by Danielle Frawley

Acorn Preschool and Childcare on Pine Haven Shores Road is adding something new this year. In the past the focus has been on exactly what the name says: "preschool and childcare" for children six weeks to five years old. But when school begins this fall, so will the newest addition to Acorn's programming: an after-school program for children ages 5-11 or from grades K-5.
Acorn's mission will not change. Their mission is to provide a caring and nurturing environment where children can learn and grow. "The children are having fun and there is an educational and developmental reason for their play," explained Acorn's Program Director Emily Vigneault. The preschool and childcare education is all based on the Vermont Elementary Learning Standards.

The new after-school program will be based on the Vermont Elementary Standards. Then new program for the students will include homework help, a snack, enrichment activities such as swimming and drama, clubs, and more. Debbie McGuire, head teacher and after-school program director, wants to plan activities that will provide a learning environment.

"The programs will be structured so that the children will be able to grow," said McGuire. "Every child is unique and has different needs and desires, and nothing is more exciting than teaching a student what they love to learn and what they are interested in."

Another benefit of this program is that children who have recently outgrown the preschool and childcare program will have the opportunity to end their school day in a familiar place where they will continue to learn and thrive.

The time for the program is 2:45 to 5:30 p.m. with the option of late pickup until 6 p.m. Also, there will be a bus that will drop children from the Shelburne Community School.

The student to teacher ratio will be approximately 9 to 1. All teachers are licensed and must have a Bachelor's degree. Some have a master's degree.

"I am very proud of the rich and robust curriculum we offer," said Executive Director of Acorn Marty Gold. "We have some of the highest credentials for pre-schools in the state."

He expects this same caliber of education and care to continue and flourish as Acorn grows and expands its programming.