Much like a child, Island Children’s School has changed
and grown over the years. We are one of the oldest preschools on
Martha’s Vineyard, begun in 1969 as a free school in the town of Gay
Head. Eight children were enrolled that year. There was no tuition and
no salary was paid to the teachers. Although the school has been
refined quite a bit from those early years, threads of the original
philosophy, particularly an emphasis on creative arts, are still a part
of our curriculum.
Today
we have an enrollment of up to 35 children in 2 classrooms with 6
teachers, a director and an office administrator. We have an efficient,
dedicated Board of Directors coupled with a sound budget and careful
fiscal oversight.
In 1993 Island Children’s School realized a long standing
dream. Under the guidance of long time director, Elaine Allen, and
thanks to the efforts of many people, the program moved to our own
building located at 5 Halcyon Way next to the West Tisbury School. and
in ‘05-’06 we completed a renovation/expansion. ICS welcomes your
tax-deductible donations which can be sent to:
Island Children’s School, Inc.
Box 2512
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568
Our Curriculum
Teachers plan the curriculum based on careful
observations of their groups and their general knowledge of child growth
and development. Every effort is made to plan for the whole child, with
activities designed for large and fine motor development, and cognitive
growth. Academic skills are introduced in a play-based, creative
growth. Teachers pay careful attention to individual needs and adapt
curriculum accordingly.
Particular attention is paid to the development of social
skills, the ability to get along with others in a group, be a
contributing member of a community, and include a wide range of
individuals. Social skills are practiced throughout the day in large
and small groups, at snack and meal times, between children, modeled by
teachers and supported by parents. These skills are important for early
success in school and throughout life. ICS teachers believe that our
well balanced preschool program provides young children with the skills
they need most.
