Accredited by NAEYC - National Association for the Education of Young Children

About Rainbow Riders

Our Center

Rainbow Riders opened its doors and its arms to children on August 26,1986. Since that time, we have provided care for children ages six weeks to twelve years. Our goal is to ensure that our program is one in which children will feel healthy, secure, nurtured and inspired.

Our philosophy of considering and meeting the needs of each child as an individual is accomplished through professional teaching techniques and programs, creative curriculum planning, and the utilization of various community facilities. Our goal is to provide positive learning experiences and to help create lifelong learners in both the children and teachers at Rainbow Riders.

The Operation

Rainbow Riders is open from 7:15 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. each day, Monday through Friday. We are closed for two weeks during the year to complete building maintenance and to allow our staff a much-deserved vacation. Detailed center-calendars are available at the start of each Fall Program. Tuition payments are due on the 1st and 16th of each month. There are also annual registration fees which help to replenish art and teaching supplies. Fee Schedules are available in the lobby and on the Rates link.

Staff Development and Training

We believe that Rainbow Riders has been successful due to its commitment and quality of its wonderful staff. We see ourselves as lifelong learners and we actively take part in numerous training opportunities including state, regional and national conferences. Our annual staff retreat has provided access to new and innovative early childhood concepts. Our staff meets monthly to engage in both personal and professional development. We consider ourselves a family and enjoy the positive results of being a member of such a wonderful team.

Family Involvement

We have an "open door" policy for families at Rainbow Riders. You are always welcome to join us! Our Parent-Teacher Association received its national charter in 1995. Our families and staff work together on special activities and projects. Our staff and administration are responsive to concerns and are able to react promptly.

Our Accreditation

Evidence of our commitment to high standards of quality in childcare is our national accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), achieved by only 7 percent of early childhood programs nationwide. This achievement indicates that we have been recognized as a quality early childhood program promoting the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of young children. Some of the criteria for accreditation that you will notice at Rainbow Riders include: low staff-to-child ratios, individualistic care, regular family communication and involvement, planned learning activities, plenty of materials and supplies, warm adult-to-child interactions and nutritious snacks and lunches.

Our Curriculum

We use an emergent curriculum to plan our days with the children. By listening to the individualized interests of the children in each group, staff are able to capture their curiosity by planning activities that relate to their special interests. We include children's literature as a part of each day's activities. The environment is child-centered and feels warm and inviting. Children are empowered by the freedom to make choices and plan their time. Each day will include choices in these areas of interest: music, art, dramatic plays, science, blocks, learning manipulatives and books. Children may spend time both in the morning and afternoon on the playground where there are also many areas from which the children may chose to play.

The staff observe children throughout the day. Daily documentation is available for families each afternoon. Important examples of children's work is collected to form a rich documentation of their progress. We call this portfolio, the child's "ME BOOK." During the bi-annual parent-teacher conferences, families have the chance to converse with their child's teacher about the progress that is being made and to provide input into plans for the future.

Our curriculum and environment also includes a strong celebration of diversity. Similarities and differences in children and families are celebrated and respected. We are committed to assisting children in learning to value, accept and comfortably interact with diverse people.