Pre-Kindergarten
4 to 5 years

We focus on the children’s educational experience, guided by their interests, through investigation, problem-solving, and cooperation. This produces an incredibly organic learning atmosphere where education becomes meaningful, establishing a solid foundation for a lifetime of learning.

This project-based approach is enabled by our experienced teachers, who nurture the children’s journey.
Throughout the investigation, the teacher uses the children’s natural and genuine curiosity to guide them through different disciplines while remaining true to their interests. Our educators are skilled listeners who are able to expertly adapt learning styles to a specific group of children. Each little learning community is as unique as the individual children, who thrive when given chance to really explore the world through their own natural drive.

At the end of the investigation, we hold an event called an Investigation Recap with the families. This event is put together by the children, where they demonstrate all they’ve learned to their parents and caregivers. This display and ownership of their new-found knowledge gives the children a unique confidence and pride about their educational experience. During the Investigation Recap, parents will learn how the investigation has been used to nurture cross-disciplinary learning. For example, an investigation might revolve around the children’s interest in trees and plants:

Science

This can be translated into science learning by investigating how trees grow and using microscopes to learn about different features. The children can weigh different elements and compare observations.

Math

Math can be explored by counting leaves and seeds that each type of plant produces, while seamlessly introducing more complex concepts of basic arithmetic; adding and subtracting, more and less.

Technology

Computers are introduced in this classroom and used meaningfully to learn early research skills.

Language and Reading

Literacy can be introduced through reading about plants and starting to recognize sight words. The children can interact with a photo of a flower and be asked questions like “What color is the flower?”. We can add statements to introduce linguistic concepts “Emma said the flower is yellow.” to encourage new ways to form language. Our teachers use the well-established method of provocations to provoke thoughts, discussions, questions, interests, creativity, and ideas. This invites young children to explore through open-ended questions and provides a means for self-expression.

Creative Arts

Art can be incorporated by using tree branches and flowers to craft expressive artwork. Grass and pine cones can be used as paint brushes. Music can be explored by creating drums and instruments out of hollowed logs. The kids can use the different parts of the trees and plants in dramatic play by taking bark, acorns, and other plant parts to pretend to cook and make their own recipes.

Young children’s social skills thrive in our Pre-kindergarten Program through project-based learning. They come to understand that peers aren’t just other kids, but friends for collaboration and cooperation. The children work together to reach a common goal. They assist each other through crafts and activities, and help each other problem solve, with the guidance of our attentive and nurturing teachers.

Independence grows in this program as well. Family-style mealtime allows the kids to eat together at a table with their teacher and practice independence. Learning self-care grows the children’s confidence. Each week the kids take turns being designated “helpers” to take the lead for meal prep and setting up. This self-care includes more serving, cleaning off dishes, and placing items in the garbage.

Creativity and art are wonderfully supported in this classroom. In addition to art materials and medium, the children also take part themed art projects, such as introductions to classical artists like Van Gough, Monet, Picasso, Leonardo De Vinci, and Andy Warhol. They learn through books, looking at the artist’s artwork, and deconstructing the art methodology. At the end of their study into the artist, the children have developed an entire mural which features their art inspired by the art genre they’ve studied.

During the warmer months, we introduce more outdoor elements to fuel the children’s experiences with nature. We encourage the children to interact with essential natural objects like leaves, trees, plants, and acorns. Every walk is an opportunity for the children to learn about the natural world. Our teachers will ask them thought-provoking questions, such as, “What’s different about what you see today?” We model using the senses to safely explore, “I’m seeing flowers today,” “I’m hearing birds singing,” “I’m smelling pine needles.” The children use observation skills to study the weather, animals, plants, rocks, and more.

We take pride in the difference our Pre-kindergarten makes in young children lives. We encourage key elements of your child’s development, preparing them for school and a lifelong love of learning and exploration.

We want your child to feel like our program is an extension of your family. We encourage open communication with our families to ensure that your child’s experiences with us academically and emotionally are guided by their caregivers.

We use Tadpoles to keep our families involved in the day-to-day activities of their children. Tadpoles is secure software that we use to write daily highlights to you about your child’s experiences. This is exceptionally helpful for our four and five-year-olds because it allows our families to gain insights and continue the education outside of the classroom. At the beginning of every week you will receive important educational elements, such as songs and words for the week. We are always happy to hear and provide families with feedback and insights. Additionally, we hold two formal parent-teacher conferences throughout the school year.

We also have a secure video service for our families, Watch Me Grow. The Watch Me Grow cameras allow authorized families the ability to access our open-door-policy online. You can check in on your little one from your mobile device or desktop to view real-time HD streaming video of their classroom. This provides our families with an unprecedented peace of mind.