Creative Arts-Based Pre-School Alternative Program

Our Jump Start Program is a place for pint-sized musicians and artists to play, learn, and thrive. We provide toddlers the opportunity to gain a sense of mastery over their environment through exploration and play. We encourage creativity and a sense of independence, as we offer them a rich variety of hands-on learning opportunities.

The Ume Ume “Jump Start” Program is perfect for introducing separation and preparing children for half and full day Preschool programs. The class meets for 2 hours, three times a week. This is the ideal amount of time for children this age, allowing kids to get accustomed to school routine and independent learning. We believe that children learn best when they are having fun, so we follow a play-based teaching philosophy that gently introduces a structured routine and helps instill a life-long love of learning. A low teacher-child ratio ensures individualized attention and support for each student.

Our Ume Ume “Jump Start” Program incorporates music, movement and art, with a focus on sensory and social development. Jump Start students are introduced to age appropriate letter identification and receptive language development in addition to important emerging literacy skills fostered through handling books, listening to stories and a variety of both classical and modern art-forms.

Fundamental math skills such as numbers, shapes, sorting and ordering are taught each week as well as beginning reasoning skills from our sensory exploration units. Students build self-confidence and body awareness through activities engaging balance, strength, and hand-eye coordination, while verbal, social and fine motor skills are developed through imaginative art projects and hands on experience with classical instruments such as the violin, piano and guitar.

School Readiness 

Our program is designed to prepare children for school readiness. We work on adjusting children to separation, helping them gain confidence on their own so they can transition seamlessly into longer programs! Our completely original Ume Ume curriculum prepares 2-4 year olds for Full-time Preschool programs by fostering age-appropriate social, creative, intellectual, emotional and physical growth.

Interactive Play
Students experience independent exploration and social interactions through interactive play at the start of each day. State-of-the-art toys, manipulatives and props are arranged thematically each week to keep expanding upon each student's experience. The materials chosen support fine and gross motor skills, imaginary and construction play, developmentally appropriate letter and number awareness as well as creating a sense of community in class.

Teamwork

Children practice important classroom skills like sharing, taking turns, working together, resolving conflict and getting to know new classmates and friends.

Art
Students are exposed to a wide variety of art materials, textures and tools through process-oriented art projects. Teachers guide students through multi-step instructions as students are encouraged to complete projects independently. As children learn to handle and hold new art tools and utensils, their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills increase. Students bring home a unique art project each class to share with their families. This allows students to develop a sense of pride in their creations, fostering confidence and self-esteem.

Music
Music and Movement lessons expose children to a variety of musical styles and sounds through dance and instruments. Students are exposed to a new musical instrument and a new international song each week and are encouraged to explore tempo, pitch and rhythm. Through new music and repetition of familiar songs, students develop language and music appreciation.