Seward Park

Kids Co. at Graham Hill

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Overview

Ages served: 2½ to 12 years old
Preschool
Before-School Program
After-School Program
Summer Day Camp

Kids Co. at Graham Hill is situated on the attractive grounds of Graham Hill Elementary, located within walking distance to Seward Park, one of Seattle’s oldest and most beloved public parks. The center offers a colorful and playful environment that is soothing and supportive, one that gives kids the kind of safe and engaging atmosphere they need to explore the world at large, as well as the world within themselves. Four programs are offered at Kids Co. at Graham Hill: Preschool, Before-School Care, After-School Care, and Summer Day Camp.

Preschool Program

Kids Co. at Graham Hill is a licensed preschool program for children 2½ to 5 years of age that offers a supportive, multi-textured experience that takes into account individual strengths, needs, and stages of development. Through an artful interweaving of individual time and group gatherings of various sizes, Kids Co. teachers design daily activity plans that emphasize learning through direct experience and play. Examples of the Kids Co. preschool curriculum include:

• age-appropriate cooking classes;
• drama and dress up time that promote imaginative play;
• explorations in reading, writing, and language;
• engaging math and science activities that link to the world at large;
• art activities that encourage self-creativity and expression;
• self-directed free play that supports choice;
• captivating sensory experiences to foster curiosity and inquiry;
• fine and gross motor skills development through individual and group play; and
• quiet time for rest.

Teachers use elements of Creative Curriculum and Emergent Curriculum, two curricula that are data driven and results based which have demonstrated to be particularly effective for Pre-K readiness. The former—Creative Curriculum—emphasizes learning through play that encourages experimentation and expression. The latter—Emergent Curriculum—is a disposition toward learning that starts with the students and teachers’ passions and interests. The two highly compatible approaches focus on the individual development and learning needs of children.

The preschool years are an enriching time of learning in absolutely every area of life, including within the critical sphere of socializing and relationships. Kids Co. preschool teachers are trained to help children learn how to negotiate their needs in relationship with others and how to identify options in conflict that can lead to constructive problem-solving.

The Kids Co. preschool experience focuses on the development of the whole person and their families.

Sample Kids Co. Early Learning Curriculum

Before-School Program

The Kids Co. at Graham Hill morning program offers parents a safe and friendly place to drop off their children before heading to work and kids an affirming and playful community in which to make the transition from home to school. Offered to children ages 3 to 12, the before-school program is a stable and welcoming foundation that gives families a positive start to their day.

Our professional childcare staff is skilled at creating a variety of activities and experiences that support kids during the morning hours. From family style breakfast sharing to individual and group play, Kids Co.’s before-school curriculum is designed to get children thinking and moving for the school day ahead.

The program emphasizes free-choice and gives kids options. Kids are given time to choose activities that meet their personal interests (e.g., computer programs, listening to music, reading, playing games, making arts and crafts, and/or interacting with their friends) and time to participate in group activities facilitated by Kids Co. staff. Help with homework is also offered, as needed, and on days the weather permits, kids are given the opportunity to head outside for a bit of supervised play.

The Kids Co. before-school program aims to help families start the day off on the right foot by providing quality care for children that kids love and parents trust.

Kids Co. Sample Before-School Curriculum

After-School Program

Kids Co. at Graham Hill’s after-school programming is designed to meet the particular needs kids have during the post-school hours. Under our care, young bodies are refueled with nourishing snacks; given time for self-directed, free-play; and invited to participate in fun group enrichment activities, such as cooking, indoor and outdoor games, art, craft, and drama, as well as science.

Our daily schedules intentionally weave experiences that give children opportunities to burn off their ample energy with experiences that help their minds and bodies wind down. We aim to create a stable and enriching after-school environment that supports children however they are feeling on any given day, one that encourages them to build life-long friendships, discover interests and talents, and explore the world at large.

The Kids Co. after-school program also aims to create a safe environment for kids. National studies have found that the single most problematic time of day for children is between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. It is the time of day when kids are most likely to get hurt, to get into trouble, and to establish life-long patterns, such as excessive television watching, that can lead to chronic health-related problems and low self-esteem.

Kids Co. childcare professionals are caring adults adept at listening to and attending to the emotional, intellectual, physical, and social needs of kids. They are trained in helping children learn how to negotiate personal needs in relationship with others and experts in designing curricula that support kids in the discovery and development of themselves within the context of a supportive community.

Homework Club is offered as an optional activity Monday through Thursday to help kids begin homework assignments within a small group setting under the watchful and supportive guidance of Kids Co. staff. Homework Club accommodates families who desire more free time during their evenings. It also supports children in becoming academically and socially successful by helping them develop active habits of learning.

The Kids Co. after-school program supports and enriches the life of the entire family by giving children quality care that parents trust and kids enjoy.

Kids Co. Sample After-School Curriculum

Summer Day Camp

The Kids Co. Summer Day Camp is a voyage in imagination, discovery, and simple, down-home play that kids are sure to remember for years to come. Offered five days a week, the program is designed to give kids a broad-spectrum summer camp experience tailored to the needs of growing bodies, active minds, and the making of lifelong friends.

Kids can participate from a range of two days a week to all five, depending upon family needs and schedules.

The Summer Day Camp schedule offers a relaxed pace, one that allows kids to amble playfully through their days without being rushed. Each week is individually themed with activities that are related. Examples of Summer Day Camp week themes include:

• Summer Safety (Water and Bike Safety)
• Safari Adventure (Animals of the African Savannah)
• Sporty Fun (Sports, Mini-Olympics, & the Seattle Storm)
• Be-Bop & Hip-Hop (Rhythm and Rhyme, Dance and Music)
• Local Flavor (Farmer’s Markets and Cooking)
• Wet and Wild Kids Co. Style (Water Sports)
• Game Shows (A Behind the Scenes Look at Games)
• Surrounded by Nature (Birds, Plants, and Bugs)
• Seattle Sights (Touring fun local sights of interest)
• Kids Co. Idol (Performance, Dance, and Style)
• Summer Good-Byes (Bringing Closure to 11 Weeks of Fun)

Sample Summer Day Camp Curriculum