Summer Activities Available for Young Children at Little Sprouts

Children from infancy through the age of 6 are invited to participate in summer programs at the Little Sprouts Early Learning Center, which is located on the Project Self-Sufficiency campus at 127 Mill Street in Newton.

Some of the activities planned for the summer months include the creation of a sustainable flower and vegetable garden, hosting a farmer’s market, participation in Project Self-Sufficiency’s Project Vacation and Back-to-School Fair, and a chaperoned trip to the Sussex County Farm & Horse Show.

The Little Sprouts Early Learning Center features separate classrooms for each age group, from infants through those entering pre-school.  A certified teacher is available in each classroom and the teacher-child ratio adheres to or exceeds state standards.

In addition to the sparkling classrooms, there is an all-purpose room for active indoor play and parent presentations, as well as a sick room for those children who may fall ill during the day.  The center is equipped with two separate playgrounds, one for younger tots and one for older children.  Each room has new equipment, as well as learning centers for dramatic play, computers, science, housekeeping, sand and water play, reading, and music.

The Little Sprouts Early Learning Center, which has been named after Elizabeth Houskeeper Gordon and Benjamin Gordon, uses “Creative Curriculum” in all of its programs.  “Creative Curriculum guides learning in literacy, math, science, social studies, the arts, and technology while supporting children’s social and emotional development,” noted Claire Willetts, Program Director at Project Self-Sufficiency.

Over the summer, children will learn all about nutrition, composting, recycling and more as they care for their sustainable flower and vegetable garden.  Funding for the garden was provided by a generous donor; labor was donated by friends of Project Self-Sufficiency.

“We are delighted to be able to offer quality childcare services to the community in a state-of-the-art building,” noted Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.  “Our staff is excellent, our site is beautiful, and the curriculum we offer will ensure that all of the children placed in our care learn the social and academic skills they need to succeed.”

The Little Sprouts Early Learning Center is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton.  Little Sprouts offers space for 83 youngsters, ages 6 weeks to 6 years.  The facility accepts all types of subsidized daycare assistance, and slots for new students are still available.

For information about enrollment call Program Coordinator Claire Willetts at 973-940-3500.