first circle learning centers | parent handbook | our school

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CLASSROOMS

Each First Circle location has classrooms for children in infancy through pre-kindergarten. Many children begin in our programs as infants and remain until they transition to kindergarten. Each classroom is tailored to a different age range, child-teacher ratio, and set of learning objectives. We adhere to age guidelines required by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care, and the recommendations and research of the best practices for early childhood education. Each classroom has its own individualized curriculum, daily schedule, and teaching team.

Each room is equipped with developmentally appropriate furniture, equipment, toys, educational materials and areas designed for dramatic play, quiet time, building, art/writing, science activities, and the development of fine and gross motor skills. Our large playgrounds and natural setting expand our classrooms to the outdoors.

infant program

Our Infant program provides a nurturing, responsive environment for children ages 4 weeks to 18 months old. Younger infants are supported through individualized feeding, diapering, and sleeping schedules while developing early milestones such as rolling, sitting, crawling, and pulling to stand. As children grow, they begin building independence through walking, self-feeding, using cups and utensils, participating in simple routines, and exploring their environment through sensory play, music, art, and outdoor experiences. Our educators work closely with each child and family to support development, comfort, and care at every stage.

Educator-to-child ratio: 1:3 or 2:7

toddler program

drumming
Our Toddler program provides a safe, engaging environment for children approximately 15 months to 2.9 years old as they build independence, confidence, and social-emotional skills. Younger toddlers are learning to follow predictable routines, eat and nap on a classroom schedule, communicate their wants and needs, and explore their environment with growing curiosity. As children develop, they engage more independently in dramatic play, sensory activities, music, stories, art, and cooperative play with peers while strengthening language, problem-solving, and self-help skills. Teachers support each child through responsive guidance, encouragement, and hands-on learning experiences throughout the day.

Educator-to-child ratio: 1:4 or 2:9

preschool program

preschool playing
Our Preschool program provides a nurturing and engaging environment for children approximately 2.9 to 4.9 years old as they develop independence, confidence, and school readiness skills. Younger preschoolers begin building social-emotional skills, learning classroom routines, developing self-help abilities, and participating in cooperative play with peers. As children grow, they strengthen verbal communication, problem-solving, early literacy, and critical thinking skills through hands-on learning experiences, dramatic play, art, music, stories, and exploration. Teachers encourage curiosity, independence, and positive peer relationships while supporting each child’s individual growth and development.

Educator-to-child ratios: range from 1:10 to 2:20 depending on classroom size

prekindergarten program

Our Prekindergarten program provides a dynamic and supportive environment for children approximately 4.9 to 6 years old as they build confidence, independence, and kindergarten readiness skills. Children learn to navigate classroom routines, make choices independently, and engage positively with peers and teachers. Through hands-on experiences in literacy, math, science, art, dramatic play, and social-emotional learning, children strengthen problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking skills. Teachers encourage curiosity, creativity, and independence while supporting children in developing self-help skills, following multi-step directions, and participating actively in group learning experiences.

Educator-to-child ratios: range from 1:10 to 2:20 depending on classroom size

k-prep program

Our K-Prep program provides an engaging and academically focused environment for children approximately 5 to 7 years old to ensure they are well prepared for kindergarten. K-Prep supports the whole child through a balance of academic learning, social-emotional growth, independence, creativity, and play. Children build foundational skills in literacy, writing, math, science, STEM, creative arts, and motor development while learning to follow routines, collaborate with peers, communicate effectively, and manage emotions. We use the same curriculum and align our learning goals with local public school kindergarten standards to help create a seamless transition between K-Prep and kindergarten. Teachers provide personalized support to help children develop confidence, responsibility, resilience, and school readiness.

Educator-to-child ratios: range from 1:10 to 2:20 depending on classroom size

nursery school

Children in Preschool/Pre-K are using their verbal expression and communication abilities to explore new social situations. They are expanding their play skills to include their curiosities and interests and are beginning to make literacy connections throughout the classroom. Children continue to develop their self-help skills as well as responsibility for themselves, their friends and the classroom community.

Educator-to-child ratio: 1:10 or 2:14

PLAYGROUND

To extend our learning environment, First Circle offers fenced-in playgrounds. Each play yard has age-appropriate play equipment, with large climbing structures, swings, and smaller activity spaces. Children have ample opportunities for running, jumping, pushing/pulling or riding ride-on toys, planting, digging and building, climbing and crawling, swinging (for preschoolers), and creating art on outdoor easels. In the summer months, there is plenty of shaded play space, and water play activities on hot days.

In Needham, we have two indoor large motor playrooms that provide a safe, engaging space for active play, featuring climbing structures, balance beams, tunnels, and open areas for running and jumping. The “big rooms” can be used year-round in all weather!

We believe strongly in creating opportunities for children to engage with the natural world, and may have a classroom garden or areas where children can build with and explore natural materials like sticks, leaves, water and rocks.

Audio + Video Monitoring Policy

At First Circle, we use audio and video monitoring to support quality care, staff training, and the safety of children and adults. Monitoring takes place in most interior and exterior areas of the center (never in bathrooms). Recordings may be saved for a period of time, but not indefinitely, unless required by law. While we make every effort to cover classrooms and common areas, there may be occasional gaps due to system limitations.

Awareness and Consent

All staff and families are informed of our monitoring system and provide consent as a condition of employment or enrollment. Notices are posted in the building, and while there’s no expectation of privacy outside of bathroom areas, recordings are never used in place of direct supervision. Monitoring helps us keep classrooms safe while respecting children’s privacy.

Parent Access

Parents may view the live monitor of their child’s classroom with the Center Director or office staff, similar to looking in through a classroom window. To protect privacy, live-streaming, recording, or duplicating images or audio from the monitors is not allowed.

Access to Recordings

Recordings are property of First Circle. Access is limited to the Center Administration and Executive Team for training, safety, or quality purposes. Parents or others may only view recordings with Center Administration present and with approval from the President, since recordings often include multiple children. Copies are not distributed, except when required for an investigation.

childcare school bus

TRANSPORTATION PLAN

In accordance with EEC regulations, First Circle has a written Transportation Plan to ensure the safety and supervision of all children during transport. The plan has three main considerations. First, it describes how children are to be transported to and from the program in emergencies and on field trips. Next, it addresses the safety and supervision of children who walk and who arrive by public transportation, if applicable. Finally, it includes any special arrangements for children with disabilities, which are made in cooperation with the public schools and the family. The full plan is available by request from the director.

TO AND FROM FIRST CIRCLE

Parents are responsible for providing daily transportation for their children to and from First Circle. EEC regulations require that we have written information on file about how children are transported to and from the program, which we record at enrollment and update annually.

FIELD TRIPS

During the summer, we offer preschool children the opportunity to participate in field trips. Transportation is provided by an independent, insured, professional transportation service. Staff members accompany the children at all times. Each child, driver, and attendant are provided suitable restraints or seat belts. Each field trip has an assigned Transportation Coordinator, who confirms children’s emergency contact information, carries a specific cell phone and a first aid kit for emergencies, and provides other emergency needs (i.e. epipens for children with allergies). Additionally, all of our staff members on each vehicle are certified in First Aid and CPR. We maintain or exceed the minimum ratio between teaching staff and children during field trips. Parent chaperones are welcome to ride on the bus with the children if space is available.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

First Circle is open 52 weeks per year, with the exception of holidays. We are dedicated to being open every day possible, since many of our families are working and need our services to be able to do their jobs.

In the event of inclement weather, First Circle will follow the public school closing decisions for the town in which each center is located. If local public schools are closed, delayed, or dismiss early due to weather or other emergency conditions, our center will generally follow the same schedule.

When public schools are not in session, decisions regarding opening, closing, or delays due to severe weather, power outages, or other emergency situations will be made on a case-by-case basis. In making these decisions, we consider both the safety of the children in our care and the safety of our staff, while also trying to provide families with as much notice as possible.

If we must close early, open late, or close for the entire day, we will notify parents via Playground app.

LICENSING

First Circle Learning Centers are licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) to provide care for children from 2 months to 7 years of age. All of our policies and procedures are strictly in keeping with EEC regulations, a copy of which is available to view in the front office. Each First Circle location undergoes extensive re-licensing and review processes every two years and can receive unannounced visits from our licensor at any time.

parent handbook | our school

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