Programs – Extended Day

Wonders is a nonprofit provider of accredited early childhood education, before/after school, and summer camps with flexible programs for children two months through sixth grade with eight locations in Washington, DC and Maryland.

Wonders Extended Day

Ages 5-12 years — Before School, After School, School Age, Extended Day

Wonders Extended Day at Bethesda

Wonders Extended Day at Horace Mann

Wonders Extended Day at Milton

Wonders Extended Day at Chevy Chase

Wonders Extended Day at Little Falls (Wood Acres + Somerset Elementary)

Wonders Extended Day at Charles E. Smith (CESJDS)

Wonders’ extended day programs offer opportunities for continued learning, from school-day continuity to social-emotional growth.

Before school, the extended day curriculum is designed as a gentle transition time from home to school. Children have the opportunity to read, finish homework, play board games or create artwork. Outside time and active games are also offered.

After school, the extended day curriculum is built around themes that are of interest to the children. This theme-based curriculum incorporates seven learning areas: language and literacy, mathematical thinking, scientific thinking, social studies, personal and social development, physical development and the arts.

Within each theme, there are opportunities to explore and experience activities that are meaningful to them. The curriculum is a balance of child-initiated and teacher-initiated activities including outdoor play-to-learn, snack, homework, reading, group time and choice-times.

On days when the location school has early dismissal or is closed, our program will be in operation. We use these opportunities to enhance our curriculum by planning events, inviting specialists in to share their expertise, or exploring the larger community on field trips.

We welcome families to chaperone a field trip, join us for breakfast or plan to join us in a planned activity. We appreciate how hectic mornings and evenings can be for families, but you are always welcome.

Multicultural and Social Justice Education

MULTICULTURAL APPROACH

A vital aspect of our program is our commitment to multicultural and social justice education. We carefully create an environment that reflects not only the cultures of the families we serve but the world around us. We believe this validates children’s experiences, teaches the importance of valuing similarities and differences and builds the connection between home and school. Guiding children to accept and respect individual differences is an integral part of our program. We provide an inclusive learning environment through an engaging curriculum, service learning and by promoting respectful relationships. Wonders defines family as “People living together either related or not who care for and love one another.” Our goal is to be inclusive of the groupings that constitute a family system and we encourage children to share aspects of their home lives. When the children have questions about family, we attempt to answer them honestly and with sensitivity to individual circumstances. We understand that each family may approach this topic in a unique way. Our goal is to support these efforts in any way that we can.

INCLUSION

Wonders makes every effort to accommodate children with special needs. We work closely with families to assess our ability to meet their child’s needs and establish an open dialogue to ensure a successful experience in a Wonders program. Classroom teachers receive focused training to provide them with the tools needed to make the classroom accessible and supportive. If it is determined that one-on-one support is necessary, we will discuss arrangements with your family. We have a partnership with Amy Egan MA Special Education and Amy Freedman, MA, CCC-SLPof Child Development Consultants LLC; they are a unique developmental team who provide support for staff, children, and families in local childcare centers, nursery schools and independent schools. They are co-authors of the nationally recognized parenting book “Is It A Big Problem or A Little Problem? When to Worry, When Not to Worry, and What to Do.” They also hold lectures and workshops throughout the country for parents and early childhood education professionals.

CHECK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE TEAM AND THE BOOK