Quality Care and Education
An Emphasis on Early Literacy
Infants/Toddlers (3 TO 24 months)
Toddlers (24 TO 33 months)
Preschool (3 and 4 year olds)
Preschool (5 year olds)
Extended Day Program (5 years and older)
Criterion Child Enrichment

QUALITY CARE AND EDUCATION
Rise and Shine Academy (RSA) provides quality child care services to families of children between 3 months and 7 years of age. The centers are open Monday through Friday between the hours of 6:30 AM and 6:00 PM.

Each classroom offers a developmentally appropriate program designed to promote skill development and social competency in a safe, nurturing environment. Classroom teachers are certified by the Massachusetts Office of Child Care Services and have experience caring for and educating young children.

Parents are encouraged to become active participants in their child’s program through daily communication, parent-teacher conferences, participation in family activities and an open invitation to visit the classroom at any time.

A FOCUS ON EARLY LITERACY
Reading is the most important educational skill a child will learn. RSA programs are designed to promote the early communication and literacy skills that a child needs to become an independent reader. Beginning with the language rich environment of the infant and toddler rooms; phonemic (sounds in words) awareness established in the preschool classes; to learning the relationship between sounds and letters and the ability to sound out words in the pre-kindergarten class, children engage in activities that encourage verbal communication, active listening, decoding abilities and an appreciation of literature.

INFANTS/TODDERS (3 TO 24 MONTHS)
Infant/toddler care at RSA is provided in a nurturing, stimulating environment that allows the child to grow and develop to his or her fullest potential. The room offers the opportunity for exploration and discovery through music, movement and age appropriate toys and books. The daily schedule is individualized to meet each child’s needs, with time for active play, group activities, rest and frequent cuddling. Quiet time for meals and naps is always part of the consistent and stable routine that will make each day a very special one filled with new learning experiences and lots of loving care.

TODDLERS (24 TO 33 MONTHS)
Toddlers learn best through a combination of active play and structured activities. They can develop their language, motor and cognitive skills in an environment that encourages social interaction and the development of a positive self-concept. Opportunities to enrich vocabulary, strengthen listening skills and enhance communication are offered throughout the day. Each day in the toddler room is filled with warmth, caring and a whole lot of fun.

PRESCHOOL (3 AND 4 YEAR OLDS)
The preschool programs offer developmentally appropriate classrooms that encourage the child to grow and learn at his or her own pace. A wide variety of materials and activities provide an opportunity for exploration and acquisition of age appropriate concepts and skills. A special emphasis is placed on vocabulary enrichment, letter and sound recognition and exposure to a wide variety of children’s literature. Children engage in activities to develop mathematical skills such as counting, forming patterns and problem solving. Classroom themes serve to develop a more comprehensive view of the world and an awareness and respect for cultural diversity. The preschool classroom helps the young child to develop a positive self-concept and a love of learning.

PRESCHOOL (5 YEAR OLDS)
This program is specifically designed for those children who do meet the age requirement for the public school kindergarten program. Emphasis is placed on acquisition of pre-reading, reading, writing and math skills. Development of listening and problem solving skills are an integral part of every activity. The small class size allows children to work together on projects, thus promoting group learning and social development. The preschool classroom for 5 year olds prepares each child for his or her kindergarten experience.

EXTENDED DAY PROGRAM (5 YEARS AND OLDER)
Special projects emphasizing creativity and artistic expression are planned with the children. Time for active indoor and outdoor play is part of the daily routine, as is a quiet time for each child to complete homework or independent activities.

Rise and Shine Academy operates under the auspices of the Criterion Child Enrichment, (formerly CDHS, The Center for the Development of Human Services) a non-profit organization that has provided early childhood programs since 1985. Registration is open to all children between the ages of 3 months to 7 years. Selection for enrollment or employment at RSA is made regardless of race, creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental handicap or religion. RSA participates in several income-eligible subsidy programs. For more information, please contact the Child Care Director.

For enrollment details contact the location nearest you –

Rise and Shine Academy
375 Fortune Boulevard
Milford, MA 01757
(508) 478-5288

Rise and Shine Academy
25 Willow Street
West Roxbury, MA 02132
(617) 469-3080

Criterion Child Enrichment programs do not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to, access to, or operation of its programs, services, or activities.

Criterion does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices. The ADA Coordinator for Criterion is Jo-Ann Otlin.