Early Childhood
| Linda Semel | Toddler | |
| Tracy Aiden | PreK | |
| Stacy Buehler | PreK | |
| Lisa Kampwirth | PreK | |
| Liz Barlock | Kindergarten | |
| Jane Stenson | Kindergarten | |
| Aya Borchers | Grade 1 | |
| Melissa Makagon | Grade 1 |
Early Childhood Program, Toddler-First Grade
Baker's program is based on the premise that children construct knowledge through discovery in free play and through social interactions with peers and adults. Children learn by having meaningful experiences and making relevant connections to the world around them. Within this framework, content areas are addressed using an integrated approach. Language and literacy, mathematical and scientific thinking, social studies and the arts are explored, stretching and strengthening students' creative thinking. Baker strives to address individual needs, respect learning style differences, and acknowledge the role of a child's family in learning. Below are components of our play-based, half-day programs.
Toddler Program (Age Two)
Children may enroll for 2, 3 or 5 days a week in this drop-off program. With a maximum of 12 children in the classroom, a master teacher and two associates lead our youngest students through an extraordinary year of growth and development, socialization and independence. This 4:1 student/teacher ratio allows for the attention these little ones thrive on, and for Baker faculty to observe closely how each girl or boy learns. Direct access to the Early Childhood Play Yard, scaled potties and changing table off the central room, visits from First Grade buddies, and time with the music specialist all enhance this first experience of school. Baker Toddlers return as confident Pre-kindergarteners year after year.
Preschool Program (Ages Three and Four)
Baker’s Prekindergarten has evolved over ninety years. This two-year, mixed-aged program provides a rich environment where three and four year olds’ social, emotional, academic, and developmental needs are met and capabilities stretched, as each child is ready. Three year olds may enroll for 2, 3 or 5 days a week for this 2 ¾ hour program. Three classrooms are each run by a dynamic master teacher and her two associates. The student teacher ratio is never higher than 7:1. Prekindergarten rooms have direct access to the Early Childhood Play Yard, scaled potties off the central room, connecting doors to the other two Pre-K rooms, upper grade buddies, weekly lessons with Spanish, Music, and Library Skills specialists, and are included in many school wide events. Many children stay for extended care, which begins seamlessly in the same rooms, with familiar faculty and friends, after the morning session is over.