Our Program
We center our classroom time around an intentionally teacher-planned and play-based environment that changes as children’s abilities and interests evolve. We believe in a well-rounded experience for all children – including exposure to materials and activities that support math, literacy, art, science and social learning.
We accomplish this in as natural of a setting as our facility will allow, using nature items, teaching science from the gardens and plantings on our property, and incorporating tree trunks for climbing and balance to practice motor skills.
We hope this approach creates a love and respect for our environment, as we strive to make each child feel safe, valued and encouraged to proudly contribute.
Children ages 1 to 4 are invited to enroll in our full-day program.
Open Monday-Friday, 6:45am-5:30pm.
We have a high-quality, full day 4K program with a minimum of 4 full days per week (wrap around care).
We also accept school-age students after school from any DASD elementary (additional busing fee) and for our Summer Camp, as well as any others if space allows.
Home & School Partnership
TOURS
A tour is required by any family that wishes to enroll or be added to our waitlist.
We feel that it is very important that our philosophy and mission mesh with the families that will be attending the program.
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION & DAILY SHEETS
For all children, our families will be invited to join our Procare. Through this application, you are able to see a recap of your child’s day – diapering/toileting, mood, naps, pictures, videos and more. You are able to communicate with your child’s teacher through this app as well.
CLASSROOM TRANSITIONS
Children will transition to the next age appropriate classroom at the beginning of September with the start of the district school schedule. Both your child’s current and future teacher will be available to address any questions or concerns that you may have during the transition process.
PARENT PARTICIPATION
Parent participation is encouraged in our program. Some possible opportunities to participate and contribute to your child’s Yahara River Learning Center experience:
• Volunteering in your child’s classroom
• Eating lunch or snack with your child – please inform your teachers one day in advance
• Leading or assisting special projects (cooking, carpentry, etc.)
• Hobby or profession presentation
• Goal Setting Conferences
GOAL SETTING CONFERENCES
Goal setting conferences will be held in the fall and spring each year. The goal of these conferences is to gain insight into your child’s development both in our center setting as well as the home setting. It will allow parents a time to openly share with teachers what goals you have for your children and allow teachers to share what goals they have for children. During conferences, your child’s development and any goals you may have for your child will be discussed. Parents are encouraged to request a conference if they feel it necessary between fall and spring conference times.
PROGRAM EVALUATIONS
Yahara River Learning Center asks parents to complete program evaluations annually. The information gathered from these evaluations is used by the staff to develop goals for our center and to improve the overall quality of care at our center. A parent’s point of view is different from a teachers point of view. Therefore, parent feedback on the program evaluations is important to the success of our program and satisfaction of our families.
YOUNGSTAR
Yahara River Learning Center chooses to participate in a higher quality assessment of our program known as YoungStar. During the evaluation and assessment process our staff, classrooms and administration have to demonstrate how we meet the high quality expectations laid out by YoungStar. We do this through documentation of learning, lesson plans, individual child portfolios, high quality practices, and more.
More information about YoungStar can be found on the web using the link below.
QUESTIONS/CONCERNS
If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to bring it to the attention of the teacher most directly involved. If the concern is not resolved, the Director and/or Assistant Director can be reached at (608) 842-0377 or by e-mail at yaharariverlearningcenter@gmail.com. The Director and/or Assistant Director is available to assist parents and staff in resolving concerns.