A Gentle Beginning: Inside the Little School Program at Big and Tiny 10th Street

At Big and Tiny 10th Street, we believe that early education should nurture the whole child—socially, emotionally, and cognitively. Our Little School Program is designed for children aged 18 months to 2.5 years, offering a warm and thoughtfully structured introduction to learning through play, connection, and routine.

Little School is a place where young children take their first steps into a community of discovery, guided by caring educators and surrounded by opportunities to grow.

What Does a Day in Little School Look Like?

Our daily rhythm is built around predictability, engagement, and joy. Here's a look into what a typical day might include:

Morning Arrival and Free Play

Children are welcomed at 9:00 AM into a carefully prepared environment. The classroom is set with inviting areas for exploration—open-ended art materials, building blocks, books, and a fully-stocked dramatic play area that encourages imagination from the start.

To support a smooth transition from home to school, teachers read stories shortly after arrival, creating a calm and familiar atmosphere as parents say goodbye.

“We read stories to ease the transition when parents leave. It helps children feel safe and welcome.” – Teacher Oshena

Art and Creative Exploration

Every day includes a guided art activity, giving children the chance to express themselves while developing fine motor skills and confidence in their creativity.

“There’s so much more we do here than at home. We get messy, we have fun, we explore a variety of materials, we create art.” – Teacher Jimena

Snack, Stories, and Songs

After some active play and hands-on work, children gather to enjoy a nutritious snack. This is followed by story time and music, which support both language development and listening skills.

“Language comes in quickly as children hear their friends and teachers talking, explaining what we’re doing.” – Teacher Oshena

Sensory Play and Outdoor Time

We place a strong emphasis on sensory experiences. Water play, bubbles, textures, and music all provide meaningful opportunities for toddlers to explore the world through their senses.

Outdoors, children have space to move, observe, and play together. We end our outdoor time with a visit to the “goodbye tree,” a familiar part of our routine that signals the transition to the next part of the day.

Lunch and Rest (Full-Day Program)

Children enrolled in our full-day program enjoy a shared lunch and a quiet rest period. This part of the day helps reinforce healthy habits and provides a much-needed pause after a full morning of learning and activity.

Why Start Early?

The first three years of life are a period of remarkable brain development. During this time, children form foundational connections that shape their cognitive, emotional, and social growth. Little School provides a setting that supports this critical period by offering:

●      Socialization with peers and early practice in cooperation, turn-taking, and empathy

●     Rich language exposure in both English and Spanish through daily routines

●      Developmentally appropriate challenges that foster independence and resilience

●      A caring, consistent environment where children feel safe to explore and learn

“They need social interaction very early. Children are like sponges—they absorb everything.” – Jimena, Teacher

Flexible Options for Families

We understand that every family has different needs. Little School offers both half-day and full-day options, with flexible scheduling available two, three, or five days per week.

Our goal is to make early childhood education accessible and supportive for families, while creating an enriching experience for every child.

A Foundation for Lifelong Learning

Little School is more than a program—it’s a place where curiosity is nurtured, relationships are built, and each child’s unique growth is celebrated. It lays the groundwork for preschool and beyond, setting young learners up for a confident and joyful educational journey.

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To learn more or schedule a tour, we invite you to connect with us. We look forward to welcoming you and your child to our Big and Tiny community.

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