Letter from the Director

Welcome to the First Program "neighborhood" of the Dalton web site! First Program is designed, in setting and in program, to be a diverse community of children and adults learning and playing together. Our homelike atmosphere on 91st Street supports children as they make the transition from their early childhood years to the academic and social expectations of the elementary grades.

In our three adjoining townhouses, children are grouped in rooms called Houses, with varied grade-level Houses on each floor, fostering a neighborhood feel. Math, language arts, and social studies form the learning core in each House, under the direction of a House Advisor (head teacher) and Associate Teacher. In addition, students regularly work with specialist teachers in the science lab, music rooms, art studio, physical education, library, technology lab, archaeology dig, etc. Service learning projects occur within each House. Our two playground roof areas support frequent opportunities for outdoor play. All elements of First Program reflect an active commitment to the development of ethical values and principles and address issues of diversity in culturally responsive ways. Throughout each day, teachers' training and developmental understanding of their students support the social and emotional needs of the children.

The progressive model of education is evident in all classroom and studio settings as well as through instructional practices. Teachers implement hands-on, experiential activities to enable students to acquire essential skills, engage in creative thinking, broaden knowledge, and deepen understanding. Dalton's First Program values each child's developmental characteristics, cognitive strengths, cultural heritage, and individual needs. Our teachers employ the key elements of the Dalton Plan (House, Assignment, and Lab) in ways that recognize the varied requirements of young learners.

Janet Shaw
First Program Director