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PreSchool (Pre-escolar)
PreSchool (Pre-escolar)
We provide a wonderfully enriched Pre-K program for the children who do not need naps and will be going to Kindergarten in the fall. They get small group time in the afternoons while the younger children are napping. In special circumstances, we also provide tutoring for Kindergarten aged children to complete their Kindergarten curriculum. We have sent many children into first grade, fully equipped to be successful!
During school breaks and summer, school age children help to create their own curriculum by helping to choose games, activities and art projects. They have a silent reading time, are read to, and have school review time each day, along with their play.
Curriculum areas
In all areas of our program, children are given developmentally appropriate experiences that include the following:
STEAM learning is supported in all areas (the new buzz word for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math.
Play: Play is a child's teacher. We set up our environment to include toys, games, puzzles, dramatic play equipment and large and small muscle experiences to allow any child to have fun while learning. Through observation and assessment, our trained teachers set out just the right types of toys and gear to guide the learning process of each child as we work towards their academic and social goals.
Literacy: Children are offered a lot of communication, with each other and adults. They are exposed to the Spanish language as well as English, in a variety of settings. We love to explore languages, rhythm, rhymes, books and writing. Children are encouraged to create their own books, signs, cards, mail, etc. ABC's and their sounds are found all over the classroom and children are found sounding out words or calling out, "How do I spell ...? We have a daily quiet reading time and the children are read to very often. Books and a comfortable reading area are always available to the children. When a child shows reading readiness and interest, they are introduced to the 5 Minute Phonics system of learning to read. It is very common for children in this program to be reading before Kindergarten.
Math: We integrate math into all areas of learning. Meals become a time for comparing (more or less), geometrical shapes, math fractions, etc. Patterns are found all over the school and the children are encouraged to find or make their own. The daily calendar helps all children learn counting, number names and order, as well as many of the games and puzzles that are available to them. We have many games that are math related. Numbers are just a part of every day fun!
We are introducing more STEAM materials into the environment.
Science: We encourage exploration and experimentation. Magnifying glasses, weight scales, magnets, and microscopes are all common instruments in the classroom. Outdoors we locate and learn the names of bugs, birds, trees, flowers, clouds, etc. The sensory table will often have materials necessary to experiment and "find out" what will happen when . . . Science is a part of the daily curriculum here. We have a special love for Natural Sciences!
School Age
School Age
School Age children have free time in the morning and afternoon after school. Whenever possible, they play outdoors after school. School age children are called on to model behavior and to help the younger ones when needed.
We have a five day Reggio-Emilia inspired preschool program that runs each morning from 9am -noon. In the fall of 2015, we opened our new Preschool room in our attached garage. This space is the Third Teacher, as the Reggio Emilia philosophy teaches. The children have learning centers in Literacy, Math, Science, Dramatic play, Art, Games and Puzzles, Movement and Music, Sensory and Outdoor time. The Spanish language is brought into many of our routines and units. Our curriculum is an Emergent Curriculum from https://earlylearningsuccess.net/about-us/ . Tthe children steer the teachers into areas of their interest and teachers help to develop the units in such a way as to allow the children to learn as much as they can about the topic area chosen. We use the Reggio Emilia philosophy in our program, extending projects as the children show interest and lead.
Art: Art is a creative process. We allow ample time and ample materials for children to experiment and create. Some basic materials are left available for "anytime" exploration in mediums like pencils, crayons, markers, scissors, glue, stickers, stencils, a variety of paper, etc. Other art materials are made available during the school hours for children to experiment and create with, like playdough, paints, stamps, collage materials, and specialty art supplies. Art "projects" are limited to seasonal or theme related activities.
Dramatic Play: We have costumes and props available at all times for children to make believe. They are encouraged to act out books or movies, create their own plays, do puppet shows, and just have fun being whatever and whoever they choose! It is amazing how much children learn through dramatic play.
Sensory area: We always have different materials in the sensory table for our little scientists to use. They get comfortable with "yucky" feeling goo, learn to funnel and sift, use tweezers and eye droppers, pour and fill, etc.
Music and Movement: We play a variety of music in our daycare. Much of it is Spanish or classical, along with traditional children's songs. Rhythm instruments and dancing ribbons are available for "im-promtu" musical concerts.
Outdoor experiences: We go outdoors daily, weather permitting. Children are encouraged to play sports, run, climb, swing, dig in the digging hole or the sandboxes and have lots of water play in the warm months. We have organized group games as well as spontaneous, made up games happening outdoors all the time!
Food experiences: We believe strongly in good nutrition. Children are offered a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, grains and proteins. We offer whole foods, presented in child friendly ways to encourage them to eat a balanced diet rich in nutrients. Children help to prepare many of the snacks to make them more appealing to them. We try to avoid most processed foods, preferring to create home-cooked meals that the children enjoy! The children help us plant and maintain our 'pick and eat' gardens each spring/summer.
The children helped us produce our very own cookbook with their favorite recipes! If you are new to the program, please be sure to ask for a cookbook!
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