Preschool Prep Program
3 to 4 years

In the CCA Preschool Prep Program, little ones are guided through making day-to-day decisions about learning and self-care. This gives even young children a sense of ownership over their learning experience. They can absorb information and knowledge through authentic play and cross-disciplinary lesson plans. This style of education creates lifelong learners, as opposed to traditional methods of early education which merely involve worksheets and memorization.

Project-based learning follows the children’s lead on their learning adventure. Our teachers nurture the children’s educational direction by following their interests and ideas. The teachers are active and engaged listeners, and create a custom lesson plan based on these interests. This follows the children down a path of investigation. Investigations incorporate a multifaceted learning style.

An example of an investigation might revolve around the children’s interest in trees and plants. This can be translated into science learning by investigating how trees grow and using microscopes to learn about different features. Math can be explored by counting leaves and seeds that each type of plant produces. Literacy is introduced through reading and books about botany. Art can be incorporated by using tree branches and flowers to craft 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.

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. 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.

Young children’s social skills thrive in our Preschool Prep Program through project-based learning. They come to understand that peers aren’t just other kids, but friends for collaboration and cooperation. They can 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. Mealtime, an important element of the Preschool Prep Program, is family style to allow the kids to eat together at a table with their teacher and practice independence. Each week the kids take turns as designated “helpers” to take lead the meal prep and setting up. This self-care includes more serving, cleaning off dishes, and placing items in the garbage. Learning self-care grows the children’s confidence.

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. 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.

At Compton Children’s Academy, we have a deep understanding that children develop individually. Potty training is not a requirement for any of our classrooms. If a three or four-year-old is not yet potty trained, we will continue to provide guidance and support to help them. We never force children into using the potty, but gently encourage its use as a natural progression of independence.

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 three and four-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 also have a secure video service for our families, Watch Me Grow. The Watch Me Grow cameras allow authorized families the ability to access an 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.