Reaching Out to Others #2 Wonderschool

Our Teachers

Hello! I am Sheila Jones, the founder of Reaching Out to Others #2 Wonderschool. I was inspired to start my own program because I have loved working with children since I was young. I have 9 years of experience working with young children.

My family is the most important part of my life. I am a parent myself and have a son and a daughter. My daughter helps out at my program and is so loving with the children. I also have three grandchildren. I was inspired to start my own program because I used to work in my sisters program. I loved spending my days with children and watching them develop throughout their time with me.

Philosophy

At Reaching Out to Others #2 Wonderschool, we believe that children grow, learn, and thrive by feeling safe, loved, and nurtured. It is our goal to provide an environment that helps prepare children to thrive in school and the broader world. In our program, children will feel genuinely cared for and cherished.

Play-based learning is a type of early childhood education based on child-led and open-ended play. If you’re picturing preschoolers finger painting or ‘playing house’, you’re spot on. Play itself is a voluntary, enjoyable activity with no purpose or end goal. Believe it or not, activities like this lay the foundation for a child to become a curious and excited learner later in life. Play-based learning helps children develop social skills, motivation to learn, and even language and numeracy skills. Taking initiative, focused attention, and curiosity about the world are all a part of play.

Play-based learning includes the following elements:

• Self chosen: A child voluntary chooses to play, how they’ll play, and for how long. An adult may initiate play insofar as he or she invites or suggests play but the child determines the rest.
• Enjoyable: Play is enjoyable for the child. This emotional aspect is important. There may be some frustrations or disagreements during play but overall it’s pleasurable.
• Unstructured: A child has ample time to explore and discover during play. They’re directed by their own interests, not by any prescribed rules or plans.
• Process-oriented: There is no end or learning goal. Instead, it’s the process of play that’s important.
• Make believe: Play often involves imagination, ‘make believe’, or ‘playing pretend’.

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Location

Reaching Out to Others #2 Wonderschool is located in a welcoming, charming single family home in the Emeryville neighborhood.

We’ve designed our care environment with play and learning areas that allow children to explore various developmentally-appropriate activities based on their interests. Some of our favorite areas include reading / cozy area (for literacy, relaxation, and respite), block area (for gross motor skills and problem solving), and music and movement area (for physical activity and cultural learning).

Children will have some outdoor time everyday in my private yard or outdoor space. Children need space to run, jump, and move!

At Reaching Out to Others #2 Wonderschool, I want to provide an environment that supports the cognitive, social, and emotional growth of each child.

About our program

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Admissions

Join the Reaching Out to Others #2 Wonderschool community in four easy steps:

1. Explore our website

We’ve provided information about our philosophies and offerings to help you decide if our program may be right for your family.

2. Tour our program

Come see what makes Reaching Out to Others #2 Wonderschool unique. Please schedule a tour or attend an Open House event.

3. Submit an Enrollment Application

If you would like to enroll, please submit an application at www.wonderschool.com/reaching-out-to-others-2-wonderschool-3382/apply – Please note that we require tours for all prospective families. Please do not submit an application if you have not visited the program.

4. Enroll

After reviewing your application, we’ll send an enrollment invitation. Upon accepting your invitation you’ll pay your enrollment fee, fill out enrollment documents and review our Parent Handbook.