Frequently asked questions

Here are a few of our unique features.

– A Reggio Emilia-inspired approach to teaching and learning

– Our beautiful property—three separate playgrounds!—and next-door trails

– Highly-qualified teaching staff: 99% with Bachelor’s degrees, 40% with Master’s

– A stand-alone atelier (art studio) and atelierista for all of our children

– Little Farmers program in our community garden

– Little Chefs program in our kitchen

– Family concerts and weekly music study with local folk musicians

– Field trips to Crossroad Farm, Montshire Museum of Science, The Hood Museum, and apple picking every fall

– Family Scholarship program with annual total awards of $10-15K to families with financial need

– Fair, ethical staff pay and benefits; our families deserve happy and healthy teachers

With our emergent curriculum, literacy and numeracy are naturally interwoven throughout children’s play and projects. During every form of exploration—block play, dramatic play, art and music, loose parts and manipulatives, active outdoor play—our teachers embed letter and sound recognition, early writing, number sense, fine and gross motor development, social and problem-solving skills, emotional regulation, conflict-resolution skills, and more. Our practices support children in problem solving, negotiating with others, thinking independently, and seeking answers to their own questions. With these foundational competencies and dispositions in place, children from Reggio-inspired programs tend to thrive in kindergarten and beyond.

Advocating for oneself, and for others, is a vital life skill. One way we teach and learn to speak for ourselves is through consent. We love snuggles and hugs at TCS. We are also each in charge of our own body. If a friend would like to give another friend a hug, hold hands or touch their hair, we make it a practice to ask first. If we hear a “yes” or receive a clear non-verbal invitation, then all is well. Anything else is considered a “no” and we find alternative ways to engage, play, and care for each other.

Our children don’t have to be toilet trained upon enrollment. We use a child-led approach and will support your child wherever they are in toilet learning. In our toddler and preschool programs, we have students in diapers, students who wear pull-ups part-time, and students who only use the potty. We are here for support and will provide gentle encouragement throughout the process.

The quickest way is to give admin assistant Lisa Lawrence a call: 802-649-1403.

Any way that is easiest for you! In person at drop off and pick up, via email, during a teacher-family conference or a scheduled meeting, phone or Zoom call. It is important to us that you feel confident in bringing your child to school each day and that you feel part of the incredible days we have together! To help achieve these goals, we use the Brightwheel (BW) communication app. With BW, you receive in-the-moment updates and photos documenting children’s thinking, learning and creativity. You can message classroom teachers in return with responses and questions. BW also allows us to track your child’s daily care. For instance, infant and toddler teachers note when a child has a diaper change or uses the toilet, and when they fall asleep and wake up from rest. Please remember that children are always our first priority: teachers respond as they are able and available. If your message is urgent, please call the school.