The Goddard School, Bowie

Our teachers spend lots of time cuddling and talking to your baby to instill trust and provide a healthy early learning environment for movement, exploration and communication. Our infant care play area is filled with toys and books that help your baby develop at his or her own pace. Teachers sing songs and read stories to encourage language acquisition. They also pass balls and play games to develop motor skills. In many Goddard Schools, American Sign Language is introduced to encourage children to express their thoughts or needs. Goddard Teachers also work with the parents to ensure a balance of home and school. Together they develop the child’s daily schedule including nap times, play times and bottle times. As part of the Infant Program, the First Steps classroom helps the child transition from Infant to Toddler as the budding explorers learn new vocabulary and self-help skills. Our Toddler Program encourages your child’s natural curiosity in a fun and active learning environment.Great developmental strides are made in our Toddler Program. From baby’s first steps, to learning to share, to potty-training… and of course, discovering the answers to the favorite toddler question, "Why?” Through The Goddard School® F.L.EX.® Learning Program, teachers plan daily activities in a bright and cheery environment to encourage eager investigation of the world. Within the consistent structure toddlers crave, they enjoy a daily balance of quiet activities, spirited music and movement and plenty of outdoor climbing, running and jumping. Learning Centers are always open for imaginary play with blocks and puzzles, creative art and lots of books. Circle time incorporates stories and songs that encourage language skills and social growth. Children are guided through activities that strengthen gross motor skills, such as using balance beams and standing on tip-toes; and fine motor skills through crayon and marker use. Our Preschool Program offers the perfect backdrop for educational success and flourishing students.Preschoolers are introduced to cognitive skills: sequencing and matching; social skills: similarities and diversity; and language art skills: storytelling and writing. The Goddard School® F.L.EX.® Learning Program sets the stage for self confidence by encouraging progress at a child’s own pace, according to individual needs and abilities. Learning centers for math, science, dramatic play, music, creative art and computers provide opportunities to balance both shared and independent learning experiences. Fitness, art history and manners are incorporated into the preschooler's daily schedule, as well. Visits by local museums and libraries, community helpers, and theatrical productions supplement classroom learning within the safety of our schools. The Pre-K Program focuses on kindergarten preparedness, social finesse and a mastery of gross motor skills.Each day, Goddard School teachers provide opportunities for independent discovery, cooperative learning and generous outdoor playtime for your pre-kindergartener. Our programs promote cooperative play and collaborative problem-solving skills through classroom-appropriate lesson plans. Most Schools offer music appreciation, foreign language, world cultures and access to computers, as well. The Goddard School Pre-K/Junior K Programs have earned AdvancED and Middle States accreditation after demonstrating the highest standards in early childhood education. This means The Goddard School® F.L.EX.® Learning Program will help each child gain exceptional skills for kindergarten success. Our Kindergarten Program allows children to gain exceptional skills for academic fulfillment and a love of learning. Children are taught to recognize complex concepts of left to right and top to bottom patterns, and the association between spoken and written words in composing stories. Each classroom has a balance of quiet reading time with social and imaginary play. The Goddard School® F.L.EX.® Learning Program's fun activities, guided by highly trained teachers, foster the cognitive and social development of every child. Most Schools offer further educational diversity with foreign language, yoga, world cultures, manners and computer skills in order to expand their learning opportunities. Each Goddard School works with local districts to ensure every child's smooth transition between Kindergarten and First Grade.