programs

OVERVIEW

Big Oak provides a play-based learning environment in a safe & fully licensed child care setting. Our building is a converted private family home, creating a home-like atmosphere. The toddler programs are on the first floor and the preschool & 4K is upstairs.

Our staff recognizes the need for consistency. The routines and schedules we provide incorporate activities that foster children’s interests and emerging skills, while allowing children freedom of movement, in order to provide a positive and empowering experience.

Our teachers follow Creative Curriculum® and use Teaching Strategies GOLD™, an authentic, ongoing observational system for assessing children from birth through kindergarten. Teachers use their observations to make classroom decisions for planning appropriate learning experiences tailored to each child and helping them thrive.

Additionally, we also like to take field trips to the local parks, museums, firehouses and enjoy other adventures that Madison offers.

FOR CHILDREN 1 - 2 YRS

We help our YTs explore materials, activities, and physical spaces through creative play. They listen to and learn stories, songs, dance and music. They are introduced to the concepts of sharing and taking turns. They learn to be gentle with other people, animals and materials as well as begin to explore words with actions, feelings and needs.

FOR CHILDREN 2-3 YRS

Our OTs continue to discover materials, activities, and physical spaces through creative play. They also expand upon and continue to develop language skills and develop beginning problem solving skills. They work toward independence and learn about concepts through play, songs and stories.

FOR CHILDREN 3-4 YRS

We nurture and support our preschoolers to develop a love of learning and strengthen their self confidence. They learn to work as a group and play cooperatively while also identifying feelings and solving problems through talking and listening. Preschoolers are also encouraged to initiate and carry out independent activities without direct supervision.

FOR CHILDREN 4 YRS OLD BEFORE SEPT 1 OF SCHOOL YEAR

Big Oak has a contract with the Madison Metro School District (MMSD) to offer a 4K program at our center. Parents will register on the MMSD site here and select Big Oak as their preferred site.

Our 4K program follows play-based learning standards to get children ready for Kindergarten.

For Children K-5th GrADE

Orton Park Camp is a summer day camp for children going into kindergarten through going into 5th grade sponsored by Big Oak Child Care. The camp runs June-Aug and each week there are 36 openings for children. We are a state licensed and city accredited child care facility. Our daily operations are out of Orton Park at 1114 Rutledge St, Madison, WI 53703.