About Our Classes

Classroom composition, staffing, and activities.

The primary focus of the Toddler Room is to provide an environment that is warm, caring, and accepting to each child’s individual needs. Our toddler program is a flexible hands-on program that fosters the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth of the children. A consistent routine, with a flexible schedule, provides a balance of activities designed to meet the individual needs of growing toddlers. Our toddler curriculum is based on the theories of Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards. Toddler teachers implement WMELS as a means to develop goals and plan individualized activities for the children in their care. These activities are developmentally appropriate, yet can accommodate the varying abilities of busy toddlers.

Our goal is to provide developmentally appropriate opportunities throughout the day based on your child’s individual needs. We strive to develop the foundations for future academic learning, wholesome social relationships and emotional health.

Two-Year-Olds are busy little people as they begin to actively explore and manipulate their environment. In a safe environment, twos can energetically experiment with structured play directed by their teachers. The Creative Curriculum taught by the two-year-old teachers provides a framework for the children to develop pre-academic skills. This hands-on curriculum develops beginning readiness skills such as colors, shapes, self-concept, small / large muscle control, socialization, and creative expression. Nurturing and responsive caregivers promote the development of mutual respect between children and adults. Children are encouraged to achieve a sense of self-awareness as well as learn empathy for and cooperation with others. Two-year-olds are encouraged to perform self-help skills independently such as toileting and hand washing. Many of these skills are mastered upon transitioning into the preschool program.

During the preschool years, children embark on a journey of learning and exploration.

The Creative Curriculum® is purposefully constructed to provide your child with a variety of academic experiences promoting problem solving, persistence, and a passion for lifelong learning. Preschool teachers structure play activities to teach academic concepts which may include math, language, and fine motor skills. Preschool teachers place a strong emphasis on self-help skills and social interactions with peers. Our teachers modify education experiences based on children’s interests and strengths while recognizing each child as an individual. Your child’s teacher will track his or her progress through our child assessment portfolio system based on Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards. Teachers use this information to plan weekly activities for the children. Our classrooms display a balance between teacher-directed and child-directed activities. Integrated curriculum through themes allows children to investigate areas of interest from multiple perspectives.

District Approved 4k Program

Wishing Well 2.0 is proud to partner with the DeForest Area School District to offer 4K to children and their families in our community. In the 4K classroom, your child will attend four half day sessions from September through early June. In addition, wrap-around care before and after 4K is also available. Our 4K program follows the district approved curriculum based on the theories of Creative Curriculum. We incorporate literacy, math, and writing curriculum into our program daily. Our 4K teachers are licensed the through the Department of Public Instruction. The teachers collaborate with other 4K teachers in our community to provide the best educational experience for your child. Past research studies have shown that students enrolled in quality early education programs perform better in school, are less likely to need special education services, and are more likely to graduate from high school. Community-based 4K ensures that every child in our community can attend a great preschool!

Before and after school care.

Wishing Well Preschool and Childcare offers before and after school care for those families with school-age children. These children are transported by means of Wishing Well van or walked to or from their appropriate grade school. The van is equipped with approved care seats, booster seats and seat belts as appropriate to the children’s height, weight and age. Afterschool programs offer a variety of activities designed towards school age children. Wishing Well Preschool and Childcare also provides a Homework Club on Mondays-Thursdays for children in First through Fourth Grade. This program gives children an opportunity to complete homework in a quiet atmosphere with the assistance of an adult helper. Children not participating in Homework Club are offered activities including art, construction, relaxation time and games. An afternoon snack is available to the children when they arrive after school as well. During the summer we provide full-day care for school-age children. This program offers a camp like atmosphere packed full of field trips, crafts, sports and library time. Our summer program offers an opportunity to interact with peers and encourages friendships, while still providing the security of a safe environment for your child. Specific information regarding field trips, themes and activities is available to parents in early spring. The summer school-age program is only secondarily educational, with its primary focus on day-camp activities and frequent field trips. In addition, we’ve incorporated a Spanish program for children participating in our summer program. Your child will be introduced to familiar Spanish greetings, colors and numbers, terms for family members, body parts and much more. They will learn all of this in a fun, relaxed atmosphere with music, movement, games and puzzles. They will also have the opportunity to discover the Spanish culture through books and stories.