Serving Families of the North Shore

“My child is learning to do things independently.”
— Francheska
Infant Programs
Our teachers give infants the opportunity to grow and mature in a nurturing environment. We cater to the needs of each individual infant and their family, so we build a relationship of trust and understanding with each child.
Infants are given the opportunity to explore through developmentally appropriate activities allowing them to become independent critical thinkers. Our teachers have a strong, open and trusting relationship with parents to help support infant development. Goals and objectives are posted monthly.
“I felt so good about working full time and leaving my baby in such caring arms!”
— Ana
Each individual child’s schedule is posted. The schedule is what you want it to be for your child. Throughout the day infants experience:
- The time and opportunity to explore the classroom
- Communication through reading
- Singing during transitions and play time
- Sensory and art activities offered daily
- Outdoor play
- Free crawling while socializing with peers
- Cuddling time with teachers
We understand that it can be frustrating for infants not to be able to communicate their wants and needs. At Run-A-Muck we introduce sign language to infants to give them the opportunity to express themselves prior to talking. Sign language helps infants to establish a foundation for language skills.
Take a look inside our classroom:
- Breast milk is welcome in our infant classrooms. Moms are also welcome to visit during the day to breast feed.
- Formula bottles do not need to be prepared prior to the school day.
- A daily sheet is sent home that includes information about your infant’s day (such as sleep times, diaper changes, meals and disposition).
- Each child has their own bin to store personal items.
- Infants are always learning and growing. In order to document their development, progress reports are completed every 3 months. Teachers use your child’s progress report to adjust activities which will strengthen specific areas of development.
“I was a new parent and the teachers put me at ease.”
— Mary
Toddler Programs
Our toddler classrooms are energetic and exciting! Toddlers learn skills quickly and enjoy experiencing new things. We set the stage so that toddlers can feel trust and safety in enriching, productive surroundings. We allow children to make their own choices, helping them feel more in control of their environment. Our curriculum reflects toddlers’ varying abilities, interests and learning levels.

Schedule/Curriculum
- Each of our Toddler classrooms post their curriculum weekly. Within the curriculum we have an activity planned that coordinates with our theme for the week.
- We follow a classroom schedule that gives the children stability while allowing flexibility during the day.
- We have small group activities daily which help strengthen areas of toddler development: fine motor skills, reading readiness, math readiness and gross motor skills.
- Toddlers go outside twice each day. On days that the weather does not permit outdoor play, children will participate in indoor gross motor activities.
- Toddlers work on self-help skills: putting on their coats, cleaning up after themselves, drinking from a cup, making their mats, potty training, and washing their hands.
Take a look inside our classroom:
- Bi-yearly evaluation to document your child’s development.
- Yearly goals and expectations are coordinated and passed out to each family.
- Toddlers have their own cubbies for personal items.
- Daily sheets are sent home that include information about diapering, eating and disposition.
- Toys, photos, books and activities are at the child’s level for easy access.
- Families are always welcome to visit, read a story and/or help with a special activity.
“We love Run-A-Muck!”
— Todd
Preschool Programs
Our open concept classrooms allow children to create, interact, learn, develop, and grow at their own rate. Our preschool curriculum is derived from our program philosophy in conjunction with the Massachusetts Department of Education guidelines.

Curriculum
Reading and Language Arts
- Recognizing and identifying letters
- An appreciation for books, poems, songs, and expressive and receptive language
- Beginning French, Spanish, and Sign Language skills
Mathematics
- Counting, number identification, shape, color, and size recognition
- Measuring
- Sequencing
Science
- Exploring
- Learning about our environment through our senses
- Cause and Effect
Social Studies and History
- Discuss and identify the order of daily routines
- Use vocabulary related to time in relevant activities
- Community
- Geography
Physical development
- Gross motor skills – Exercise and creative movement
- Coordination and balance
- Rhythm
Fine motor skills
- Art
- Dexterity focused activities
Social Skills
- Cooperative play, manners and kind words
- Self help skills
- Being part of a group while appreciating similarities and differences
- Sharing and taking turns
Take a look inside our classroom:
- ‘Circle time’ is held each morning to welcome children and discuss the day’s activities and theme
- During area/center time children are given activities based on the theme. During free play the children are able to make their own choices.
- Children are given ‘jobs’ to establish responsibilities within the classroom: line leader, napkin passer, clipboard holder, story helper etc
- Children rest on a mat that is cleaned and designated for that child
- Children have their own cubbies for personal items
- Preschoolers play outside twice daily
- Bi-yearly evaluation to document your child’s development
- Teachers send home weekly journals to recap the week’s activities. There is a notice posted informing parents about the day. This helps parents talk to their child about the school day.
“The fire engine was awesome to climb into…”
— Parker, Age 3
Kindergarten Prep
Our open concept classrooms allow children to create, interact, learn, develop, and grow at their own rate. Our kindergarten prep curriculum is derived from our program philosophy in conjunction with the Massachusetts Department of Education Guidelines.

Curriculum
Reading and Language Arts
- Recognizing and identifying letters
- An appreciation for books, poems, songs, and expressive and receptive language
- Beginning French, Spanish, and Sign Language skills
Mathematics
- Counting, number identification, shape, color, and size recognition
- Measuring
- Sequencing
Science
- Exploring
- Learning about our environment through our senses
- Cause and Effect
Social Studies and History
- Discuss and identify the order of daily routines
- Use vocabulary related to time in relevant activities
Physical Development
- Gross motor skills – exercise and creative movement
- Coordination and balance
Fine Motor Skills
- Art
- Dexterity focused activities
Social skills
- Cooperative play, manners and kind words
- Self help skills
- Being part of a group while appreciating similarities and differences
Take a look inside our classroom:
- ‘Circle time’ is held each morning to welcome children and discuss the day’s activities and theme
- During area/center time children are given activities based on the theme.
- During free play the children are able to make their own choices.
- Children are given ‘jobs’ to establish responsibilities within the classroom: line leader, napkin passer, clipboard holder, story helper, etc.
- Children rest on a mat that is cleaned and designated for that child
- Children have their own cubbies for personal items
- Kindergarten prep classes play outside twice daily
- Bi-yearly evaluations document your child’s development
Teachers send home weekly journals to communicate with parents. There is a notice posted informing parents about the day. This helps parents initiate conversation to talk to their child about the school day.
Graduation ceremony is held at the end of the school year to celebrate children’s accomplishments at Run-A-Muck.
The children can stay and attend “summer camp” after graduation has taken place.
“ I love my school and teachers!”
— Chloe, Age 4