| Family Child Care Home: | Russian Language Immersion Family Daycare and Preschool "Pelican" |
|---|---|
| Contact Person: | Natalia Letavina, Mikhail Letavin |
| Website: | pelicandaycare.com |
| Phone Number: | (608) 515-4469 |
| Address: | 2626 Homestead Road, Madison, WI 53711 |
| Attendance Area/School District: | West Madison, Fitchburg, Verona |
| Hours of Operation: | 8:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Months of Operation: | Year-round |
| License and Capacity: | State licensed for 8 children |
| Lead Caregiver Credentials: | 6 years of experience as a child care provider; 5 years of running Family Daycare "Pelican"; Level 14 of Wisconsin Registry |
| Professional Affiliations: | Member of Verona Family Child Care Association (VFCCA) |
| Programs and Services: | Licensed Family Child Care Center and Preschool "Pelican" invites children from 1 year to 5 years of age to join the early development environment with the curriculum based on the Russian preschool system.
We give children the gift of bilingualism – a full Russian immersion experience in the language and culture of Eastern Europe. Pelican is a great option for English-speaking families or for children who have at least one Russian-speaking parent to retain their Russian skills beyond the toddler years. Children learn language best by experiencing it naturally, by being immersed in it. Our Russian immersion program is led by two Russian-speaking providers. The daily language in our family daycare and preschool is Russian. Should children choose to express themselves in English, we do not limit them! Some of the things covered daily are Russian language (immersion style), writing, basics of reading, mathematics, social studies, art, speech development, introduction to literature, and preparation for school. The goal of total immersion is to encourage children to get used to using their second language casually and within spontaneous conversation. We encourage you to research the many benefits of total language immersion at an early age! Music lessons are held once a week. Students are introduced to composers and their works and choir, learn how to play various musical instruments, and prepare for holiday celebrations. As holiday seasons change, children put on theatrical productions for their parents and guests. Our children go for walks 2 times per day. We even have a vegetable garden! We provide daily balanced meals: breakfast, hot homemade lunch, two healthy snacks, and fresh fruits and vegetables. |
| Statement of Philosophy: | Pelican provides a developmentally based program in an environment designed for young children. We work to develop caring, respectful, and responsive relationships with children by partnering with families to support a child’s growth and development. Respect for each child’s individualized pattern and timing of growth are central to the fabric of daily interactions and the direction the curriculum follows. |