Learning Environment

We at Small Wonders provide a rich learning environment with curricula that are developmentally appropriate to the specific ages in each classroom. We have a flexible day routine that allows children to advance at their own pace. We strongly believe that learning happens through play. Learning and exploring are hands-on and are facilitated through interest areas. Our program is designed to enhance children's development in the following areas: creativity, self-expression, decision-making, problem-solving, responsibility, independence, and reasoning. We also encourage openness from the children as it will enhance their ability to work and play with others. Copies of daily schedules are posted in each classroom.

Florida Gold Seal

In 1996, the Florida Legislature established the Gold Seal Quality Care program to acknowledge child care facilities and family day care homes that are accredited by nationally recognized agencies and whose standards reflect quality in the level of care and supervision provided to children. In addition, the Legislature established provisions for Gold Seal providers participating in the subsidized child care program, a.k.a. school readiness and early Learning, to receive a higher reimbursement per child, than providers not receiving a Gold Seal designation.

Click here for more information

Apple Certification

APPLE was developed by owners and operators of early learning centers, and is grounded in the unique perspective of the business of childcare. The owner/management team has the greatest impact on the quality of any early learning center, and the developers of the APPLE program recognized the importance of balancing the standards to improve quality and the financial impact it may have on the children and families served.

Click here for more information

Quality Counts

Our center participates in The Children's Trust Quality Counts program. The Quality Counts Program is a publically funded program offered to certain centers striving to achieve the highest standard in education and at the same time offerring a rich environment for children to learn and grow.

Click here for more information

Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK)

Voluntary Prekindergarten or VPK gives children a jump start by preparing them for school and enhancing their pre-reading, pre-math, language and social skills. By developing the skills children need to become strong readers and students at an early age, children are more likely to be successful in school. VPK classrooms offer high-quality programs that include high literacy standards, developmentally appropriate curricula, manageable class sizes, and qualified teachers.

If you live in Florida and have a child who turns 4 years of age by September 1, your child is eligible for Florida's FREE VPK program. Your child can attend one of the two programs offered annually. The school-year program includes 540 hours of instructional time and begins in August. The summer program consists of 300 instructional hours and can begin as early as May 1. There are a number of private child care and public school providers offering the VPK program across Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. For information in Miami-Dade call (305) 373-3521 and for information in Monroe call (305) 296-5557.

Click here for more information

School Readiness

School readiness programs have been designed to prepare children for school, particularly those from income-eligible families. These programs are intended to serve as a preventive measure for children at risk of future school failure. Priority for school readiness program participation is given to: children whose parents are economically disadvantaged, children who have been determined to be at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, and children with special needs.

Click here for more information