Inside the Young Einsteins Classroom
Children have the opportunity for experimental learning at Young Einsteins as they practice good citizenship, create solutions and have the space to understand themselves and the world around them.
Classroom Design is intended for children to be producers, not consumers.
The classroom setting plays a strong role in germinating children’s thinking. In Reggio the classroom acts as the third teacher, allowing natural materials for play to promote questions and thinking by the child. Based on the children’s interests and discoveries the environment changes as projects emerge and evolve.
The classroom maintains minimal transitions, to avoid children’s work and engagement being interrupted. This allows the child to maintain strong concentration and focus on their work, pretend play, art projects and sensory projects.
“Give the child time to be intentional and they will show you the learning.”
- Maria Lallier, Owner, Young Einsteins
Learning happening in the classroom is documented and captured to share with parents daily/ weekly through a closed group Facebook page.
First quarter conferences are held to review child’s transition, work and progress.
Curriculum is emergent, designed and developed for the current group of children.
The outdoor area is filled with enriched experiences and learning.
Each child scrapbooks their experiences, documenting their own reflections and learning. When the scrapbook is filled, it will be prepared to be sent home.
An annual exhibit is held in June, displaying a collection of the children’s project work.
FAQs
Where is Young Einsteins located?
Young Einsteins is located in central New York, on the border of Sauquoit/New Hartford. It sits on several acres of land giving children complete privacy and opportunity for gardening, nature walks, climbing, running, caring for chickens, observing pond life creatures in the natural habitat and being outside in touch with the natural world.
What age is required to enroll a child?
Required age to enroll is 3 - 5years. However, if a child has a fall or early winter birthday I will consider enrolling them at the beginning of the September school year.
What are the hours of operation?
Young Einsteins is open Monday -Friday , 9:00am -12:00pm.
At times, I will have a few spots available for an 8:30am drop off, you may check with me for availability.
Young Einsteins follows the Sauquoit Valley Central School District closings for holiday/vacation breaks.
A copy of the current school year calendar is linked at the bottom of the page, 2021-2022 Calendar.
In addition, Young Einsteins holds a summer camp program for 6 weeks.
Is there a waitlist and how does it work?
Yes, there is a waitlist and there is no fee to be placed on to it. Please note, this does not guarantee a placement for your child.
During enrollment process there is consideration involved in aiming to balance the classroom by age and gender.
If you are interested in sending your child to Young Einsteins click on to Enroll in Young Einsteins to reserve your interest.
How does the enrollment process work?
When enrollment opens I refer to the waitlist, making calls inviting potential parents to visit the learning environment.
The first tour is held with just the adults, giving us the chance to freely discuss the curriculum, my teaching approach, answer questions and opportunity to have conversation about the child.
A second tour is then scheduled inviting the child and parent to visit. The child is encouraged to explore the environment and is given the chance to meet myself.
If all parties believe Young Einsteins is a good fit then official enrollment will begin.
How does Young Einsteins prepare the child for kindergarten?
Young Einsteins is rooted in providing a learning environment that supports and expands the child’s natural way in developing and exercising their intellectual and emotional intelligence.
Teaching as a Reggio Inspired Educator there are endless opportunities to exercise and prepare children as life long learners through daily interactions in practicing their way of reasoning, observing, hypothesizing, exploring, problem solving, problem setting, understanding and reflecting as they are making sense of the world and their experiences.
There are never worksheets provided, academic learning is weaved into the emergent subjects being explored.
What is the daily classroom schedule like?
Play is all the focus at Young Einsteins. I strive to minimally interrupt their experiences/play. Children learn the most through their natural flow of thinking and their interactions with peers.
With that being said, morning snack is provided daily. Children rotate during this meal time, as they are given choice if and when to eat.
Children go outside daily, weather permitting.
The two consistent transitions that happen daily is when it’s time to prepare for lunch and prepare to go home.
Downloadable Forms:
Child Registration Form | 2021-22 Calendar | COVID-19 Policy | 2021-22 Enrollment Fees
“I cannot say enough about the experiences we have had with Maria Lallier at Young Einsteins Preschool. Maria’s approach to working with children and teaching is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced and we have been completely floored time and time again. We’re excited for our 5 year old to move on to the next phase but it’s bitter sweet because we’re sad to see her leave such an enriching environment. I highly recommend Maria’s Preschool.”
— Sara Miller
“Our family can’t say enough about Maria Lallier, Young Einsteins. Maria, you’re an amazing teacher. Our kiddos are from a family of educators, we know how important early childhood education is but you have given them so much more in addition. Young Einsteins is the best in the area!”
— Lindsay Marie
“Maria does wonders for the kids. She always took the time to sit down and talk to us and help us being a first time parent! Whether it was a phone conversation or face to face, she always took the time. She has dedicated so much of her time to provide kids with the learning environment they desperately need at that age. Every child needs one adult in their life to let them know they believe in them and Maria Lallier is that adult! My daughter is six years old and to this day wants to go back to Young Einsteins!!”