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Compass Outreach and Education Center proudly introduces Magnolias in Bloom Early Learning Academy, a premier Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) academy catering exclusively to four and five-year-olds. At Magnolia, we commit ourselves wholeheartedly to providing unparalleled caregiving services and a superior activity-based learning environment specifically designed for these crucial early years of development.
Our team at Magnolia is dedicated to meeting the unique needs of both our students and their parents. We provide outstanding caregiving and educational instruction alongside a progressive curriculum and versatile programs. Furthermore, we take pride in our strong connections with the local community and our fruitful partnerships with various businesses.
Magnolias in Bloom Early Learning Academy is on a mission to nurture the young leaders of tomorrow. We ensure top-tier childcare services while intertwining the principles of nature education and project-based learning. Our school will also use the Creative Curriculum inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy. This unique blend fosters a deep sense of respect, responsibility, and community, all through explorative and discovery-based learning, igniting a lifelong zeal for knowledge.
Our integration of technology programs and a rich array of supplemental activities sets us apart from the competition. These include arts and crafts, gardening, nature walks, science exploration, dance, art, social-emotional learning, yoga, field trips, and parenting workshops covering essential fitness, nutrition, and literacy topics. Additionally, we will offer Friday or Saturday night play dates, providing parents with a much-needed window to run weekend errands, confident that their children are in safe and caring hands.
Note: To be eligible for VPK, children must live in Florida and be four years old on or before September 1 of the current school year.
PROGRAM CAPACITY: THE VPK PROGRAM IS AT CAPACITY.
WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS AT THIS TIME!
Benefits of the VPK Program
The Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program (VPK) in Florida provides a free and invaluable opportunity for 4- and 5-year-olds to enhance their early learning and development. This program is intricately designed to lay a robust foundation for educational success, ensuring that children are well-prepared for the rigors of kindergarten. Through various age-appropriate educational activities, the VPK program fosters early literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development. It offers a conducive environment for children to interact with their peers, honing their social skills and building lasting friendships. These interactions and learning experiences enhance children’s cognitive skills, including attention, memory, and problem-solving abilities. Furthermore, the program places a strong emphasis on language and communication skills, ensuring that children are articulate and able to express themselves effectively. The comprehensive approach of the VPK program ensures that children are not only academically prepared for kindergarten but also well-equipped with the necessary social and emotional skills to thrive in a learning environment.
Sample Pre-Kindergarten Classroom Schedule
Morning
Arrival and Nature Exploration: 8:00 A.M. – 9:00 A.M.
Children are welcomed into the day with engaging outdoor activities, which include nature walks, bird watching, and hands-on gardening. This time fosters physical development and deepens their connection and understanding of the natural world around them.
Nature-Inspired Circle Time: 9:00 A.M. – 9:30 A.M.
During this gathering, the class discusses nature themes, participates in eco-conscious music and movement activities, and listens to stories that teach character education through natural world examples.
Morning Snack and Eco-Nutrition Education: 9:30 A.M. – 10:00 A.M.
Children enjoy snacks made from natural ingredients while participating in discussions about the importance of nutrition and how our food choices impact the environment.
VPK Standards with a Nature Twist – Small Group / Center Activities: 10:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.
Activities during this time are enriched with natural elements. Children explore math through counting leaves, learn science by observing plant growth, express themselves through nature-inspired art, and develop language and literacy skills with eco-themed books.
Outdoor Environmental Education: 11:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.
Children continue to develop their motor skills through outdoor activities, like climbing on natural structures, running through grassy fields, and participating in cooperative games that teach them about the local flora and fauna.
Reflective Circle Time and Alternating Yoga/Nature-Based Social-Emotional Learning: 11:30 A.M. – 11:45 A.M.
This session serves to reflect on the nature-based learning of the day. On alternating days, children will either practice yoga, enhance their connection to nature and their inner peace, or engage in social-emotional learning activities that draw on nature to teach empathy and cooperation.
Lunch and Sustainable Eating Discussion: 11:45 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.
A balanced lunch is enjoyed, followed by a conversation about sustainable eating practices and how our choices can contribute to a healthier planet.
(11:45 - Noon - PickUp Time for Half Day Students)
Afternoon
Rest Time with Nature Sounds / Quiet Activities: 12:30 P.M. – 1:30 P.M.
Children are given time to rest or engage in quiet activities, accompanied by the calming sounds of nature to promote relaxation and rejuvenation.
Afternoon Outdoor Exploration: 1:30 P.M. – 2:00 P.M. The afternoon outdoor session further explores the natural environment, fostering a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world.
Spanish Lesson with Environmental Vocabulary: 2:00 P.M. – 2:30 P.M.
Basic Spanish vocabulary is taught, focusing on words related to nature and the environment.
Nature-Enriched Small Group / Center Activities: 2:30 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.
The final learning session of the day continues to integrate nature into the curriculum, providing a consistent theme throughout the day’s activities.
Day Ends at 3:00 P.M. / Aftercare Begins: 3:15 P.M.
The structured part of the day concludes, but an aftercare program focusing on nature and environmental stewardship is available for those requiring extended care.
By integrating nature education throughout the day, the schedule ensures that children have continuous opportunities to learn about and connect with the natural world, fostering a lifelong appreciation for the environment while supporting their holistic development.