Our Classrooms
Horizon ELP West provides care and early education for children from infancy through age 5 as well as afterschool and summer camp programming. Our infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms follow a year-round schedule, with the flexibility to accommodate both school year only schedules as well as optional summer care. Each classroom offers a daily schedule that is planned carefully by the teaching team to provide an environment that supports the development and learning of the children in the classroom.
Ducklings, Chipmunks, Bunnies, Owls, Hedgehogs, Foxes
Duckling Pond
Our Duckling Pond infant room is designed to support the needs of 6 weeks to 18 months. Our focus is on partnering closely with parents to provide a safe, secure environment, as well as positive teacher:child relationships. The daily schedule follows each child’s individual needs and routines for eating, napping, diapering, and playing. A wide range of experiences with music, books, toys, movement activities, and outdoor experiences are planned and provided daily as appropriate to the children’s developmental needs and interests. Currently, this classroom is also an Early Head Start collaborative classroom, which means that families may receive some additional Early Education Services program benefits.
Chimpunk Crossing
Our Chipmunk classroom is where older infants and young toddlers are encouraged to explore safely, while still getting consistent, loving care. The students in this classroom are typically 12 to 18 months, but can age up to 2 years old, and this small group atmosphere is extremely conducive to getting our little friends acquainted with functioning as a group with a shared daily schedule.
At this time, this classroom is not partnering with EES and Early Head Start, but still receives the same benefits from our entire site partnering, such as meals, etc. 
Bunny Burrow
Our Bunnies classroom is where toddlers ages 18 to 30 months learn and play. Much learning occurs throughout the predictable routines of each day, with teachers providing support during the children’s play with a wide range of learning materials, music, books, sensory experiences, and many opportunities for physical activity such as climbing, walking, running, etc.
Currently, our Bunny Burrow is also an Early Head Start collaborative classroom, which means that families may also receive some additional program benefits.
Our Owls classroom is where children ages 2 to 3 years grow and thrive. This classroom follows a slightly more structured schedule for play and learning that supports the development of early social and cognitive skills. Activities and materials are designed to promote more independence with everything from toileting to turn-taking with friends, with the close support of caring teachers.
Currently, our Owls Nest is also an Early Head Start collaborative classroom, which means that families may also receive some additional program benefits.
Owls Nest
Hedgehog Hollow
Our Hedgehogs Classroom is where our older 2’s and younger 3 year-olds begin their preschool experience. The schedule, routines, and curriculum are planned to encourage exploration, problem solving, curiosity, independence, and positive social skills. A wide range of play-based experiences are provided both indoors and outdoors daily, and include science investigations, math and literacy explorations, and creative arts experiences, as well as opportunities to develop self-regulation and friendship building. This classroom is an inclusive environment, structured to adapt to all learning styles and expressions of learning. The curriculum is guided by the emerging needs and interests of the children, using the ‘Vermont Early Learning Standards’ as well as ongoing observations to intentionally promote each individual child’s learning. As a publicly-funded Universal Pre-K Program, this classroom also uses ‘Teaching Strategies Gold’ to assess development and learning. Currently, our Hedgehogs classroom is a Head Start collaborative classroom, which means that families may also receive some additional program benefits.
Fox Den
Our Pre-Kindergarteners enter our Fox Den Classroom at 4 years of age and continue until they are over 5 and ready for Kindergarten! The schedule, routines, and curriculum are planned to encourage exploration, problem solving, curiosity, independence, and positive social skills. A wide range of play-based experiences are provided both indoors and outdoors daily, and include science investigations, math and literacy explorations, and creative arts experiences, as well as opportunities to develop self-regulation and friendship building. This classroom is an inclusive environment, structured to adapt to all learning styles and expressions of learning. The curriculum is guided by the emerging needs and interests of the children, using the ‘Vermont Early Learning Standards’ as well as ongoing observations to intentionally promote each individual child’s learning. As a publicly-funded Universal Pre-K Program, this classroom also uses ‘Teaching Strategies Gold’ to assess development and learning, and partners closely with the school district to support successful Kindergarten transitions for children and families. Currently, our Fox Den classrooms is a Head Start collaborative classroom, which means that families may also receive some additional program benefits.