---

---

Welcome to our Preschool smARTs program. 
“We know that Art, understood as spontaneous creative play, is what young children naturally do: singing, dancing, drawing, and role-playing. We also know that the arts engage all of the senses and involve a variety of modalities including the kinesthetic, auditory and visual. When caregivers engage and encourage children in arts activities on a regular basis from early in life, they are laying the foundation for and even helping wire children’s brains for successful learning.” - Americans for the Arts, 2002 
​
Philosophy and Goals 
Children will develop lifelong learning skills through in Reading, Writing, Math and Science through ART, Music, Creative Movement, and of course FUN! Our program is arts based and hands on, designed for the individual child since every child learns at his or her own pace. The MC Studio staff will nurture these skills, gifts, talents and abilities in each child and provide a positive atmosphere to encourage their growth and development. “smARTs” is an innovative program developed by Carlene Holtz (owner), enriching children’s learning experiences through creative visual connections and active participation rather than theory. 
The smARTs program was established to provide quality, loving care for children. Children that age out of our program have become helpers, volunteers and employees. Our experienced staff embraces our philosophy and recognizes the importance of balanced growth. Through a large variety of creative experiences children are encouraged to learn and explore at their own pace in areas that pique their interest. We are so pleased that you have chosen to include us in the mental, physical and emotional growth and development of your child. 

We look forward to working with you!
Carlene Holtz & Crew

What to expect from MC Studio...

---

Carlene Holtz (Miss Car)
​“I have been teaching children since 1999 through Art, gymnastics and homeschooling. I believe that all children are gifts. They shine a light on all those around them. They have talents and abilities that sometimes far exceed our own understanding. I love teaching because of the joy that I see in children’s eyes when they learn something new. I feel honored as a teacher to be able to share those kind of moments with them.

​    My teaching philosophy is that every child is an individual who learns at their own pace. It is my responsibility as a teacher to nurture those skills, gifts, talents and abilities in each child and to provide a positive atmosphere to encourage their growth and development.”
    Carlene has an education background in art and child development psychology specializing in cognitive behaviors. She is a Chagrin native and South Russell resident, and has been studying and practicing art her whole life. She knew she wanted to be an artist since she was a little girl. She has owned and operated her studio since 1999. She homeschooled her oldest daughter through 8th grade. She has 5 beautiful children and a wonderful, supportive husband. She gives God the credit for her gifts and she wants to share them with you and your family. 

---

Daily Schedule:

We offer a 2-day (T/TH), 3-day (M/W/F), 4-day (Tue-Fri), and 5-day (Mon-Fri) group schedule for A.M. Preschool. Ages 3-5.
A.M. Schedule
8:45am arrival/easel painting
9:15 - 10:00 circle time*/Get the wiggles out!
10:00 - 10:15 break/snack time
10:15 - 10:45 group 1 smARTs
10:45 - 11:15 group 2 smARTs
11:15 - 11:35 free choice/table activities/busy box*
11:35 - 11:45 review and dismissal

Afternoon schedule will depend on enrollment.
P.M. Schedule
12:30 arrival/easel painting
1:00 - 1:45 circle time/ Get the wiggles out!
1:45 - 2:00 break/snack time
2:00 - 2:30 group 1 smARTs
2:30 - 3:00 group 2 smARTs
3:00 - 3:20 free choice/table activities/busy box*
3:20 - 3:30 review and dismissal

*Circle time includes letter introduction, calendar, weather, pledge of allegiance, reading, music/singing, white board practice, etc.
*Get the wiggles out includes yoga, big body, gross motor skills and fun!
*smARTs activities include an integrated curriculum with arts as a foundational hands on element in learning. 
*Busy boxes are for fine motor, individual learning.

Pre schooling during Covid-19

*Masks are optional for our kiddos.

• Teacher to child ratio is one teacher, and assistant teacher per twelve preschool children.
• Staggered drop offs between 8:30 and 8:45 for the AM group, and 12:15 to 12:30 for the PM group. 

• Temperatures will be taken upon arrival. Wash hands before entering and departing. Teachers will perform a daily symptom assessment. Any signs of illness will result in child immediately returning home.
• Children must bring a water bottle with name and a snack. Water bottles will be returned daily for proper disinfecting. 
• All personal belongings stay at home. No backpacks, blankets, stuffies or toys allowed. Please supply a labeled, gallon sized baggie with seasonally appropriate change of clothes. 

                     Thank you for your vigilance ahead of time. 

Our staff can't wait to meet you!