Program Overview
JUST US KIDS offers year-round, full-time programs for Infants through Fours. Kindergarten is offered when there is sufficient interest. Children engage in experiences and activities that are appropriate for each child’s age and stage. Children and families thrive in an accepting environment where individual differences—culture, temperament, interests, life experiences, and learning styles—are valued and respected.
Teachers implement The Creative Curriculum for Infants, Toddlers & Twos and The Creative Curriculum for Preschool. The curricula include assessment systems that enable teachers to plan for and meet the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive needs of each child as well as the group, to support their interests and to extend their learning. Enrichment programs—music, soccer, swimming and motor development—are also offered. JUK welcomes and encourages parents to participate in Center activities.
Infants
Warm, loving attention to each child in a safe, cheerful and accepting environment is the key to the Infant Program’s success. To foster continuity of care, each child is assigned a primary caregiver, though all infants are attended by all staff. With ongoing observations, communication with parents, and careful reflection, teachers gain information to help plan for and meet the needs of each child. Caring daily routines build strong relationships with each child and influence their ability to succeed.
Toddlers
Full of energy, toddlers and twos are curious, more aware of themselves and others, and increasingly independent. They gather information through their senses and their worlds, so they are encouraged to explore in a safe and accepting environment set up to respond to them in reliable and dependable ways. Staff provides opportunities and creates varied experiences that promote their self-image and independence, and that facilitate their quest to understand their world.
Twos
Full of energy, toddlers and twos are curious, more aware of themselves and others, and increasingly independent. They gather information through their senses and their worlds, so they are encouraged to explore in a safe and accepting environment set up to respond to them in reliable and dependable ways. Staff provides opportunities and creates varied experiences that promote their self-image and independence, and that facilitate their quest to understand their world.
Threes
Three and four year olds are beginning to feel more competent in their world, and everything is an adventure. They learn values and acceptable behaviors as teachers support their newly made friendships. Respecting each child’s unique approach to learning, teachers provide experiences that promote their understanding of literacy, math, science, social studies, the arts and technology. The proximity of the Center to unmatched resources—including museums, gardens and monuments—provides unlimited opportunities for children to explore, learn about their world, and conduct studies on topics of interest to them. Our classes make use of the Museum Magic curriculum, developed by the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center and licensed to JUK.
Fours
Three and four year olds are beginning to feel more competent in their world, and everything is an adventure. They learn values and acceptable behaviors as teachers support their newly made friendships. Respecting each child’s unique approach to learning, teachers provide experiences that promote their understanding of literacy, math, science, social studies, the arts and technology. The proximity of the Center to unmatched resources—including museums, gardens and monuments—provides unlimited opportunities for children to explore, learn about their world, and conduct studies on topics of interest to them. Our classes make use of the Museum Magic curriculum, developed by the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center and licensed to JUK.
Summer Camp
The Center offers a ten week full-day summer camp program on a weekly basis for campers aged 5 to 8 years. Camp includes arts and crafts, swimming, science and nature exploration, trips to monuments, museums and the zoo, storytelling, puppet shows, library hours, cooking, and computer games.
Meals
Good experiences at mealtimes help children develop positive attitudes toward food and nutrition.
Infant parents provide appropriate food and formula.
A catered lunch and nutritious snacks are provided for all other children. Children are encouraged to help set the table, serve the food, and clean up after meals. Teachers sit with the children to promote a sense of community. Parents are always welcome to join their child for lunch.