Exposure
A licensed, nature-based school providing services
for families with children 6 weeks through 12 years.
Kathy Consoli, owner has taught preschool for over ten years and is the mother of four wonderful daughters. She has an educational background in both early childhood and art education and is a former fellow of Yale University’s Bush Center for Child Development and Social Policy. Kathy co-founded the Magic Storybook in Bethany, CT, where shes brought art, theatre, reading enhancement programs, and teacher workshops to preschools and kindergartens throughout the State. Surreybrook is a licensed, nature-based school providing services for families with children 6 weeks and older ranging from infant care, to toddler programs, preschool and multiage kindergarten programs. Our Education Coordinator provides ongoing assessments and support of our staff. This ensures that our lesson plans and curriculum keep current with best practices in early childhood and reflect the changing needs and requirements of the communities we serve. Our assessment program was developed using the Connecticut Preschool Assessment.
The early years of care are vital to a child’s development. At the heart
of a quality child care program is a carefully designed, developmentally appropriate environment which provides children with a balance of rhythm, structure, and freedom. An early childhood curriculum should encourage the development of critical thinking skills in an environment
of kindness, tolerance, cooperation and acceptance. Our program
provides an exceptional and innovative curriculum. Teaching methods
and strategies, materials and experiences are grounded in the National Association of the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) principles of
child development, including age and individual appropriateness. Our Education Coordinator provides ongoing assessments and support of
our staff. This ensures that our lesson plans and curriculum keep
current with best practices in early childhood and reflect the changing needs and requirements of the communities we serve. Our assessment
program was developed using the Connecticut Preschool Assessment Framework as well as Bethany Board of Education and
NAEYC guidelines.
We are located on nearly three beautiful acres of butterfly gardens, playgrounds and nature trails. The Surreybrook School also has a fun, indoor play area. Greenhouse activities are an integral part of our curriculum in our child-sized greenhouse. Our infant room is designed to allow our babies to have expansive views of the local flora and fauna.
We take security very seriously at Surreybrook. All doors are locked and the main entrance can only be accessed via each parent’s fingerprint. Without a fingerprint registered into the system by an administrator, no one can access entrance into Surreybrook unless escorted by a staff member.
OUR FACILITY
THE PROGRAMS
Our Surreybrook Multi-Age Kindergarten program is the first in the area to offer children the opportunity to be in an outdoor setting throughout their day. Our Nature’s Classroom gives students the chance to experience education from another perspective, outside the walls of the classroom. At Nature’s Classroom students take an active role in their education by participating in exciting hands on motivational activities
which are both academic and enjoyable. Children have come to view our Nature’s Classroom as a solid academic experience, with an emphasis
on scientific inquiry and critical thinking. Students will gain a better understanding of dynamic interactions in the natural world, as well as interpersonal skills among themselves. Our goals for the children include encouraging curiosity and exploration with all of the senses, empowering children in the natural environment, and encouraging spatial awareness and motor development.
Our infant program offers a safe and nurturing environment for your child to grow. All infants have their own schedule and we work with each parent to ensure that their child feels safe and comfortable. We maintain a ratio of 1 teacher to 4 infants and, in addition, we staff an additional person for the times of the day when we know that our littlest ones needs are highest. Curriculum is vital for even our youngest learners. Our educated and experienced staff provides a weekly curriculum which focuses on cognitive, motor and self help skills. We also introduce our infants to sign language to facilitate communication. In addition to tummy time activities, we offer Baby Builders physical development program. Baby Builders is a developmental baby exercise program for improved strength , balance, coordination, cognitive and emotional development.
This exciting baby exercise program guides through four developmental stages. Stage 1 features exercises building upon tummy time and head control. Stage 2 moves from tummy time to building balance for rolling and baby crawling. Stage 3 sets the stage for more advanced baby crawling and strengthening for babies walking. Stage 4 culminates as your baby proudly take his or her first steps!
When children relate what they learn to their own experience through a program of meaningful curriculum and creative play, they develop powers of concentration and interest and a life-long love of learning. These skills strengthen a childs judgment and practical intelligence so vital to his or her ability to meet the intellectual demands of elementary school and beyond. Our program provides children with both structured learning as well as time to learn through their own self-initiated discovery.
Our toddler program encourages the development of social, language, motor and cognitive skills. Our weekly curriculum includes circle time, math, science, sensory, Spanish, sign language and Yoga. Social and self-help skills are introduced when children are ready to master them in a fun, age-appropriate manner.
Toddler
Our program is a 10 month full day program. We follow do not follow the public school calendar year. We follow the Surreybrook calendar. Before and after school care is available, if needed.
Our Private Forest Kindergarten Program introduces a formal education while continuing to promote the joy and wonder children have around their world. Aligned with national and state standards, we balance structure and subject-focus with exploration and fun. Low teacher/child ratios allow our teachers to spends quality time with each child. And a small, secure environment provides a sense of belonging. You child will love coming to school and you’ll love how much your child learns. Our Surreybrook Forest Kindergarten program is the first in the area to offer children the opportunity to be in an outdoor setting throughout their day, which we call Nature’s Classroom.
We offer small class sizes and a low 1:8 teacher to child ratio, where children are able to receive more individualized attention necessary to better foster social skills such as cooperative play, getting along with other and taking turns. Before and after kindergarten care are available. A minimum of 3 field trips are planned each year. Progress reports with assessment information; parent teacher conferences.
Surreybrook carries the same philosophies from it’s early learning programs to our new Multiage Primary Program. We believe that children have the best ability to learn in an enviornment that is stimulating and challenging, but comfortable and loving. Our Nature’s Classroom is a wonderful learning experience for all ages.
Program Offerings:
Art – Explore Art History and create various art projects from Cave Paintings to Pop Art with our very own Miss Margaret who holds he Bachelor’s in Art Education with a certification for K-12
Spanish/Chinese – Learn Spanish and/or Chinese through language and culture immersion one of our World Language Teachers
Consultant/Teacher – Surreybrook has connections in the local teaching community. We are connected with a certified teacher, Jennifer Kranz, who runs an independent consulting/tutoring business. In the event that you or your child(ren) are struggling with a subject throughout your homeschooling, we would be happy to find someone to assist.
Science – Explore your environment by looking at and learning about insects, animal homes, geology, life science and gardening. Learn the physical science behind bubbles, electrical connections, chemistry and much more!
Play-Well TEKnologies – Explore concepts in physics, mechanical engineering, structural engineering and architecture while playing with you favorite creations. Develop and enhance students’ problem solving and critical thinking skills; expose children to concepts and vocabulary of Engineerings, Architecture and Physics; provide an opportunity to have a great time with a terrific building toy; have fun!
Drama – Through theatre games, improvisation exercises and creative movement, children will explore and share their imaginations as they build creative worlds full of memorable characters and enjoyable stories. A fun and engaging way for all children to develop confidence, self expression and communication skills.
In addition to our integrated thematic curriculum which includes reading readiness skills, math, science, social studies, art and music,
the children at Surreybrook participate in several enrichment programs which are provided as part of our standard tuition fees. These activities include:
• A unique pen pal program with preschools from around the world enhancing their understanding
of different cultures while making friends from afar
• Greenhouse and butterfly garden activities
• Spanish
• Yoga
Our special visitors have included chefs, book illustrators, South Pole scientists, tap dancers, storytellers, musicians, farmers, and more.
CONTACT US
Complete the form or give us a
call and Schedule a Visit Today!
The Surreybrook School
234 Amity Rd, Bethany, CT 06524
(203) 393-2445