The Skidmore Early Education Center combines the latest advances in educational research with engaging classroom experiences to build a lasting love of learning in their students.
“It’s such a rich background that develops solid social skills, a readiness for, and a love of school,” said Director Mary Ellen Towne.
In this unique preschool environment, each person is both teacher and student.
Fresh Perspectives
In a variety of morning and afternoon classes for three and four-year-olds, as well as in their Pre-K, Skidmore’s program is encouraging children to be themselves.
“I’ve seen a lot of changes and growth in how things have evolved in education over the years. It goes in waves from a teacher-directed approach to more of a child-directed one. It allows for all styles of learners, for play, experimentation, and investigation to be supported,” said Towne, who has been involved in education since 1982.
Skidmore College students pursuing education studies participate in the preschool classroom, as well. They help to teach, but also observe, and learn from the children, while also creating an advantageous 1:4 adult-to-child ratio at the center.
Having the college students involved really makes this preschool unique. Their varied backgrounds, interests, and the higher numbers of male participants, add a rare opportunity for more diversified perspectives, and an authentic learning environment more representative of real life, than what is typically found in preschools.
Make-it-Your-Own
With open-ended learning goals, the language-rich safety of the Skidmore campus is a creativity-lovers playground.
Last year, the much-adored Pete the Cat character from the children’s book series of the same name, inspired a three-week journey into the world of shoes. From discussions of the children’s own favorite shoes, to a graph charting their foot size, to setting up a classroom shoe store, one thing led to another, sparking an unexpected - and engaging, learning experience for all.
Energize Advances
Here, children are growing the grit to develop their ideas, and the perseverance to turn them into a reality. These are skills that will be of continuous benefit to them as they progress into elementary school and beyond.
As a testament to its effectiveness, one local family has continued to have all of their six children go to the Skidmore Early Education Center. The youngest is now in their Pre-K class and the oldest is a senior in high school, said Towne.
“Registration can be done online, but what I really try to do is encourage families to come, visit, and see what happens in the classroom,” she said.
Skidmore Early Education Center registration is ongoing based on availability. Currently, there are openings in the newly added afternoon Pre-K and multi-age classes for the fall semester. For more information including classroom schedules and pricing, go to http://www.skidmore.edu/ecc/index.php or call Mary Ellen Towne at 518-580-5473 ext. 227.
