FAQs & Creative Movers Family Handbook

We believe that curiosity and creativity are cornerstones for developing critical thinking, interpersonal relationships and a lifelong love of learning. Through age appropriate exploration of the arts–visual art, music, dramatic play and dance–we aim to cultivate these skills with the purpose of fostering well-rounded and engaged students. Our mornings include a balance of structured activities for the development of attentiveness, following directions, patience and executive functioning, as well as more flexible activities for the development of creativity, self-expression, respectful social interaction and emotional regulation.

The Creative Movers Morning Program curriculum is designed with kindergarten readiness as the ultimate goal. With regular attendance and appropriate participation, children will have achieved the developmental and academic milestones needed for kindergarten success at age five following the program. Recognizing that every child is different, we prioritize clear communication with guardians throughout the year, and will assist in identifying when additional support or early intervention is needed to aid in their personal development.

A small class size and two teachers allows for differentiation of goals and activities based on each child’s readiness, not just their age. Staggered ages within the same classroom also allows our younger students to watch and learn from their older peers, and gives older students the opportunity to build confidence stepping into leadership roles. We aim to meet each child where they are and use the arts as a catalyst for fostering their own personal growth and development.

Yes! Personal goals for growth & development are always changing and will naturally be different for a child’s second year with the program. We will also be alternating plans for major projects and in-studio programs each year, so in addition to changes in their developmental and academic expectations, a child will be creating new materials & learning new choreography their second year in the program.

Parents are invited to join us for class parties, special events, field trips and volunteer opportunities! All of these dates and events will be communicated in advance following registration.

A primary focus of the Creative Movers Morning Program is to help children grow socially and emotionally. We encourage children to make sure their actions and words are:

1. Kind
2. Respectful
3. Safe

While working through developing these skills, our first response is always to remind the students of these expectations, and if necessary, clearly communicate why a behavior is not meeting these and offer an alternative behavior for the future. It will always be our goal to address behavioral issues from the perspective of learning/teaching during our time together, and encourage self-regulation by offering positive outlets for emotional expression. If we identify behaviors becoming habitual or persistent, we will partner with guardians in instituting a collaborative solution to address the ongoing issue.

Early childhood programs are most beneficial when attendance is on-time and consistent. Our weekly plans build on each other, so we encourage consistent attendance for each child’s success. If a child is going to be absent due to illness, travel or another conflict, please record that absence in advance through the parent portal. If a child does not arrive on time and we have not received notice that the absence (or late arrival) was planned, we will call within 10 minutes of the start of the day to confirm that the child is safe.

No. Participation in any performance opportunity with DCC requires a separate registration, additional fees, weekend rehearsals and a family commitment to volunteer shifts related to that production. As students within the Creative Movers Morning Program, they are eligible to participate as a DCC dancer and invited to register for these performance opportunities, but they are not required. When participating in DCC productions, dancers will be expected to attend performance rehearsals following the studio dress code: Pink leotard and tights, with hair in a bun for girls. White shirt and black tights or shorts for boys (Detailed dress code information as well as performance opportunities registration can be found on our website or the parent portal.)

Smaller in-studio programs for family & friends will be presented by Creative Movers prior to the Winter & Summer breaks, with no additional fees or rehearsal times.

Children of all backgrounds and traditions are welcome to enroll in our Creative Movers Morning Program. While learning about the major secular and religious holidays on the calendar is an age appropriate part of our early childhood program, we are not affiliated with a particular faith.