Programs
Curriculum
Dunbar employs a research-based bilingual curriculum, FrogStreet as approved the Florida Office of Early Learning and the Early Learning Coalition of Indian River, Martin and Okeechobee Counties.
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All of Dunbar’s teaching staff have been trained in the use of our curriculum by experts in their field.
Bundles of Joy, Tiny Tots and Busy Bees:
Infants, 1 year-olds, and 2 year-olds
Our infants and toddlers receive safe and developmentally enriching care under the close supervision of qualified adults. Teaching teams are comprised of certified, degreed or credentialed teachers and practitioners. Our curriculum blends learning with play, helping children build confidence in their individual strengths and abilities. Most of our classrooms are bilingual.
At Dunbar, we encourage the role of parents as their children’s first and most important teachers. In addition to educational services, our program provides children and their families with health, mental health, nutrition, social, and other benefits. Our Family Services Department coordinates and communicates with parents on a regular basis, promoting a sense of belonging, community, parental involvement, and a dedicated support network.
Monthly parent meetings feature a variety of community resource specialists to help parents connect with services and learn new parenting skills. After educational sessions, parents and children have the opportunity to socialize and enjoy a family meal at the Center.
Tender Times & Tiny Cubs: Ages 3-4
Three-year olds in our Tender Times classroom transition from a home-oriented environment to a group setting, where they experience hands-on learning in and out of the classroom. Life in Tender Times offers many opportunities to learn and grow. Our curriculum is designed to increase awareness of unique strengths and the development of independence and confidence. Children are taught to express their thoughts and feelings with respect for each other and for their elders. Field trips, weekly dance in winter and swimming in summer, and trips to local nature centers and museums provide these children with a well-rounded program of learning, play and physical activity.
The Tender Times program runs from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm each day. Parents are welcome to join the families of our younger groups for an evening of education and a home-cooked meal at monthly parent meetings. The Early Learning Coalition of Indian River, Martin and Okeechobee Counties can assist qualifying families with tuition for this program.
Butterflies: Ages 4-5
As our four-year-old children begin their final year at Dunbar, the emphasis turns to learning and preparing for a successful independent school experience. Our Butterflies program incorporates Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK), a state-run voluntary learning program designed to prepare four-year olds for kindergarten and build the foundation for their educational success. The Butterflies classroom is a VPK environment from 8:30 am to 11:30 am every day between August and May. VPK programs teach children the skills to become good readers and successful students in manageable class sizes with instructors that are CDA qualified and pursuing bachelor’s degrees.
Structured activities and projects supplement the VPK program and reinforce learning skills to ensure school readiness. Children enjoy field trips to local museums and nature centers as well as swimming and dance with the three-year-old class. Play periods allow time to relax and socialize. The Early Learning Coalition of Indian River, Martin and Okeechobee Counties can assist qualifying families with tuition for the VPK program.
Special Needs
Children with special needs are welcome at Dunbar. When a special needs child is brought to Dunbar, our Family Services Department meets jointly with the child’s parents, teachers, doctors and/or therapists and representatives from Easter Seals Part “C” to create programs uniquely designed to help these children grow and develop. Those who need additional individual therapy receive it as needed from visiting professionals. We meet with parents regularly to discuss the progress each child is making and to adjust individual programs as needed.
Nutrition
Dunbar offers USDA Child Care Food Program. The nutritionist also charts heights and weights to detect any anomalies in the BMI (Body Mass Index) of our children.