Welcome to Our Young 4's Classroom
Our program welcomes teaching and learning from both the children and educators. This team approach prepares your child with the fundamentals they will need for moving on to new experiences, here at Shady Lane, or, for some, at a new school. We promote and encourage a social atmosphere of love, kindness, and empathy to our children and their families.
Shady Lane Philosophy
We teach children to respect the differences of others, and look at how we are all the same in many ways. This emphasis on diversity, as well as blending the children's ideas and interests into the curriculum, is designed to promote the development of healthy, creative, positive and nurturing individuals.
Daily Schedule
Our day balances teacher-directed activities with those chosen by students. We begin our day with free choice time where children choose from block or dramatic play, sand, art and writing activities, or puzzles and games. We enjoy morning and afternoon snack, and time in the gym or on the playground twice a day.
After reading stories, singing songs, sharing ideas, and discussing concepts together, we split into small groups. Children choose activities and how much time they spend there, with our guidance and help. This allows time for practice of different skills and concepts while working at their own pace and level of interest.
Young 4's Team
The Young Fours Team includes Lead Educator Susan Cooper and Educators Kim Trainor and Adrienne Nejak. Kim has been an integral day-to-day member of the Shady Lane staff since 2000 in a variety of support roles. After successfully acquiring a Child Development Associate credential, Kim was made an Educator on the Young Fours team team starting in September 2009. Adrienne had two years of experience with young children as a nanny before starting at Shady Lane in support of various classroom teams during the 2009-2010 school year. Because of her passion for working with young children, Adrienne has begun to work on a long-range plan to achieve advanced educational goals, starting with her current enrollment at CCAC studying Early Childhood and Elementary Education. Adrienne joined the Young Fours team in September 2010.
About the Lead Educator
Susan Cooper graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Elementary Education. She has taught at Shady Lane School since 1996, working with different age groups. Susan is an organist at her church and brings her love of music to the classroom, as well as her enthusiasm for gardening and the outdoors.
We look forward to a special time with your family.
