Preschool Program (ages 2-4)​

​

Our pre-school program is designed to encourage curiosity and cultivate a love for learning, and ultimately to prepare children for kindergarten and beyond. While mealtimes and naptime are scheduled at the same times each day, the rest of our schedule is pretty flexible, although we do follow a routine. After breakfast we either have free play inside or outside. We have lunch around 11:30 and nap around 12. We introduce the habit of hand washing, and stimulate an interest in toilet learning (subject to parent approval). I offer various sensory/exploration activities throughout the day, and create my own secular preschool curriculum that is heavily literature, nature and art based, and incorporates math and science organically into play-based activities. I do a lot of cooking and baking with the kids, and sensory hands-on learning. Children are encouraged to identify their emotions and to use their developing language skills to express their needs and wants, and engage with their peers. We facilitate group cooperation and demonstrate effective communication skills. I read frequently to the children and I ask them questions about the reading, and I use books as inspiration to explore further. For example, if we are reading a book where the main character makes a stew, we might go outside and make stew using natural ingredients, like dirt, rock, acorns, pinecones, leaves, seeds, flowers. When developing curriculum. I seek inspiration from textbooks, broad and subject focused curricula, the changing seasons, holidays, and from the children in my care. I always let the kids guide me in whatever direction they show the most interest. My mission is to strengthen critical thinking skills, problem-solving, group cooperation, and to develop children that feel confident and excited to enter a school environment.