Why Lunar Landing? And why now? 

As a public school teacher, I was less than thrilled about the state of our education system. When my daughter was born, I wanted to give her the world, but felt limited in my options for a program that would reach the high bar that I had set. So, instead of giving up, I developed my own. Utilizing my teaching experience as a gymnastics coach, elementary school teacher, and resource teacher for Special Education students, I built a program that combines the most important elements from Montessori, Waldorf and Reggio Emilia in a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics)-based curriculum for children between the ages of 2 and 5 years.

What ages do you accept? How many students?

We enroll children between the ages of 2 and 5 years. Research has shown that children learn the greatest amount in small groups with mixed ages. Older children lead the way and garner social skills, more detailed understanding of concepts and many prosocial behaviors. Younger children will demonstrate a rapid increase in vocabulary and social and emotional learning. Both younger and older children experience an increase in self-confidence and self-esteem.

Lunar Landing is reaching for the greatest possible benefit for each and every student, which is why we practice mixed age groups and why we limit enrollment at 12 students. In addition to the many benefits of mixed ages, research has repeatedly demonstrated that children show the largest gains in small groups. Not only do we cap enrollment at 12 children, but we also have three qualified teachers working throughout the day to ensure that every child is receiving the one-on-one support they need to soar. This is a big element that sets us apart from commercial preschools. Commercial schools have a 12:1 student to teacher ratio and can have class sizes of 26 students. In wanting to do what is best, to create the highest standard for a learning environment which encompasses social and emotional learning with academia, research consistently points to mixed age groups and small student to teacher ratios. At Lunar Landing, we are focused on each individual child and the elements that make them unique.

Is Lunar Landing a Montessori, Waldorf, or Reggio Program?

Montessori, Waldorf and Reggio Emilia all brought invaluable theories to Early Childhood Education. Their theories have stood the test of time as countless preschools have integrated their philosophies into their curriculium. As the owner of Lunar Landing, I believe they each made important contributions and I have built a program utilizing a combination of their ideas. Montessori believed in a child's ability to move mountains when he or she is interested in the material. She believed in the value of nature in programs and that every child learns differently. Waldorf felt that unlocking a child's imagination held important value and that the skills children should develop should not be limited to math or language arts, but should incorporate movement. Reggio Emilia believed in providing children with a space that allows them to build relationships and creatively express themselves. I have found a way to bring all of these philosophies to light in a specially designed STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics)-based curriculum available only at Lunar Landing. 

STEAM? I thought everyone was talking about STEM?

Everyone is talking about STEM! You aren't wrong. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. I'm keeping those principles and adding in the Arts. While often forgotten about or dismissed in school programs due to funding, art education has an invaluable benefit to children. From learning prosocial behaviors, to expressing thoughts and feelings, to developing confidence and fine motor skills, the benefits are vast! Art education builds neural pathways and with activities like painting or drawing, it stands to be a precursor to writing. At it's most obvious, art encourages problem solving and creativity. There is infinite supplies of research that indicate that art education really should be in every early childhood education program.

My child is not potty trained, can they still come to          Lunar Landing?

Absolutely! In the same way that some children are interested in reading early on, some are interested in potty training. When the time comes to master the potty, we'll be there, ready to lend a hand with any philosophies that you are trying out. We do recommend, however that you begin the process at home so that we can follow in your footsteps and implement the same strategies you have. If there is not a strategy that you can find, let us know and we'll brainstorm with you. 

How can you teach children so young such advanced topics?

When children are interested and engaged in a topic, there is not a whole lot that you cannot teach them. The sky truly is the limit! In the words of NASA astronaut, Winston Scott, "Hands-on learning inspires." It's the element that takes an advanced or abstract concept and gives a student access to it. I've taught three year olds to identify states and their capitals, second graders advanced biology (compatible with their eighth grade buddies) and third graders all about elements. Children are limited by adults, if we unmask that which is not easily explained, we can open up a whole new world for them to experience. 

Do you provide breakfast? What about snacks?

Yes and yes! Please check out the example menu listed in our navigation bar for a peek at what mealtime looks like at Lunar Landing. Nutrition is a very important aspect of a child's wellbeing. While the state accepts meal plans with healthy hot dogs and bologna, I believe that there are much healthier and nutritional options available. It does take more time to prep and create the food, but I would not want to provide a meal to a child that I would not give to my own. At the Health and Safety Prevention class for child care providers, the instructor stated that this is the first time that they believe a generation will have a shorter lifespan than the previous generation. They believe that 25-50% of this generation will encounter diabetes. I am willing to do whatever I can to change that prediction and create healthier lifestyles for the children that come to Lunar Landing. 

Let's talk about discipline...

I use specific positive feedback and directive practice as a method to curve challenging behaviors. In the event that a difficult situation has arose, I would talk to the child directly and formulate a plan so that we could work as a team to avoid the unlikely circumstance again. I also give children the ability to say the words, "I need a break" so that when they are feeling frustrated or upset, they have the ability to remove themselves from the situation and talk about how to proceed. These methods encourage a child to develop social intelligence and provides the skills necessary to navigate difficult situations in the future. 

Will you teach your students how to read?

I will be introducing concepts to teach children how to read in their morning circles, but will not push a child to sit and utilize those principles. Every child learns differently and should be given the ability to learn skills when they are of interest. That being said, if your child demonstrates a significant interest in reading, I will absolutely work with them to develop a strong, confident reader. 

Will you be teaching life skills?

Yes! Years ago, I researched and created my own set of skills that I feel every person needs in order to be a successful member of our society. These skills include grit, social intelligence and self-control. In addition to talking to your child about these skills, we will hear about and discuss skills that NASA believes it's future astronauts need such as tenacity, confidence, and curiosity. What's even better than discussing, is that as a parent, you will have access to a portfolio for your child and will receive instant updates with when and how your child has used a skill. 

Is there a way that parents can see what activities their child has done during the school day?

Of course there is! Parents will have access to an online portfolio that notifies them immediately as soon as it is updated! Throughout the day, they will receive updates with pictures of their tiny scientists in action.