Welcome to Our Young 3's Classroom
It's a time for children to wonder at the world around them. Each year is different because each child and family is different. Your child has a unique personality that we incorporate into the class dynamics throughout the year. We look forward to a warm and positive relationship with you and your child.
Shady Lane Philosophy
In the Young Threes we are partner teachers, teaching children to be partners in play. We encourage the children to solve their own problems; we facilitate this by giving them the words to use. "What's the problem? How can we solve this?" are questions we ask. Conflict resolution is a skill that will be used throughout the child's life.
Daily Schedule
Children arrive during Discovery Time, and choose from any area in the room including the mini studio, the climber, big and small blocks, dramatic play, sensory tables and fine motor activities.
After morning snack, the children join Partner Time or small group activities. During Partner Time, children join a play partner, and together they plan their time together, follow their plan and review it. Children also come together each day in a large group to sing songs, discover a new activity, or share ideas.
Young 3's Team
The Young Threes Team includes Co-Lead Educators Maren Herman and Rachel Ripley and Educators Sarah Maloney and Lexi Page. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education, and has been with Shady Lane in a variety of roles since 2006. She served as an Educator with the Partners Classroom team in 2008-09. Lexi started at Shady Lane in support of various classroom teams in 2008. She is currently a student at Carlow University, working toward her degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Counseling.
About the Co-Lead Educators
Maren Herman started at Shady Lane in 2000 as a parent. Both of her sons are alumni of Shady Lane School. She began by volunteering, then worked part-time, and was hired as an Educator in 2003. Maren has been a Co-Lead Educator in the Young Threes since 2005. Maren holds a Bachelor of Science in Art Education with a minor in Art Therapy, and a Bachelor of Science in Design, both from SUNY-Buffalo. She has also earned her Child Development Associate credential. Before coming to Shady Lane, Maren had several years of experience working with children with anxiety disorders or with a diagnosis on the autism spectrum.
Rachel Ripley began at Shady Lane in 2006 as a student teacher. After a wonderful mentoring experience, she was hired as a full-time Educator. Rachel was made a Co-Lead Educator in 2007. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Studies with a joint major in Psychology and Multimedia and a Master of Science in Education with a major in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, both from Duquesne University. Rachel also holds a certificate in photography.
We look forward to meeting you and your families.
