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Education Station

Overview

Where Play Is Serious Learning

The Education Station at the IC is a Reggio Emilia–inspired learning center for children starting at 6 weeks old through Pre-K. Rooted in child-centered, inquiry-based exploration, Education Station embraces open-ended, play-based opportunities, viewing each child as capable and rich in potential.

  • Reggio Emilia Philosophy: Originating in Italy, it emphasizes collaborative and inquiry-based learning, where children ask questions, explore freely, and learn at their own pace.
  • Safe & Welcoming: We provide a secure environment that nurtures every child’s curiosity and growth.

Why Choose Our Program?

The Education Station goes beyond standard childcare by offering a unique array of enrichment and facilities:

  • Experienced and Dedicated Teachers
  • Spanish
  • Reggio Emilia–Inspired Classroom Design
  • Yoga
  • Designated Gross Motor Room
  • Swim Lessons
  • Gym
  • Family Dinner Nights
  • Music
  • Special Events ...and so much more!

We focus on child-driven exploration, helping them learn and grow through a balance of structured learning and open-ended play.

Hours

(year-round)

Monday - Friday
7:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Parent Communication

We understand the Education Station is your child’s “home away from home.” That’s why we use Brightwheel, a password-protected communication platform that:

  • Allows teachers to send photos, videos, updates and daily information
  • Shares nap, meal, and activity logs
  • Uploads lesson plans and observations, giving you a comprehensive view of your child’s progress.

Classrooms &
Age Groups

We provide a warm and engaging environment where children grow, explore, and develop at their own pace. From infancy through Pre-K, our programs are thoughtfully designed to foster curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning, ensuring each stage builds a strong foundation for the next.
Infants
Early Toddlers
Toddlers
3-Year-Old Preschool
4-Year-Old Preschool
Transitional Pre-Kindergarten

Infants (6 weeks to 14 months)

A warm and loving environment that allows our youngest learners to safely explore their surroundings

Early Toddlers

A supportive atmosphere where young toddlers learn to navigate the world around them

Toddlers

A dynamic and inviting program that encourages the development of vocabulary and self-expression

3-Year-Old Preschool

Theme-based learning that emphasizes making friends, building self-confidence and promoting independence

4-Year-Old Preschool

A fun and engaging curriculum that prepares students for the transition from preschool to kindergarten, both academically and socially

Transitional Pre-Kindergarten

Our Transitional Pre-K program aims to facilitate the shift from preschool to Kindergarten for children who celebrate their fifth birthday between September 1 and December 31 during the academic year.

In this supportive setting, children will cultivate essential skills for academic achievement. They will partake in interactive learning experiences tailored to their unique needs. The program prioritizes early literacy, featuring the Fundations handwriting curriculum and a personalized reading initiative. Additionally, foundational math concepts and problem-solving abilities will be introduced. A project-based approach will also be applied to science and social studies, promoting exploration and discovery. This environment helps children build confidence and the necessary skills for a seamless transition into Kindergarten while fostering a passion for learning. Classes will also include active learning activities similar to physical education.

The program is available in two time slots: from 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM or from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM.

During the period from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, children will take part in our afterschool program, which includes a variety of recreational activities designed to complement their busy day of learning. Please note that availability is limited, and spots are filling up quickly.

Education Station

Patti Dattilo
Education Station Director

Patti Dattilo has over 35 years of experience in early childhood education teaching and administration. She studied Early Childhood Education and earned her Director’s Credential at Charter Oak State College. Patti’s mission is to create a safe, nurturing, and fun environment for children to learn and grow.

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She wants school to feel like a second home with deep connections to the educators where parents can confidently bring their children and go about their day worry-free. She is a mother of four and In her spare time, she is an avid hockey and football fan and loves the beach, cooking, crafting and journaling. She is also involved in several charity organizations that provide food and care for those less fortunate.

Prerequisite 1

Jump in, submerge, resurface and swim 150 yards continuously, tread water for 2 minutes, and then swim 50 more yards. While swimming, you must keep your face in the water and demonstrate good breath control. You may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed. When treading, you must use only your legs.

Prerequisite 2

Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds. Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. Your face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed. Surface dive (head-first or feet-first) to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object. Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on your back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping your face at or near the surface. Swimming the distance underwater is not permitted. Exit the water without using a ladder or the steps.

This course follows a blended learning model, which combines online coursework with in-person sessions. You will receive an email from the American Red Cross with instructions for accessing the online course content. To get started, log in to the Red Cross Learning Center and from your home page, click on the class. Please plan to complete all of the assigned online course modules at least 2 days prior to the corresponding in-person session. The online course content (16 modules) is designed to be completed in approximately 6 hours, with each module taking between 15 and 30 minutes to complete. You may require more or less time to complete each module. I recommend beginning the online coursework as soon as possible to ensure that you are able to complete all of the assigned online modules in advance of the corresponding in-person sessions.

  • Middle School Drop-In Fridays
  • Sip n' Paint
  • Family Bingo
  • Sunday Funday
  • Pancakes, Pumpkins & Ponies
  • Zumba Glow Party
  • Holiday Centerpiece Creation
  • Boozy Candles
  • Foam Party
  • Taste of Italy
  • Homemade Wine Tasting
  • Wine & Food Pairing
  • Character Breakfasts