Carrot Patch-Shoreline:
-A warm community school with small class size
-Emphasis on nature and the outdoors
-Experienced professional teachers
The Carrot Patch-Shoreline provides an individualized inquiry-based program of learning through play. We offer a carefully-crafted emergent curriculum centered around children's familiar environment, with an emphasis on the natural world, that is designed to challenge and inspire each child. A typical day includes language and literacy, math, science, art, music and movement, dramatic play, social interaction--and plenty of time spent in our engaging, professionally-designed and landscaped Outdoor Classroom. Children enjoy frequent walking field trips to explore our surrounding community.

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NOTICE: UNANTICIPATED OPENING!
We currently have an opening in our Infant classroom. This space won't last long, so contact our Director now!

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WE ARE OPEN AND GOING STRONG!
With a focus on maintaining a safe and healthy school, we have incorporated many CDC and OEC best practices. And as an outdoor-focused program, we are able to spend much of our time out where the air is clean and virus-free!

​Limited spaces are available for the 2024-2025 academic year programs. Waitlist registration is available for summer and fall programs. Call or email to learn more or to arrange an individual tour.

SET UP A TOUR!

JOIN IN THE FUN

Shoreline students enjoy frequent fun and educational nature walks around our neighborhood. We are within easy reach of woods, meadows, marshes and the town marina. Kids are active learners-- discovering the world through their five senses, not on computers or TV screens!

We prepare our children for their future educational settings by enhancing critical thinking skills, and focusing on the development of healthy social/emotional interaction.

​Carrot Patch kids make lasting friendships. Carrot Patch teachers inspire in our students a deep love of learning by challenging them to explore, think and grow in fun and interesting new ways.

Developmentally-Appropriate Programs

INFANTS & TODDLERS​
The infant/toddler program is housed in its own building with a cozy, home-like setting. It is comprised of two groups. The Young Toddlers are one-year-olds, with a limited number of infants, each of whom enjoys one primary caretaker. The Older Toddlers are a group of two's. Infant/Toddler teachers plan together as a team. The two classrooms are adjoining, offering opportunities for interaction between the different age groups when appropriate.

The Infant/Toddler program offers a balance of structured activities that allow children to master new skills with plenty of free play that fosters creativity, individual expression, and positive peer interactions.

The curriculum is play-based and focused largely on nature themes. Daily experiences include plenty of music and movement, art, sensory, dramatic play, social interaction, early science, pre-math, blocks and puzzles. Language and literacy is fully incorporated throughout.

Children spend a considerable amount of time outdoors, where they can explore the natural world while enhancing their growing physical prowess. Social skills such as emerging empathy, caring and sharing are also emphasized as our one- and two-year-olds explore interactions with their peers and begin the process of recognizing and regulating their own emotions.

Toddlers are encouraged and supported in developing their budding independence. Teachers in the older toddler class work in concert with parents to assist in a positive potty-training experience when each child shows signs of readiness.

PRE-K ACADEMY
​The Pre-K Academy is a pull-out program within the larger preschool, designed especially for children kindergarten-eligible in the following year. Pre-K Academy students meet in small groups to engage in more advanced explorations, further enhancing their critical thinking skills.

Our Pre-K Academy students frequently have opportunities to share their learning with younger peers, reinforcing their knowledge and helping develop their leadership skills.

​Project-based studies foster the children's natural desire to explore the world and master new skills. Pre-K Academy graduates are excited to tackle new challenges, and have taken the early steps necessary to take charge of their own learning!   Our pre-kindergarteners will leave enthusiastic about school, and well-prepared for the rigors of their upcoming educational experiences. 

PRESCHOOL
Teachers choose a focus that takes into account the interests of the particular children in their class. Explorations begin with group brainstorming and a recorded list of the children's "wonderings" to help guide the upcoming study. These thematic units are not scheduled on an arbitrary timetable, but instead last as long as the topic continues to resonate with the group. Within each unit children have an opportunity to explore science, math, language and literacy, the arts, as well as enhancing social-emotional, critical-thinking, and physical skills.

Developing and enhancing social-emotional competence is central to learning and working in our community. Peaceful negotiation, cooperation and communication are encouraged and modeled by our sensitive, caring teachers.  Opportunities abound for children to identify, acknowledge, understand, and navigate their feelings.

Children enjoy daily access to a creative arts center with a wide variety of materials from watercolors to clay. Music is interwoven throughout, providing exposure to elements of vocal and instrumental music. Occasional yoga practice is also a part of the program.

The children's librarian from the Clinton Library drops by for monthly story time. Walking field trips to marshes, waterfront, and town properties, as well as visitors from our community are also an important part of the preschool experience.