arly Childhood ProgramThe Language Enrichment Arts Program®, the LEAP School, is a non-denominational private program founded in 1985 in Lexington, Massachusetts by Robin Shapiro, MA. It is uniquely designed to support the diverse needs of toddler, preschool, and kindergarten youngsters and their families. The LEAP environment is both dynamic and nurturing. Youngsters are inspired to develop their creative and intellectual abilities while having fun! The varied curriculum offers children a range of experiences that build positive self-esteem and stimulate excitement in learning. The small class size and low child/teacher ratio enables each child to be seen as a special individual.
A Balanced Approach to Nurturing Self-Esteem 
Balanced Approach to Nurturing Self-EsteemEarly experiences in preschool lay the foundation for future learning. A developmental approach supports the needs of young children when provided in an environment that is stable, stimulating, safe, and nurturing. Building self-esteem in young children is achieved by:
Continuous commitment to communication enables children, parents, and teachers to form strong and caring relationships.
amily-Centered Philosophy
LEAP's family-centered philosophy seeks out, values, and supports parent communication and input. Consistent, effective and thoughtful communication is the core of the LEAP concept. The teaching team welcomes feedback through: parent conferences, email communication, teacher and program evaluations, home visits, daily conversations, and an open door policy.
Administrative staff is always available to listen and respond to a parent's concern as well as provide ongoing information regarding his/her child or the program. Teachers take great care to ease children through the morning separation/transition of leaving mom, dad, or another caretaker. The school supports parent education through seminars and a variety of resources. Special events and holiday parties bring families together and strengthen the LEAP community. The LEAP team understands the challenges of parenting and functions as a support to both parents and children.
mall Group Design
LEAP maintains small class sizes throughout the program. The staffing pattern is designed to provide a high teacher/child ratio. Individualized attention allows each child the flexibility to develop at his/her own pace. Consistency in the classroom promotes the formation of positive relationships and provides youngsters and families with stability. A predictable environment fosters self-confidence in children.
he LEAP Environment
The physical environment at each LEAP School supports the child's natural tendency to play. In each classroom, different areas are clearly defined for a broad range of activities. The teachers rotate equipment in and out of their classrooms to generate new interest and excitement. The LEAP administration maintains a sizable budget for new equipment and supplies. Teachers plan their curriculum needs in advance to insure classrooms are well-stocked and organized for each day of exploration and fun!
he Creative Curriculum is Child's Play
A typical day offers children a combination of individual and group choices. Teachers strive to maintain a balance of structured and child-directed activities. For young children, learning takes place through hands-on exploration and play. The LEAP curriculum offers a variety of sensory-based activities and projects which support the emotional, social, physical, and cognitive needs of children. The literature-based curriculum fosters literacy development and a love of books. Specific goals are set for each area of development within each developmental grouping. Movement, music, visual arts, drama, play, literature, science, cooking, and nature are all a part of a child's week. Readiness skills in pre-math, language arts, and pre-reading areas are all introduced through playful games and daily activities such as "circle time." Curriculum boards in each classroom outline daily activities and weekly themes or units. Teachers build upon each child's strengths and inspire youngsters to attempt new challenges.
eam Teaching: Dedicated to Excellence in Education
The LEAP staff is dedicated to nurturing self-esteem in young children. They are sensitive to the individual needs of families. Team teaching, ongoing in-service training seminars, and weekly supervision meetings support and challenge teachers in their development as professionals. The LEAP School offers its staff an excellent training and benefits package. Teachers are encouraged to further their growth through continuing education. They are appreciated, valued, and stimulated at LEAP. They provide children and families with extraordinary care, education, and enrichment.
pecialists Facilitate Learning and Discovery
The LEAP School integrates a wide range of specialists and programs into the classroom. In addition to the core staff, experienced teachers in the fields of science, music, movement, storytelling, dramatic arts, visual arts, gymnastics, dance, nature, and the environment join the LEAP team on a regular basis. These individuals offer a fresh new perspective to the children and teaching staff. The Massachusetts Audubon Society introduces children to different animals, their habitats, and environmental issues. Police, firefighters, doctors, mail carriers, and other community helpers lead discussions and activities on their professions. Ongoing specialist participation in the classroom enriches the entire learning experience.
alendarThe LEAP School is open year round. The Fall/Spring session is a ten-month program running September through June. The Summer Fun Session is in operation during the months of July and August (7 weeks).
dmissions
Enrollment is handled on a first-come, first-served basis with sibling preference. In-house registration is held each year in early November for the upcoming Summer Fun and Fall/Spring sessions. Once in-house parents have made their scheduling selections, new applicants are offered available openings. Open Houses are held regularly for prospective parents. Call the main admissions office at 781-861-1026 for more details of dates and times. The director(s) are available to answer questions. The LEAP staff encourages parents to visit the program while it is in session. The LEAP School maintains an ongoing waiting list for all its programs. Parents may call anytime throughout the year to place their child(ren) on the waiting list.
The LEAP School does not discriminate based upon race, religion or creed, cultural heritage, political beliefs, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, and/or disability.
For more information, visit the admissions page or the contact LEAP page.