O U R P R O G R A M S
Infant
(6 weeks to ~15 months)
A warm, loving and safe environment for our littlest learners to develop trust and relationships. Activities are individually designed to promote social, emotional, cognitive, language and physical development. Sleep and feeding schedules are customized to meet each child's needs. BDN is a breastfeeding-friendly child care center.
Toddler
(2–3 years) Emphasis is placed on the individual child's unique needs as their personalities and social skills blossom. A more formalized curriculum ties in to experiential learning. Activities such as mini-field trips let children play, explore and learn about their community while focusing on language development and thinking skills.
Pre-Toddler
(15 months~2 years)
A transitional space for children who are starting to explore the world by walking, talking and interacting with other children and adults to a greater extent. Teachers design activities that match each child's developmental level, and foster the child's emerging personality.
Preschool
(3-6 years) Preparation for school and its new social, emotional and intellectual challenges is our focus. Frequent field trips and an academic curriculum provide ample opportunity for exploration and interaction with peers, adults and nature. We incorporate the skills kindergarten teachers expect of a child coming into their class.
Measuring Student Achievement
BDN focuses on the success of our students - both academically and developmentally. Using TS Gold assessments that align with Colorado's Results Matter Project, teachers observe and document student achievement, and adjust the curriculum to fit the needs of our children.
Daily Reports
for Parents
Teachers are excited to share highs and lows, stories, and discoveries of a child's day. Arriving at least 15 minutes before closing allows parents to connect with teachers, and provides continuity between home and school.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Parents and teachers meet every 6 months to discuss a child's advancement and create a development plan. Before a child transitions into the next program (ie: from the infant to pre-toddler), parents will meet with the lead teachers of both programs to provide a seamless transfer.
Storybook Journey Curriculum
Designed by former BDN teacher Sue McCord, we use The Storybook Journey (TSJ) curriculum. Every week we focus on a book, and its themes inspire our field trips, art, and play. TSJ is an experience-oriented, immersion program that provides a foundation for emergent literacy.
BDN teachers are exceptional people who are passionate about teaching. Every teacher is certified in Early Childhood Education (ECE), and many have a Master's Degree in ECE. BDN teachers are experts in "scaffolded play", building upon children's natural play and adding learning opportunities throughout the day (example: when children "make coffee" on the playground, teachers will ask "are you selling the coffee? How much does the coffee cost?") Teachers receive ongoing training in topics like:
Curriculum Creativity • Developmental Assessments • Child Engagement • Communication • Educational Play • Cultural Competency
Childhood is all about trainsitions - kids need time to process change. We've developed a family and child-centered program to address the strong emotions children experience as they prepare for kindergarten. BDN kids learn how to share their feelings, listen to the feelings of others, and support one another during the transition. They leave the program with exceptional communication skills, and are bonded and well adjusted.
3 months of meetings to prepare children for Kindergarten
1 Preschool Program Lead Teacher
1 Child Psychologist • Parental Involvement
ISSUES THAT COME UP IN KINDERGARTEN PREP
Express fears around school violence from watching the news
Voice anxiety about a new school
Practice orientation in new classrooms
Role play how to interact with new teachers and classmates
““The teachers make it seem so simple and so effortless to encourage the kids’ excitement and learn how to become kind, independent bigger kids. We are eminently grateful!””