RSU5 Community Programs
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Laugh & Learn Preschool and Childcare


The 2023-24 preschool fee schedule is HERE

The 2023-24 preschool registration packet is available HERE

FOR CHILDREN CURRENTLY IN LAUGH & LEARN: The 2023-2024 before & after school care fee schedule and registration packet is available HERE

FOR CHILDREN NEW TO LAUGH & LEARN: The 2023-2024 new student registration is HERE


FOR INFORMATION ABOUT ANY OF OUR PRESCHOOL OR CHILDCARE PROGRAMS, EMAIL OR CALL THE CHILDHOOD EDUCATION COORDINATOR AT 207-865-6171.

WHAT WE DO
 
The Laugh & Learn before- and after-school program provides high-quality early childhood learning that encompasses the hours adjacent to a child’s school day. We provide a creative and structured environment, combining age-appropriate activities designed to teach children about the natural world, exercise and physical fitness, health and wellness, nutrition, and the importance of getting outdoors. During the morning hours your child will be allowed to let their creative side flourish with a variety of craft projects and creative centers within the classroom. We allow plenty of time after school for your child to unwind outside (weather permitting), finish school work, or create. We do encourage an environment for your child to do homework and/or receive assistance.  A healthy snack is provided during the aftercare portion of the day. We serve children at the Morse Street, Mast Landing, and Durham Community Schools.
 
Our Preschool programming meets the developmental needs of children (aged 3-5) while at the same time inspiring them to love and appreciate the world of nature. Our unique preschool curriculum combines traditional Kindergarten readiness learning with age-appropriate educational activities that are designed to teach children about the natural world, exercise and physical fitness, health and wellness, nutrition, and the importance of getting outdoors. Since 2019, Laugh & Learn Preschool has operated at the Mast Landing School.
 

PHILOSOPHY
 
The State of Maine Early Childhood Learning Guidelines (3-5) acknowledge that play, in concert with adult planning, guidance, support, and follow-up, is a vital experience of early development and promotes development of the whole child. It is important that children explore and apply new skills through experiences that are interesting, satisfying, and respectful of their desire to touch, hear, see, smell and taste. It is also important that we recognize their natural drive to use both their small and large muscles throughout each day. Through play in a content-rich environment, children not only develop social and motor skills, but also begin to make sense of the world around them, building the foundations they will need to become capable, enthusiastic learners, and responsible, healthy adults.
 
We believe that nature plays a vital role in the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development of young children. Research shows that children who spend time in nature are healthier, can think more clearly, have an easier time paying attention, and have the ability to cope with stress more effectively. Childhood experiences in nature help stimulate children’s curiosity and interest in the world around them and help them grow intellectually in their desire to better understand the world and their place in it. We believe that children’s interactions with the natural world allow for the development of a lifetime of skills. Our preschoolers spend time outdoors almost every day, where they can fully engage all their senses in a safe and nurturing environment. When the weather is too extreme for outdoor exploration, children are able to participate in active play in the gymnasium. Children need ample opportunities to play, to practice and work out social skills with other children in a safe environment, and to gain self-confidence and self-esteem. We believe that helping children develop a positive self-image and become socially competent is the best foundation for their future. The experience of these early preschool years will last a lifetime.
 
Children are admitted into our programs free of discrimination in a fully inclusive environment. All of our programs are licensed through the State of Maine Child Care Licensing Department.

REGISTRATION

Registration for the Laugh & Learn programs for the upcoming 2022-23 school year can be found below. There is a non-refundable annual registration fee of $50 due for each child registered with our program. This will be on the first invoice in September for the new school year, or on the first invoice when registered for the current school year.

Registration Forms:

2022-2023 Preschool Program | School-Aged Program

The 2023-24 preschool fee schedule is HERE
The 2023-24 preschool registration packet is available HERE
FOR CHILDREN CURRENTLY IN LAUGH & LEARN: The 2023-2024 before & after school care fee schedule and registration packet is available HERE
FOR CHILDREN NEW TO LAUGH & LEARN: The 2023-2024 new student registration is HERE

Any questions about the Laugh & Learn Program can be directed to Helen Humphrey at ChildhoodEd@rsu5.org.



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