Gertrude B. Nielsen Child Care and Learning Center

Products And Services

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  Infant Program

  Life is Precious “My daughter is in the infant program and GBN made my transition back to work so much smoother. I knew my daughter was in good hands with a loving, caring staff.” – Carrie Stefano, parent OUR INFANT PROGRAM ACCEPTS CHILDREN BEGINNING AT 6 WEEKS AND RUNS THROUGH APPROXIMATELY 15 MONTHS. Infancy is one of the most important times in a person's life. When building a house, the most critical component is the foundation. When that structure is strong, it will support the house and its future additions. During a child's first year of life, the foundation for future development is established. We offer an atmosphere where infants receive intimate, secure care to establish a strong foundation for their development. THERE ARE SEVERAL REASONS YOU MAY WANT TO CHOOSE OUR INFANT PROGRAM FOR YOUR CHILD. Our staff to child ratio is 1:4 and our group size is 8. This enables infants to form strong attachments to their caregivers. Consistency of staff is an important element of high quality infant care so each child is placed with a team of primary caregivers who are always responsible for that baby's daily care. We only employ staff educated in infant/toddler development. They are warm, loving, nurturing individuals who view caring for infants from a professional perspective. While most adults can take care of an infant's physical needs, not every adult is equipped to meet the psychological and emotional needs of an infant. We encourage infants to explore in order to develop physical, social, emotional, and intellectual skills appropriate for their age. We have frequent, specific, honest communication between staff and parents. When adults trust one another and in the care of an infant, the result is greater development of the child's potential. Sanitation is emphasized. There are separate sinks for diapering and food preparation in each room. Toys are sanitized throughout the day. Hand washing for staff and children is a constant occurrence. We have separate monitored sleeping rooms, radiant floor heated tile for warmth during cold months, an open environment for safe exploration without the use of “baby traps”, such as walkers and generous indoor and outdoor space.

  Link: Infant Program

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  Toddler Program

  “The toddler program at GBN is so much fun. The rooms are laid out creatively, with multiple levels, nooks, and cozy areas. The children learn to be independent and to function as part of a community.” – Jessica Cassidy, parent OUR TODDLER PROGRAM WAS CREATED FOR CHILDREN SPANNING THE AGES FROM 15 TO 36 MONTHS. Our goals for your toddler are a positive self-concept and independence. With this as his foundation, your child will have the basis for learning that helps him achieve his greatest potential in the following preschool years. THERE ARE SEVERAL REASONS YOU MAY WANT TO CHOOSE OUR TODDLER PROGRAM. The program acknowledges toddlers' newly acquired motor skills, tremendous inquisitiveness, and need to explore and discover the environment. It respects toddlers' struggles to gain independence and develop a positive self-concept. Our teachers recognize toddlers' egocentric view of the world and give guidance and direction accordingly. We increase each child's self-confidence by allowing him to explore, express himself, increase his mobility and acquire self-help skills, particularly toilet learning. We develop independence by letting the child do for himself. We organize the environment to allow your child the freedom to explore safely and make choices throughout the day.

  Link: Toddler Program

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  Preschool Program

  “In GBN's preschool programs my son has blossomed. He's learned about letters and sounds, and also about good play and how to share. He's learning to read and to add numbers, and also about how to be a good friend and to be kind to others.” – Mary Hermanson, parent OUR PRESCHOOL PROGRAM WAS CREATED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF CHILDREN FROM THREE TO FIVE YEARS. The preschool program is designed to develop the total child. Through varied experiences we meet your child's individual needs through developmentally appropriate activities that prepare your child for kindergarten and the years that follow. THERE ARE SEVERAL REASONS TO CONSIDER OUR PRESCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILD. Our 8:1 child/staff ratio means personalized attention for every student. We have two fully qualified teachers for each classroom. We document and keep you informed about your child's development by creating portfolios that highlight and evaluate your child's work and play. Our skilled staff plans activities that balance between active and quiet, indoor and outdoor, group and individual. We teach in accordance with the way preschoolers learn through hands-on projects and play.

  Link: Preschool Program

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  Kindergarten Program

  “Kindergarten at GBN is an outstanding mix of personalized curriculum, wonderful creative outlets, and a genuinely supportive environment in which my son has absolutely flourished.” – Michelle Kohler, parent OUR FULL DAY PROGRAM RUNS FROM 7AM TO 6PM AND INCLUDES BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND TWO SNACKS. THERE ARE SEVERAL REASONS TO CONSIDER OUR FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN: A full day means fewer transitions so your child can focus on learning without the frequent interruptions of half-day programs that require before and after school care. More time means more opportunity for in-depth learning, providing children with the skills they need to excel in first grade and beyond. Expanded time together allows children to build stronger friendships. A full day enables teachers to better plan for and meet student's needs. We offer two lead teachers and one full-time assistant per classroom. Our 10:1 staff/child ratio allows for plenty of personal attention. We take educational field trips to reinforce what we're learning in the classroom. We have weekly music and geography enrichment programs, computer learning games and computer research opportunities. CURRICULUM Our curriculum is tailored to fit your child's interests, needs and abilities so he or she can work at his or her own developmental level. For kindergartners, working on active, concrete projects that truly engage them is the best way to learn. Therefore, our curriculum emphasizes hands-on activities and provides your child with opportunities to invent and create. Five-year-olds do best when they can develop their skills in various areas at the same time versus studying subjects one at a time in isolation. Throughout the day, your child will participate in individual, small and large group activities including reading, writing, art, music, movement, science and social studies. We offer a balanced curriculum-quiet and active, academic and social, indoor and outdoor time. The ultimate goal of our curriculum is to develop your child's intellectual, social, physical and language skills.

  Link: Kindergarten Program