BSS was one of the first music programs in the country to embrace the Suzuki Early Childhood Education Curriculum designed by Dorothy Jones. Weekly parent/child classes are offered where parents learn to help their children (birth to 3 years of age) develop an awareness of rhythms, melodies and movements. The SAA registered ECE Teacher helps parents to build a repertoire of lullabies, action songs and nursery rhymes which serve to enrich the learning environment at home.

THE SUZUKI EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAM

Dr. Suzuki believed that a great window of opportunity in a child’s life is opened between birth and the age of three. It is in these first years that visual, spatial motion and literacy development begins. He also believed that children need nurturing human interaction in order to develop both physically and emotionally, and that parents are the most important influence in encouraging the child’s potential. The Suzuki Early Childhood Education (ECE) Program emphasizes the natural development of the infant from birth. It stimulates a rich, learning partnership between parents and teachers.

The BSS Infant/Toddler Program is based on the ECE syllabus created by Suzuki pedagogue, Dorothy Jones. Parents and children participate in weekly music classes using specially selected music to help the infant develop rhythmic and melodic awareness, as well as memory and social skills. Parents build a repertoire of lullabies, action songs and nursery rhymes which they are able to repeat daily with their children at home. For more information about the Suzuki ECE Program, visit their website at www.suzukiece.com.

WHAT MAKES THE SUZUKI APPROACH DIFFERENT

The unique approach of a Suzuki ECE Program is its goal of creating a benevolent environment that is free from pressure; an environment in which a child can readily gain skills, a sense of purpose in life, an understanding of discipline and an appreciation of beauty. Some differences between a Suzuki ECE Program and other infant music programs are:
(1) Suzuki Trained ECE Teachers are educated in the role that parents play in creating a rich musical environment for the infant and before a baby is born.
(2) Suzuki Trained ECE Teachers believe that the spirit of the child is formed as a result of his/her early environment.
(3) Suzuki ECE Classes recognize the importance of parent education to help parents create a natural and enriched learning environment in the home.
(4) Suzuki ECE Classes devote much time to developing a strong, nurturing partnership between parent and teacher.
(5) All Suzuki Teachers are trained to foster ability development; they do not follow the calendar-driven “teach and move on” approach used by many traditional teachers.

BSS INFANT/TODDLER INSTRUCTOR ~ SARAH MITCHELL

Sarah Mitchell is a Registered Suzuki Association of Americas Early Childhood Education Teacher who trained under Dorothy Jones. Sarah holds a Master of Music in Suzuki Pedagogy from University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee, and has a Bachelor of Music in Music Education magna cum laude from Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky. Sarah received her Suzuki Teacher Training with Kimberly Meier-Sims,
Lorraine Fink, Carrie Reuning-Hummel, Carol Smith, Mark Bjork, Hiroko Driver, and Joseph Kaminsky.

BSS INFANT / TODDLER PROGRAM
2007-2008 SCHOOL-YEAR CALENDAR

FALL SEMESTER ~ Sept. 7 to Jan. 12
WINTER RECESS ~ Dec. 16 to Jan. 7
WINTER SEMESTER ~ Jan. 15 to May 12
PRESIDENTS’ DAY RECESS ~ Feb. 17 to 25
SPRING RECESS ~ April 7 to 15

BSS INFANT / TODDLER PROGRAM
GENERAL POLICIES & INFORMATION

Registration
Parents may enroll their child in a BSS Infant/Toddler Class by submitting a completed application form accompanied by a onetime non-refundable registration fee. Parents will then be contacted for individual scheduling for Class Observation and Teacher Consultation. The Infant/Toddler Program has a rolling enrollment; applicants on our waiting list are placed according to the date of paid registration.
Tuition Payment
Tuition is due in full at the beginning of each semester. Parents may use an installment plan of payment with prior approval. Parents are responsible for bank charges incurred due to returned checks.
Absences
Classes missed by a student are not made up. Cancellation due to instructor absence will be made up by the teacher who will schedule a mutually convenient make-up class.
Refund Policy
There are no tuition refunds after the fourth week of class. Withdrawals prior to that date are eligible for a pro-rated tuition refund.