Programs
Classes and Ages
IPCP offers programs designed for children ages 1 through 5.
The Tadpoles group is designed for children ages 12 months through 24 months. The child/teacher ratio in this class is 6:1 with one parent teacher.
The Crickets and The Ladybugs classes are designed for children ages 24 months through 36 months. The child/teacher ratio in these classes is 7:1 with one parent teacher.
IPCP’s multi-age classes, The Acorns, The Dragonflies, The Seedlings, and The Owls, are designed for children ages 3 through 5. The ratio in these classes is 9:1 with one parent teacher.
Research shows that mixed age groupings for 3 to 5 year olds allow for unique learning experiences and provide a level of stimulation that supports the development of both intellectual and academic competence.
This type of learning environment provides older children with the opportunity to mentor and be helpful, patient, and tolerant of younger peers’ competencies. Exposure to older children as nurturers provides younger children with models of behavior they can emulate when they become the older members of the group.
Hours
Program hours are 9am to 1pm, Monday through Friday. IPCP follows the Atlanta Public School calendar for weather closures and most holiday closures.
Extended Hours (offered if there is a demand)
Before Care is offered from 8am to 9am, Monday through Friday.
After Care hours are 1pm to 5pm, Monday through Friday.
A Day at IPCP
Our schedules are flexible and change in response to the children’s daily needs, weather and other seasonal events.
Every day brings something new and different! The children’s activities draw from their own interests, discoveries and observations — with the preschools’ natural settings providing a treasure trove of opportunities and adventure.
General themes may be followed such as seasonal changes outside, or growing a vegetable garden — but each day’s activities remain flexible, to allow for the ever-changing delights and surprises of nature.
Sample Day
Hello, Guten Tag, Bonjour, Hola! (Welcome Bell Rings)
Morning Gathering:
This is a time to share the schedule for the day and get ready for our adventures!
Choice Time and Exploration of Indoor Classroom:
During this time children are free to explore a variety of areas in the classroom, such as blocks, art, library, science and much more. Children are encouraged to explore at their own pace and can choose to play on their own or with their peers. During choice time, teachers are observing children, facilitating interactions when necessary, and encouraging children to participate in special projects such as art, cooking and learning activities related to the unit of study.
Snack (indoors or outdoors):
Snack time is a lively time and a vital link into our curriculum that aims to nourish the whole child by providing opportunities to learn about the variety of cultural, nutritional and social significances of food as well as acquire and practice social skills.
Books and Puzzles:
During this time children have the opportunity to slow down, digest their food and are encouraged to look at a book with a friend, share a puzzle, or play quietly with a table-top game or activity as other children finish eating.
Exploration of the Outdoor Classroom:
We spend time in the Outdoor Classroom on a daily basis, unless it is very wet, or extremely hot or cold. IPCP’s Outdoor Classroom encompasses a variety of nooks and crannies that are ever changing and exciting to explore … we have a big backyard!
Lunch (indoors or outdoors):
Teachers, children and parent teachers enjoy open, lively conversations about their morning experiences while eating nutritious meals brought from home.
Afternoon Gathering:
Wrap up of the day’s activities and a discussion of tomorrow’s plans.
Good-bye, Auf wiedersehen, Au Revoir, Adios!
Enrichment Programs
Classes are enriched each week with a variety of activities that include music, yoga, art, creative movement, sign language, cooking and Spanish. Our own parent teachers, along with IPCP staff and a variety of outside educators, combine to teach these activities throughout the year. Teachers integrate the ongoing projects from these activities into their day-to-day curriculum to allow for deeper exploration and discovery.
Summer Camp
Inman Park Cooperative Preschool Nature in the City Summer Camp 2012 will have weekly thematic sessions for ages 24 months – 5 years that begin Monday, June 4 and run through Friday, July 27. Information coming soon!