The 2008 Keefe-Bryuette Symposium on Early Learning brochure

Respectful Displays of Children's Artwork

Teachers Favorite Activities

Great Ideas for Your Sensory Table

A Model for Teaching Practice

The School for Young Children is first and foremost a high quality, nationally accredited preschool. Each classroom is staffed with teachers that have a Bachelors or Masters in Early Childhood Education with an average of 13 years experience. Teachers attend and present at workshops locally, regionally and nationally. The combination of degreed staff and ongoing training contributes to the program's high quality.

SYC teachers take pride in working in a training environment, knowing the positive long-term impact of their efforts. The School for Young Children serves as a training location for Saint Joseph College, Tunxis Technical Community College, and Capital Technical Community College.

SYC teachers regularly demonstrate quality teaching in many ways. Documentation and assessment are a vital part of curriculum planning at The School for Young Children. Teachers document children's work by writing down their words, using photography and creating displays of their work. Teachers actively integrate literacy skills, science and math skills into classroom lesson plans. Children are supported in their social and emotional development as teachers work to build a real community in their classrooms.

A Model for Family Involvement and Communication

The School for Young Children is a model for parent communication and parent involvement. each day teachers post the major activities for the day on a blackboard outside the room. In addition to communication with parents by telephone, children who are transported to school by bus receive a journal that travels with them to help keep parents and teachers connected. We send a calendar of school events every two weeks. Parents receive the information in their child's cubby and are able to keep apprised of field trips, visitors to the school, school closings days and other school activities. Information is also posted on the school web site and notices are sent via email.

Supporting Teacher Professional Development

The School for Young Children, as a Model Lab School, has developed a wide array of methods to actively support the professional development of teachers and future teachers from schools, colleges and programs throughout the State. Teachers from Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire attend the Keefe-Bruyette Symposium, Spring Workshops and schedule tours. Hundreds of of preschool staff and teachers-in-training tour the school each year.

Outreach to Colleges

The School for Young Children Model Lab School actively recruits Community Colleges, encouraging them to visit for tours and training sessions. CDA classes are held on site. We also have relationships with four year colleges, and offer student teacher opportunities at the school. Small groups of pediatric residents from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine tour our school to observe typical child development and see features of a high quality preschool.

High School Visits

At the beginning of the school year letters are sent to high school child development classes inviting them to tour our facility. During a typical visit, high school students are given a tour of the program and have time to make observations in the classroom. The hallway windows and speaker system allow students the opportunity to observe both inside and outside the classroom. Time is allotted at the end of the visit for students to ask questions regarding their observations. Representatives from both community colleges and Saint Joseph College are available to discuss early childhood programs at their respective institutions.

Model Lab School Workshops

The School for Young Children sponsors workshops for early childhood professionals. Each event includes dinner and a 90 minute workshop. Dinner provides participants an opportunity to network with other early childhood professionals. Classrooms are available for observation of the environment and displayed activities. One hundred participants attend trainings related to literacy, math, documentation/assessment and other related topics.

The School for Young Children also sponsors the Keefe-Bruyette Symposium annually. This full day conference will focus on developing math and science skills in young children.

Resource Room

The professional development of teachers is supported at the Model Lab School through the implementation of an active Resource Room, accessible to teachers during both day and evening hours. The room contains a wide range of books related to child development, curriculum and communication with families. Space and materials are provided to create documentation panels. Approximately 50 documentation panels created by SYC staff are on hand to view. The Resource Room and School are open the first Tuesday of each month from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Newsletter

The Model Lab School Newsletter is a publication designed for preschool teachers and directors. Articles written by SYC staff share their experiences, ideas and challenges in the classroom. Newsletter articles provide practical information teachers can use in their classroom and share with families. If you would like to be on our mailing list, contact Sue O'Donnell, Model Lab School Coordinator.