THE ORNS ENVIRONMENT

Classrooms: furnished with child-sized tables, chairs, shelves, restrooms, sinks, stair railings, coat hooks and gym equipment to encourage self-sufficiency

Indoor gym: allows for large motor exploration during free time as well as adult-led music and movement classes. The gym also provides a space for all-school events, which contributes to the sense of community at ORNS. 

Playground: is private and fenced-in.  There is a multitude of equipment for exploring, climbing and playing.  Shredded rubber tires, grass, and sand cover the ground and create a fun, safe place for children to play.

THE ORNS COMMUNITY

Teachers: ORNS has one teacher and a small group of children per class. This structure provides children with a sense of security, ownership and community.

Resource teachers: are ready to step into a classroom when a teacher needs additional assistance with a project or is absent.

Executive Director: is on-site, involved, and accessible to children, parents and staff. At ORNS, we are proud to say that, throughout the school, nearly all of our children know all of our staff and vice versa.

Seminars and family-oriented activities: In the past, Ken Lonnquist performed a family music concert; a “Love and Logic” presentation was provided for parents; and evening Samba fitness classes were held in the school’s gym. Each spring, an informational meeting with Kindergarten teachers is offered, ensuring children an easy transition into elementary school. We also celebrate the end of every school year with an all-school, family picnic.

Parent involvement: within the classroom, preparing materials at home, decorating a bulletin board…the possibilities are endless. Even outside of preschool, our families plan group activities together in order to socialize and strengthen their children’s (and their own) growing friendships.

Giving back to the Madison community:  Because ORNS benefits so much from the help and donations of others, it believes in giving back to the Madison community.  Our children and families are actively involved in community outreach.  Inside our preschool, we support qualifying families through tuition assistance and paid parent helper positions.  We believe in working together to make our preschool and community the best possible for children.

HEALTH AND SAFETY AT ORNS

There are several policies in place at ORNS to ensure the preschool’s environment is as healthy and safe as possible.

• All outside doors are security locked; entrance codes are changed each semester.
• Students are taught only adults may open doors and gates at ORNS.
• Classrooms are disinfected twice a day with child-safe, non-toxic cleaning products. 
• Children wash their hands when they arrive at school and at other key points during the day to reduce the spread of germs.
• We provide well balanced, healthy snacks.
• We have a strict peanut-free and tree nut-free policy and are willing to accommodate other food allergy needs when necessary.
• All staff and parent volunteers have undergone appropriate background checks.
• All staff are trained in CPR, first aid and universal precautions.
• Daily updates are received regarding air quality level from the Asthma Alert System.