Sandpipers Early Learning Center

Welcome

Welcome to Sandpipers Early Learning Center, an Early Care and Education Program of Child & Family. As early care educators, we are committed to providing children and families with the highest quality early care and education experiences.

Searching for peace of mind in choosing your childcare provider? We understand that it’s difficult to entrust your child with another person while you cannot be with them during the day. Ask our parents and they will tell you they feel safe, confident and uplifted to know that we are delivering the best quality care and compassion for their children. Sandpipers is great for early development and learning social skills. We help kids to share, meet new people and interact with others in a positive manner. Pretty soon the best part of your day will be reuniting with your child each afternoon and witnessing their successful progress for yourself!

Sandpipers Early Learning Center is a full-time facility providing the highest quality care and educational experiences. Our professional teaching staff oversees the development for children ages six weeks through five years, and services almost 150 children and their families annually. Our goal is to encourage positive self-images through engaged learning at an early age. We provide a safe and nurturing environment recognizing each child’s unique needs.

Programming is available for:

Infants (6 weeks to 12 months)
Yearlings (12 months to 18 months)
Toddlers (2 to 3 years)
Preschoolers (3 to 5 years).

We foster engagement by:

Nurturing and soothing when needed
Speaking to your children directly
Singing songs and reading stories
Playing with age-appropriate toys that vary in shape/size/colors
Making time to promote flexibility/movement
Providing restful sleep intervals
Allowing for individual and group activities
Introducing math, reading, music and arts

“There is increasing evidence that children gain a lot from going to preschool. In preschool, they become exposed to numbers, letters, and shapes and, more important, they learn how to socialize – get along with other children, share and contribute to circle time.”

– Kathlen McCartney, PhD, Dean of Harvard Graduate School of Education, Cambridge, MA

Technology Advancements

Our Preschool and Pre-K classrooms allow children to use computers with IBM’s KidSmart Early Learning and Young Explorer Programs. The computers are housed in brightly colored, kid-friendly Little Tikes furniture and equipped with award-winning educational software to help children learn and explore concepts in math, science and language. The computer centers can also help children learn important socialization skills such as working together and sharing. Exploration and Socialization skills are important to prepare children for future success in school, help level the playing field and ensure all children have access to educational tools. The KidSmart software complements the existing curriculum and development of expressive and receptive language, social skills, fine and gross motor skills, as well as cognitive skills.

Professional Team

Sandpipers’ professional growth is integral to providing children and families with the highest quality service. We continue to participate in the Rhode Island Early Learning Standards for professional development and our Preschool team has received certifications in the Level I, II and III trainings. Completion of these courses now qualifies Sandpipers to become a Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) approved Preschool which lends further recognition as the best day care and early development provider in Rhode Island.

Family Involvement

We encourage parents to volunteer in your child’s classroom at any time. Specific opportunities can include reading to children, sharing breakfast, snack or lunch, sharing family and cultural activities, and assist as chaperones on field trips.

A unique collaboration with Child & Family’s Family Advisory Board strengthens the bond between caregiver and guardians. Monthly meetings offer families like yours an opportunity to offer suggestions for change and growth in your children’s earliest educational experiences.

Sandpipers’ families have led the way organizing and implementing new activities including:

Annual Teacher Breakfast Celebration
Week of the Young Child Celebration
Family Conversation Information Sheets
Family Swap and Share Events
Places to Play in Rhode Island Paw Sox Event
Farm Fresh Rhode Island Veggie Box Site
Date Nights
Easton’s Beach Family Fun Picnic Night

Family Engagement Programs offer a variety of opportunities linked to the Creative Curriculum, the Scholastic Early Childhood Program and the Rhode Island Early Learning Standards that support the total growth and development of your child. Each classroom teacher will get to know your family, create welcoming classroom environments and share effective daily communication with you. At the beginning of each month, newsletters are published and sent home highlighting upcoming family engagement events, home and school connection activities, school closings, the monthly lunch menu, health and nutrition tips, and volunteer opportunities.

Our monthly family events are a great way to connect with other parents, teachers and your child’s classroom buddies.

Our highlighted events are:

Sandpipers Open House
Teddy Bear Picnic
Asthma Education Workshop
Family Night
Autumn Harvest
Thanksgiving Feast
Breakfast with Santa
Family Game Nights
Heart Healthy Day
Dr. Seuss Birthday Celebration
Molar Express Dental Program
Pawtucket Red Sox Games
May Breakfast
Muffins with Mom
Donuts with Dad
July Jazz Festival
End of School Year BBQ
Preschool Graduation

Tour Our Facility

We are proud to be able to offer these services in our state-of-the-art Early Learning Center located at 31 John Clarke Road in Middletown, Rhode Island. Come and meet our professional staff, see our (8) beautiful classrooms, our indoor and outdoor playgrounds and learn about our exciting enrichment programming, as well as our family engagement opportunities.

Licensing & Accreditations

Our Center is licensed by the State of Rhode Island and is accredited through the Council on Accreditation (COA). We look forward to developing strong relationships with children and families and know that together we can build a strong foundation for the future educational success of our youngest children in their journey of life long learning!