30 – 36 months
Welcome to the Explorer II Classroom!
2 – 2 1/2 years
The Explorer classroom is designed for children 2 1/2 – 3 year old children. Explorer II students share a love for learning more about the world around them a curiosity about how they fit into it. They enjoy teacher-led demonstrations, hands-on art projects, and a dynamic circle time experience. Explorer II students are given responsibilities with teacher-directed instruction, promoting students to become more independent. Through age-appropriate lesson plans designed around the students’ needs and interest, Dublin Learning Academy is able to assist students to meet personal learning targets in fun and educational ways.
Daily Schedule
Our teachers and staff use a daily schedule to ensure a well-rounded learning experience. This is a typical Explorer II schedule:
- 6:30-9:00 Free Choice
- 9:00-9:30 Circle Time
- 9:30-10:00 Snack
- 10:00-10:30 Language Arts
- 10:30-11:15 Manipulative Play & Sensory Art
- 11:15-11:45 Outside
- 11:45-12:30 Lunch
- 12:30-2:30 Nap
- 2:30-3:00 Snack
- 3:00-3:30 Math & Science
- 3:30-4:00 Closing Circle
- 4:00-4:30 Outside
- 4:30-6:00 Teacher’s Choice
Developmental Milestones
The care and development of each child are the top priorities of our experienced teachers and staff. We work closely with our Explorer II students so that each child is working towards achievement goals at DLA. Teachers work with students to refine letter and number recollection, as well as ntroduce handwriting skills such as tracing and cutting with a focus on Pre-School readiness. Our teachers strive for, assess, and celebrate the following learning targets:
Language Arts
- Uses details to describe an object or event
- Uses facial expressions when speaking emotion
- Recognizes upper case letters of the alphabet by sight
- Recognizes lower & uppercase matches
- Uses “please” & “thank you” appropriately
- Speaks in simple sentences
Mathematics
- Identifies numbers 1-20 and can count from 1-25
- Recognizes complicated shapes
- Sorts by color & shape
Science
- Knows the current month through song & circle time
- Says the days of the week & Months of the year
- Indentifies the weather and how to prepare for it
- Knows all five senses
Music & Art
- Recites short nursery rhymes songs
- Identifies various instruments
- Enjoys exploring all types of music
- Colors & tries to stay in lines
- Uses scissors properly
- Develops appropriate grasp with a pencil
Self Help/Social-Emotional
- Stays focused on work, works well with others
- Follows the classroom discipline policy
- Participates in group play
- Demonstrates problem solving skills
- Understands a daily schedule & can follow a routine
- Separates from parents without anxiety
- Cleans up work/play area
District Curriculum
Children will be introduced to their first curriculum as they enter the Lil’ Dreamer classroom. Dublin Learning Academy offers quality childcare and learning opportunities for infant through school age children from 6:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. using small class sizes, child oriented classrooms and stimulating curriculum, including:
- Music
- Science
- Mathematics
- Language Arts
- Social Sciences
- Foreign Language
- Art
- Physical Education
Dublin Learning Academy teachers provide a fun and safe place for children to learn and grow at their own pace. Children gain confidence as they are guided through a unique year-round comprehensive curriculum that is comprised of month-long themes designed exclusively for Dublin Learning Academy students, such as:
- Four Seasons
- Camping Fun
- Transportation
- The Human Body
- Animals
- Space
- Family & Friends
- Oceans & Continents
- Our Country
- Community Helpers
- Safety Towne
Focus in the Explorer II Classroom
Children are encouraged to explore and discover new ways of learning daily. Explorer II children focus on expanding their vocabulary to communicate their ideas, feelings, and events. Explorer II curriculum focuses on identifying the letters of the alphabet, numbers 1-20, and complicated shapes and colors. The science curriculum recognizes weather, seasons, and the body. Dublin Learning Academy students also work on healthy hygiene and manners.
Rewards & Discipline
Explorer teachers encourage children with behavior charts and lots of praise! Children are rewarded for such things as “using gentle hands,” sharing, clean-up, and good “listening ears.” When a child is displaying inappropriate behavior the teacher will re-direct them. When inappropriate behavior is continually displayed, children are asked to sit in the “Thinking Chair” to think about making better choices.
Nutrition
Explorers II students bring packed lunches or purchase a catered meal. Snacks are provided by Dublin Learning Academy (students are welcome to bring in individual snacks as desired). Dublin Learning Academy provides milk for Explorers at meals and snack times. Microwaves and refrigerators are located in the classroom for food storage convenience. Students who come before 8:30 a.m. may bring breakfast to eat at school. Please note that due to the health risks of students with severe allergies, Dublin Learning Academy has a school-wide peanut-free policy. Parents are responsible for supplying a labeled water cup/bottle for their child each day.
Nap Time
Explorer II children take a nap each day after lunch. Each child has their own cot for nap time. Parents provide a sheet which is is sent home on the last school day of the week to wash and return the following week.
Potty Training
Explorer II students are completing potty training. Students will need extra clothes for accidents. Parents are required to bring in package of wipes each month.
Enrolling your child in the Explorer II Class
The decision to enroll your child is an exciting one! We want to make the transition for your family a pleasant one. Please complete and return all paperwork before your child’s first day. Make sure to label all personal items. The office is available to answer questions any time!
Tell me and I’ll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I’ll understand. Chinese Proverb
Personal Items
- 1 Water Bottle (labeled)
- 1 Package of Wipes (due each month)
- 1 Package of Diapers or Pull-Ups (as needed)
- Crib Sheet for Cot
- Extra Set of Clothing
- Balanced Daily LUnch (if needed)
Forms of Paperwork
- Tuition Agreement
- Student Profile
- Child Enrollment/Health Information Form
- Pick Up Authorization Form
- Medical/Physical Care Plan (if needed)
- Parent Handbook Agreement
- Family Key Agreement
- Media Form
- Medical Statement
Ratio: 1:8 Class Size: Max 12
Full-Time: 6:30am – 6:00pm (5 days/wk)
Part-Time: Available