Little Lambs Toddler Center Expands Program

The Little Lambs Toddler Center at Bishop Janes United Methodist Church in downtown Basking Ridge this week launched a new program for children ages 2 1/2 to 3 years old, said Kim Dial, the center's director. The church also is planning to start next July a summer camp for children ages 3 to 7.

Registration still is being accepted at the toddler center, although classes began on Monday, Sept. 13, she said. The new program offers a specific curriculum aimed at older children in the center's classes, which focus on individual attention to the children, Dial said.

"Parents appreciate having the extra age group available," Dial said on Friday. She said the teachers for the new classes, Tricia Keller and Gill Ewin are "loving and experienced." As with other classes at the preschool, there will be a ratio of four children to each teacher in a nurturing environment stressing educational excellence and social development.

The center's state-licensed program is for children 18 months through 3 years old.  It provides a daily program of crafts, large and small motor play, snack and circle time under the direction of experienced teachers. Toddlers need not be toilet trained.

Classes meet Monday through Friday morning from 9 to 11:30 a.m. The school is able to tailor schedules for students for anywhere from one to three-day weeks or whatever combination suits the needs of parents, Dial said.

A few openings remain for the school year, she said. For information, contact Kim Dial at 908-766-1108, ext. 5, or at kimdial@yahoo.com.

A two-week, half-day summer camp for ages 3 to 7 due to open at Bishop Janes in July 2011, Dial said.

The camp theme will be Safari Adventure! and will feature games, music, art and foods from the African Continent, she said. Students will be divided into age groups.

Registration for the camp will be held in early 2011. For a tour of the facilities or information regarding any program, contact Dial. Bishop Janes United Methodist Church is at 22 S. Finley Ave., with the entrance from South Maple Avenue.