would like to add my child to the waitlist. How can I do that?
We do maintain a waitlist of applicants who have completed the application process each season. This waitlist does not roll over from year to year. Families of children too young to attend Cottage the following year should wait to apply when their child will be at least 2 in September.
Occasionally, a space will become available mid-year that we are unable to fill from our waitlist. At that time, we will review applications and offer tours to families who could potentially be a great fit for the class and school. There is no fee to complete part 1 of our application. Please contact our admissions team for more information.
I would like to set up a tour. How can I do that?
Our tours are typically held in January and February, during our admission season. At any time of the year, the first step is to fill our part 1 of our application. We will contact you for next steps. Contact the admission team with any questions.
What are your class schedules and tuition?
Most students attend Cottage 2 or 3 mornings per week. A limited number of 5 morning spots may be available each year. Check our Class Descriptions / Programs page for more information.