A Day At Hilltop
Hilltop Nursery School offers both half-day and full-day programs. We operate on a traditional school-year calendar from September to mid-June. We are open Tuesday through Friday. The morning program runs from 8:45am - 12:15pm. The extended day program, Giraffe Club, runs until 3:15pm. We offer 2-day (Tues/Wed or Thurs/Fri) and 4-day options.
Our daily schedule is adaptable for special children’s activities, and school wide enrichment programs which occur throughout the year. Our program is flexible to ensure that children have an opportunity to feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction and allows time for transition so that children do not feel rushed.Â
Sample Daily Schedule
8:45-9:15 Arrival & Get Started Activity - Children arrive in the class, follow routines to manage their belongings, greet friends and teachers, participate in an independent and accessible activity
9:15 - 9:30 Morning Meeting - Children greet one another, share something special and teachers share the group plan for the day.
9:30-10:30 Centers/Project Time - Hands-on project relating to special weekly topic or theme, independent work at centers provides opportunities for exploration, experimentation and discovery.
10:30-10:45 Hand Washing and Healthy Snacks - We teach the importance of washing hands using liquid soap, running water and friction. Snack (nut-free) is provided by Hilltop.
10:45 - 11:15 Outdoor Classroom - A newly designed turf playground brings learning and fun outside. We utilize a variety of materials including a custom-made set of wooden roads and signs and a ramp/tunnel system to encourage STEM thinking.
11:15 -11:45 Literature, arts, music relating to themes
11:45- 12:15 Outdoor Playground - We focus more on gross motor play with a beautiful climbing structure featuring slides and a climbing wall. Children can play in a huge sandbox or create in our outdoor kitchen.
12:15 Pick Up Time for Morning Program - children are escorted to the walkway and exit doors for dismissal.
Extended hours (Lunch Bunch) are offered on Wednesday and Thursday until 1:15 p.m. for an additional fee, pre-registration required.
12:15 Transition to Giraffe Club (Extended Day Program) - Children are escorted to their Giraffe Club classroom, which most likely will be different than their morning class. The children meet children from other classes and work with other teachers.Â
12:15 - 12:30 Greeting - Similar to Morning Meeting, children greet one another, share something special and learn about the group plan for the day.
12:30 - 1:15 Lunch - After handwashing and a check done by staff of lunches to be sure they are free of allergens, children and teachers enjoy their lunch together. Giraffe Club emphasizes social and emotional learning. Lunch time is a great opportunity to work on conversation skills with teacher and friends.
1:15 - 2:00 Rest Time - Although not required to sleep, children are asked to participate in quiet-time activities. If they would like to sleep, a comfortable resting mat is provided.
2:00 - 2:30 Centers - A variety of activities are placed around the classroom. Children are welcome to explore these activities on their own schedule. Teachers interact with children at these centers, encouraging their play and their interactions with peers.
2:30 - 3:00 Outdoor Play - There are opportunities for fun and engaging ross-motor play to end the day
3:00 Prepare for Dismissal
3:15 Dismissal
