Children that will be 2 years old by September 1^st of the school year are eligible for our Toddler program.

Our teachers understand that the toddler program is likely the first school experience for their students and they take special care to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment.  Through a play based curriculum the children will learn how to interact cooperatively and with kindness towards peers, develop positive attitudes toward learning and a love of school, gain self-esteem and develop independence through age-appropriate hands-on learning experiences.

Class size is limited to 12 students which allows us to maintain a 1:6 teacher / student ratio.  Each class also benefits from the presence of a parent helper which further increases our adult /student ratio to 1:4.

CLASS OFFERINGS

Tuesday / Thursday AM – 9am – 11:30am
Monday / Wednesday / Friday AM  9am – 11:30am
Tuesday / Thursday PM  12:30pm – 2:30pm

TEACHERS

Mrs. Suzanne Kohlenberg

Mrs. K has been teaching at Tree of Life since 2003. She has a bachelor’s degree from Carroll College and has spent many years working in programs involving elementary education. She loves that Tree of Life is a parent cooperative as this format really allows the teachers to get to know the families. Her favorite activities are singing, dancing and story reading. Mrs. K. lives in Shorewood with her husband, two daughters and her dog, Chance.

“We want your child’s first school experience to be fun and nurturing. There is a real sense of camaraderie at Tree of Life, among the students and the parents.”

Mrs. Tracey Grabowski

Mrs. G. has been teaching at Tree of Life since 2006. She is a certified K-8 teacher, having received her teaching certificate in December 2004 from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Mrs. G. lives in Shorewood with her husband, son and daughter.

“I enjoy helping children develop emotionally as well as educationally through play and exploration. The toddlers are always learning how to deal with challenge, frustration and social skills.”

DAILY SCHEDULE

• Welcome / Free Choice Play
• Large Motor Activity – outdoor playground or indoor playroom
• Group singing, hand washing, snack *
• Independent reading
• Circle time, “Hello” song, theme related story
• Music & Movement – get the “wiggles” out
• Art & Sensory activities, free play
• Special story
• Good-bye song

(* the PM class is 30 minutes shorter and does not include snack time)

Classes

• Toddlers
• Preschool