Inside Jill’s Place

Groups

Our English-language program is open to children from 20 months to 8 years old in classroom sizes of 8-12 children. Classes run from 9:00 to 15:00 with optional afternoon activities (dance, drama, Portuguese, music) from 15:30 to 16:20 Monday through Thursday. We serve 2 healthy snacks and one hot meal prepared by our expert kitchen staff.

We provide a personalized approach to learning and teaching. To successfully deliver personalized instruction, our groups are small and with an optimum child:adult ratio. When appropriate, we encourage the different age groups to engage in play and peer-to-peer learning, to develop self-confidence and empathy. Reading is a core activity at Jill’s Place, with older children encouraged to practice their developing skills for their younger peers, who in turn develop active listening skills.

The staff speaks with the children in English, however, we value all languages. We provide developmentally appropriate experiences for all children. Our children interact with their natural environment and our school pets (rabbits, chickens).

Pedagogical Influences

Harvard - Project Zero

Project Zero is a research group at the Harvard Graduate School of Education which celebrated its 50th year in 2017. Founded by Nelson Goodman, David Perkins and Howard Gardner, Project Zero continues to inspire professionals from a variety of fields of study all over the world. 

You can learn more from the websites:

Reggio Emilia Approach

Reggio Emilia is a city near Bologna, Italy, where, since 1945 the municipality has built beautiful schools filled with light and inspiration for children between 0 and 6 years of age. The image of the child is at the center of their approach. Children learn through projects supported by their caregivers, who share the roles of teachers and learners.

Check out the Reggio Emilia website:

Daily Schedule

Our daily schedule is from 9:00am – 3:00pm.                    Children may arrive from 8:15am without additional charge. Our special activities included in our 9:00am – 3:00pm program are:  Art, Movement, Music, Nature, Cooking, Library Time, along with early primary school skills (counting, writing, reading).

Our extra activities  (Music, Drama, Dance and Beginner Portuguese) are available from Monday to Thursday  from 15:30 until 16:20

Daily Activity Report

Every day, the teachers write and photographically illustrate an overview of the day’s activities, to communicate with families what the children did that day at Jill’s Place.  Through our interactive App, Parents receive regular updates on their child’s activities.

Weekly Activities

Library is a daily ritual.

Our weekly special activities include art, movement, music, nature, cooking and storytelling.

Project Book

Every child receives a personalized photographic book at the end of each  year filled with photos and text documenting the child’s experience at Jill’s Place as an individual and as a member of a community.