Children 15 - 23 months of age as of September 1st. This group  enjoys the lowest student teacher ratio: 5-to-1.  There are a maximum of 10 children with 2 teachers providing for lots of one-on-one time.  As children become secure they enjoy visits from our Enrichment teachers and outdoor time on our Toddler playground.  They have a regular schedule for playground time and learn to follow the daily routines.  These routines provide the framework for the children to bond with their teachers and begin to explore new activities and materials.  This age is endlessly fascinated with one another and enjoy the independence they feel in their classroom environment.  They explore art materials and lots of language and music.

Children must be 2 prior to September 1st to enroll in the Explorers Class.  We offer 3 options for the Explorers group children: 
2 days per week T/Th schedule, 3 days per week MWF schedule, 5 days per week M-F schedule. 
The student-to-teacher ratio in this group is 6-to-1.  There is a maximum of 12 children and 2 teachers in each classroom. Deciding which schedule to choose depends upon the needs and goals of each family. The advantage of more days at school is the consistency.  Children who attend more days adjust quickly to routines and their classmates and the class can tackle more challenging activities.  The advantages to fewer days per week are a more relaxed schedule and more time at home.

Children must be 3 prior to September 1st to enroll in the Adventurers Class Class.  We offer two options:  3 days per week, MWF schedule or 5 days per week M-F schedule. The student teacher ratio is 7-to-1.  There are 14 students and 2 teachers per classroom.
This program continues to offer plenty of time for child-directed play, but with an increased expectation about sharing, taking turns, and being considerate of one another.  Children are introduced to math, science, and reading concepts through activities that respect the importance of play and the developmental level of each child.  Teachers observe and monitor learning to nurture problem-solving and creativity while teaching basics like how to hold a pencil and write their name.

Children must be 4 prior to September 1st to enroll in a Pre-K class. All Pre-K classes are 5 days a week.
The student teacher ratio is 9-to-1.
There are 18 children per class with 2 teachers.
Our pre-K teachers work to prepare children for kindergarten, by offering a variety of activities to teach learning concepts.

Children must be 5 prior to September 1st to enroll in a Kindergarten class. All Kindergarten classes are 5 days a week.
The student teacher ratio is 9-to-1.
There are 18 children per class with 2 teachers.
Our Kindergarten teachers work to prepare children for Elementary School by offering a variety of activities to teach learning concepts. Please EMAIL or call us for more information or you can read our
DHUMP Kindergarten Program information page here.

Enrichment

The children’s day is further enhanced by enrichment programs. These programs are designed by specialized teachers to offer additional experience in art, music, gross motor skill development, drama, story telling and Spanish.

While art and writing materials are available in the classroom everyday and classroom curriculums include plenty of art activities, DHUMP also teaches beginning art concepts and art history. In Art class children are introduced to concepts or the work of a famous artist and then encouraged to explore these new concepts and styles using a variety of appropriate materials. This is not a product oriented experience, but art as a process that also provides children with new concepts and vocabulary.

There is music throughout the day in every classroom. This is a hands-on class and the kids enjoy learning songs, movements, and playing hand held instruments. In addition our Music & Motion teachers are musicians themselves bringing stringed instruments and keyboards to supplement the classroom musical training.

This is an activity that offers an opportunity to evaluate and challenge children’s gross motor skill development. We ask that children dress appropriately on their Tumbling days so that they can fully participate in walking the balance beam, jumping, twirling, and flipping during directed movement activities.

Also sometimes known as acting class allows children to explore their imagination in acting out stories and even creating stories themselves.

Children enjoy story telling through puppets, both performed for them and creating their own puppet shows.

Our goal in providing Spanish in the classroom is not only to introduce the Spanish language itself, but also to provide children with the opportunity to learn to appreciate cultural differences including the sounds of languages other than their own. Every class receives some Spanish, with the Pre-K class receiving Spanish instruction twice a week.