At the root of the Treehouse vision is the importance of honoring children - and meeting each child where they are at.
We focus on preparing your child for a lifelong love of learning by embracing their natural curiosity. Each classroom focuses on selecting learning topics throughout the school year that stem from the interests of the children - also known as Emergent Curriculum. As educators prepare weekly Lesson Plans they develop lessons that combine the children's interests with the Massachusetts Learning Standards & Massachusetts Curriculum Framework for Preschool.
We place a heavy emphasis on the value of play based learning - both indoors and out! Children naturally learn through play by engaging in and making sense of the world around them. This guided play is self-chosen, enjoyable, and process-oriented. These experiences are child-directed and teacher-facilitated in which teachers take an active role as intentional planners, observers, and guides.
Your child will follow a structured daily routine. We hold a daily meeting time and scheduled morning snack, afternoon snack, lunch, and nap times.
With our mixed age range in each classroom of 2.9 - 5 each child's developmental needs are considered, We balance classrooms with groupings of children in each age and deevlopmental range. Ideally children remain with many of the same children & teachers throughout their preschool years. This supports chidren developing strong friendships and connections that are a key component of our focus on the importance of social emotional learning (SEL). As your child ages up through the preschool years, by the time they are ready for kindergarten, they will have blossomed into "helpers" to our younger pre-schoolers. It is always rewarding to witness this transformation and see the sense of pride and confidence emerge.
Throughout each day we provide opportunities for your child develop:
early reading and writing skills
listening and communication skills
early math skills
social emotional learning (SEL)
fine and gross motor skills
problem solving skills
scientific curiosity
artistic creativity
We encourage you to talk with your child about their day - we use Brightwheel (app) to communicate daily with families, provide information and photos of your child's day, and to help inspire those conversations and build a strong home-school connection.
Our pre-school program is for children ages 2.9 through 5:
Required Group Ratios: maximum of 10 children: 1 teacher.
We currently have four preschool classrooms:
Marvelous Maples: A full day, full year* preschool class (7:30am-4:30pm) is licensed for 15 children and at full enrollment would have a minimum of 2 teachers.
Mighty Oaks: A full day, full year*preschool class (7:30-4:30) is licensed for 15 children and at full enrollment would have a minimum of 2 teachers
Powerful Pines @ 316: A full day, full year*preschool class (7:30-4:30) is licensed for 10 children and at full enrollment would have a minimum of 1 teacher.
Early Elms: Our school-year only* morning preschool program (9:05-11:55 or 9:05-12:40) is licensed for 20 children and at full enrollment would have a minimum of 2 teachers
*Summer Care: Children enrolled in our full day, full year program can choose to keep their summer schedule - or modify it for the summer months. During the summer families our unique summer programming allows families to pick and choose dates of care (in advance) - and they only pay tuition for days they have selected. Children enrolled in our morning preschool program are not guaranteed summer care due to this classroom space being utilized by our School Age Summer Program in the summer months - however all enrolled families are usually able to have their summer programming needs met with our unique flexible summer programming.
Common FAQ's:
Does my child needed to be potty trained to enroll?
No, children do not have to be potty trained to enroll. We believe in meeting children where they are at in all stages of their development. When you and your child are ready to begin potty training - we will support you!
Does my child have to attend five days a week?
Your child does not have to attend five days a week and your family can choose which days of the week to attend based on current enrollment and availability.
Are your teachers certified?
At least one teacher in all classrooms is certified by the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) in the age group they are teaching. We strongly support staff development for our Treehouse Team and encourage all of our educators to strive for advanced certifications. You will find that most of our educators are pursuing certification or degrees- if they do not already have them.
Marvelous Maples classroom: windows overlook the Outdoor Classroom
Science Discovery Area in Marvelous Maples classroom
Mighty Oaks Classroom: Dramatic Play area
Step-Up Day 2023
Early Elms classroom: Reading Area