The 4/5s program consists of one class with a maximum of 20 children meeting from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Parents can choose between a 4- or 5-day option. Two parents assist (co-op) on days that more than 14 children attend to maintain an adult-to-child ratio of no less than 1:7.
In the Busy Bee classroom, the children work on developing cognitive, social, and self-help skills through their play. This typically happens as they explore water or rice in the sensory table, work with play dough, build with blocks, magnatiles and other manipulatives, climb on the play equipment, ride bikes and cars, play and listen to music, and create and experience art.
A typical day in the Bees classroom includes:
9:00–10:00 Outside play/gross motor/bikes
10:00–10:30 Snack
10:30–11:00 Circle
11:00–12:00 Free play/specials
Wendy Owens
4/5s Co-Teacher
Wendy Owens joined the Valley Drive community as a parent in 2012 and her two children are both Valley Drive alumni. In addition to being active within the school while her kids were students, Wendy served on the Board of Directors leading fundraising activities and serving as Board President for the 2015-2016 academic year. Wendy joined our teaching team in 2016 – working in the classroom and helping with science and exploration activities. She loves nurturing our kid’s curiosity and exploration of the environment around them. Her passion for encouraging children to use their individual strengths to grow fits perfectly with our exploration program. Wendy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has an undergraduate degree in psychology from University of Virginia as well as a Masters degree in social work from New York University. Prior to her time at Valley Drive, Wendy was a school social worker with children ages 3-15 in special education settings. When not at work she loves a nice bike ride, a fun run and spending time with her family.
Erica Walter
4/5s Co-Teacher
Erica has been a part of Valley Drive since 2016 when her daughter became a Green Frog. After being a co-op parent for 2 years in the 3’s and 4’s classes, she jumped at the opportunity to join the staff and become a Busy Bee teacher. Before having children, Erica was a teacher in Virginia and Texas with a focus in math.