SCHEDULES, OR TIME TO GROW
OMS is dedicated to the balanced, whole child - challenging them to learn while helping stretch them socially, creatively and physically. Your children are so young for a very short time and during this time they change daily. The more you understand, the easier it will be to live in the moment, and the better you can support their work.
A key benefit of OMS is its flexible schedules designed to meet child and family needs; we have a wide range of schedules to suit, from three mornings to full time, five days a week. Many children begin with three mornings and add hours and days as they become adjusted. Standard options include three, four, and five days, and hours ranging from 8:30-1:00, 8:30-3:00, and 8:30-4:30. Extended daycare is available from 7:30-8:30 and 3:00-6:00.
The day's schedule varies according to the needs of the class. There is usually a group meeting (a "circle") for lessons, sharing, songs and discussion. The children chose their work from the shelf and work either alone or together. Many of the lessons are learned by repetitive manipulation of the Montessori materials, and at times an older child or teacher may assist.
The childrens' work falls into the Montessori categories: Practical Life, Sensorial, Math, Language and Cultural Subjects. There is also time for group activity such as music, physical education, art, play, snack, and quiet time.
The preschool day at OMS generally proceeds as follows:
- 7:30 Morning daycare
- 9:00 Morning work period
- 11:00 Outside time
- 11:45 Songs and conversation in circle
- 12:00 Lunch and outdoor time; children bring their own healthy lunches
- 1:00 Afternoon work period for older children; nappers nap
- 3:00 School day ends; nappers wake. Daycare begins with outside playtime
- 4:30 Tea time
- 6:00 End of the day at OMS
The toddler day is similar, but with added modifications for smaller children: fewer transitions, a dedicated snack time at 10:00, and earlier lunch and nap times.
Special Days:
There are three additional educational programs per week: gymnastics with Fitness In Transit on Wednesdays; music with Music Together on Tuesdays; and art in our dedicated art studio one morning per week.
OMS provides a summer program from mid June through most of August in two-week sessions. The summer is relaxed yet enriching - filled with cooking, field trips and fun. Because of its calmer nature, the summer program also provides a nice way for incoming children to transition to the fall session. Our summer application for 2009 will be available shortly.
Regular field trips are taken with parent participation. All preschoolers may go on all Field Trips; toddlers may attend with a parent. Destinations include a Pumpkin Patch, San Francisco's Davies Symphony Hall for Kids' Concerts, the Nutcracker Ballet, the Chabot Space and Science Center and other local museums, cultural centers and points of interest. We also take walks to our neighborhood library and park.