BSS Infant Toddler Program
BSS was one of the first music programs in the country to embrace the Suzuki Early Childhood Education Curriculum designed by Dorothy Jones. Weekly parent/child classes are offered where parents learn to help their children (birth to 3 years of age) develop an awareness of rhythms, melodies and movements. The SAA registered ECE Teacher helps parents to build a repertoire of lullabies, action songs and nursery rhymes which serve to enrich the learning environment at home.
THE SUZUKI EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAM
Dr. Suzuki believed that a great window of opportunity in a child’s life is opened between birth and the age of three. It is in these first years that visual, spatial awareness and literacy development begins. He also believed that children need nurturing human interaction in order to develop both physically and emotionally, and that parents are the most important influence in encouraging the child’s potential. The Suzuki Early Childhood Education (ECE) Program emphasizes the natural development of the infant from birth. It stimulates a rich, learning partnership between parents and teachers.
The BSS Infant/Toddler Program is based on the ECE syllabus created by Suzuki pedagogue, Dorothy Jones. Parents and children participate in weekly music classes using specially selected music to help the infant develop rhythmic and melodic awareness, as well as memory and social skills. Parents build a repertoire of lullabies, action songs and nursery rhymes which they are able to repeat daily with their children at home. For more information about the Suzuki ECE Program, visit their website at www.suzukiece.com.
WHAT MAKES THE SUZUKI APPROACH DIFFERENT
The unique approach of a Suzuki ECE Program is its goal of creating a benevolent environment that is free from pressure; an environment in which a child can readily gain skills, a sense of purpose in life, an understanding of discipline and an appreciation of beauty. Some differences between a Suzuki ECE Program and other infant music programs are:
(1) Suzuki Trained ECE Teachers are educated in the role that parents play in creating a rich musical environment for the infant and before a baby is born.
(2) Suzuki Trained ECE Teachers believe that the spirit of the child is formed as a result of his/her early environment.
(3) Suzuki ECE Classes recognize the importance of parent education to help parents create a natural and enriched learning environment in the home.
(4) Suzuki ECE Classes devote much time to developing a strong, nurturing partnership between parent and teacher.
(5) All Suzuki Teachers are trained to foster ability development; they do not follow the calendar-driven teach and move on approach used by many traditional teachers.
BSS INFANT / TODDLER INSTRUCTOR ~ SARAH MITCHELL
Sarah Mitchell is a Registered Suzuki Association of Americas Early Childhood Education Teacher who trained under Dorothy Jones. Sarah holds a Master of Music in Suzuki Pedagogy from University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee, and has a Bachelor of Music in Music Education magna cum laude from Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky. Sarah received her Suzuki Teacher Training with Kimberly Meier-Sims,
Lorraine Fink, Carrie Reuning-Hummel, Carol Smith, Mark Bjork, Hiroko Driver, and Joseph Kaminsky, and Mary Cay Neal.
BSS INFANT / TODDLER PROGRAM CALENDAR 2012-2013
Tuesday Spring Session 2013
10:00am to 11:00 am
January 22, 29, 2013
February 5, 12, 26, 2013
March 5, 12, 19, 26, 2013
April 9, 16, 23, 30, 2013
May 7, 14, 21, 2013
Saturday Spring Session 2013
9:00-10:00 am
10:30am to 11:30 am
January 26, 2013
February 9, 2013
March 9, 23, 2013
April 13, 27, 2013
May 4, 2013 Special times: 9:00-9:35, 9:45-10:20
GENERAL POLICIES & INFORMATION
Information – For information and arrangements to visit an Infant/Toddler class, call our Business Office at 743-8728.
Registration – Parents may enroll their child in a BSS Infant/Toddler Class by submitting a completed application form. You may register for Infant/Toddler Classes any time during the year.
Tuition Payment – Tuition is due in full at the beginning of each session. Parents are responsible for bank charges incurred due to returned checks.
Absences – Classes missed by a student are not made up. Cancellation due to instructor absence will be rescheduled by the instructor.