3 years-5 years
Preschool Program
While trust is the foundation of babyhood and independence and autonomy define toddler hood, the preschool years are characterized by interdependence and mastery. After establishing a separate identity preschoolers proceed to gain control over their environment and struggle to learn new tasks and feel capable. They become more aware of their abilities such as speaking, reasoning, dressing, feeding and using the toilet. With teacher guidance children will learn how to play cooperatively in a group setting. Through the use of centers children will begin to learn independence, problem solving, how to take turns, share, make friends and play cooperatively. Our curriculum is designed to encourage our children’s Cognitive, Physical, Social and Emotional development, all in a creative fundamental way. Cognitive Skills
In the writing and reading centers, recognition of shapes, letters, numbers and counting as well as basic math is learned. Our writing center helps our children to become enthusiastic and self-improving writers and readers. Physical Development
This area is broken down into two categories; large or gross motor skills and small or fine motor skills. Outdoor play, music and movement, blocks and exercise are all developed to promote gross motor movement. The use of table toys, manipulative toys, games puzzles, beading and art are all designed to focus on fine motor skills as well as reinforcing cognitive development. Social and Emotional Development Promoting social and emotional skills are crucial in a preschooler’s development. Our dramatic play, circle time and block areas all promote interaction between the children. Problem solving skills are also refined and developed with teacher participation. Our goal is to set a foundation for an easy transition to kindergarten; we thrive to make sure the children will have all the basic skills to achieve success..
Preschool Schedule
7:30-8:35 – Arrival/free play/one teacher directed activity
8:35-8:45 – Clean up/snack prep/toileting
8:45-9:00 – am snack
9:00-9:45 – Circle time:
A time for teachers and children to sit together for activities that involve everyone. It provides time for listening…developing attention span….promoting oral communication; learning new concepts and skills. Activities include: Calendar; weather; fingerplays; literacy; math skills.
Circle time is a complex, dynamic interaction between adults and children. This is also where teachers introduce the theme of the week.
9:45-10:45 – Centers
Children rotate in small groups to different areas in the classroom that are set up to promote independence and cooperation. Teachers also participate in Center activities acting as a guide and mentor.
Centers might include, but are not limited to:
Dramatic Play; Sensory play; block building; art; manipulatives; literacy; technology
Twice a month children participate in a Sign Language class taught by a certified Sign Language educator
Once month children participate in a YOGA program taught by a certified Yoga instructor
Twice a month children participate in a unique art activity with our "artist in residence" Sara Milano.
10:45-11:00 – Clean up/ toileting/outside play prep
11:00-11:45 - outdoor play time weather permitting. When weather prohibits outdoor play teachers create large motor activities for the children to participate in.
11:45-12:00 – Transition to lunch prep/toileting
12:00-12:30 – Lunch
12:30-12:45 – Transition to nap time – toileting/storytime or movie
12:45-2:45 – Nap time
2:45-3:15 – Nap wake up/toileting/snack
3:15-3:45 – Short circle time. Activities include literacy and music and movement
3:45-4:00- Prep for outdoor play – When weather prohibits outdoor play children will participate in Center play and free art
4:00-5:00 – Outdoor play – when weather prohibits outdoor play, children will rotate between centers and free art.
5:00-5:30 – Dismissal prep/dismissal
