Hand in Hand - Menomonie

Program Planning

Hand in Hand follows the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards as a guideline for developmentally appropriate practice. In all of our classrooms we use a theme based program and develop our activities by identifying through observation which skills each child is exploring. We then develop goals to continue this development. The goals we set aid us in developing our activities to implement in the classrooms.

We prepare activities that encourage the children’s development in the following areas:

• Cognitive
• Creative
• Emotional
• Language
• Movement/Physical
• Self-Concept
• Social

Infant Care (6 weeks through 12 months)

In addition to the child-focused activities planned, we also begin basic sign language with the infants. We work with each child’s schedule to meet their individual needs.

Toddler Ones (T1) (12-24 months)

The children begin learning their colors, shapes and additional words in sign language in this room. The children are provided with a variety of sensory experiences. We encourage children to explore their vocalizations by working on repeating words and sounds. We also help children through various transitions, including drinking from a sippy-cup, eating at a table, using silverware, and sleeping on a cot.

Toddler Twos (T2) (24-36 Months)

The children really begin to expand their language, movement, and social skills. We provide a variety of experiences to encourage their exploration of their classroom environment. Our teachers work very closely with parents in potty training the children. We have child-sized facilities which truly aid in the children developing this self-help skill.

Preschool (3-5 year-olds)

The children are provided with hands-on activities that develop school-readiness skills. These skills include, letter and number recognition, writing, counting, and pre-reading skills. We also encourage social interactions, teaching the children cooperation and teamwork.

4 Year-Old Kindergarten (4K)

We partner with the School District of the Menomonie Area (SDMA) in providing 4K to the families in our community. Our program includes a multi-lingual approach which includes English, Spanish, and Sign Language. We provide sensory experiences and creative art projects. We practice math skills including sequencing, counting, shapes and patterns. We also include pre-reading skills such as letter recognition, letter sounds, and writing letters and words.