Preschool Program

Children between the ages of 24 months and 4 years spend their days in one of four Preschool classrooms tailored to their developmental needs. As our toddlers make the transition to preschool, they expand their skills and development areas with new focus on developing their language skills, learning to negotiate social relationships, becoming more comfortable and competent with their physical independence and enjoying the love of learning that is prevalent in all our classrooms. In addition, our curriculum encourages literacy and math activities through play-based learning.

Children are assisted in using words to express feelings and resolve conflicts. Physical independence is developed through the use of furniture and equipment sized for young children, including sinks and toilets. Children are encouraged to do all they can for themselves. The resulting sense of competence, independence, and control helps to solidify and strengthen the positive self esteem so essential to all learning.

Children between 24 months and 4 years old are working hard on communication and beginning to negotiate friendships more independently than before. They need choices for their play that are interesting and challenging. The curriculum in the Junior Preschool includes circle times for stories, singing, and discussion. The children are provided pre-math and pre-literacy activities as well as lots of role-playing opportunities where they can use their imagination. They have time for free play so they can construct their own activities either as independent activities or with play mates. Teachers help the children to communicate their needs and desires, and assist the children as they negotiate sharing and playing together. Independence is encouraged in daily living tasks by giving children the time and space to learn how to use the toilet, put on their own shoes, and feed themselves. Affection, respect, and sensitivity are important as well as responsiveness to each individual personality and temperament.

Preschool Teachers

Our Preschool Teachers are an exceptionally talented and well-educated. The Preschool classrooms are lead by Head Teachers who are fully trained in Early Childhood Education and have commensurate classroom experience. The Head Teacher leads a 3 or 4-person teaching team, all of whom have college training in Early Childhood Education. Our teachers understand that preschoolers are working very hard at developing their sense of self and need lots of support in their efforts from teachers who know each individual well and can help each child navigate their third and fourth year of life with all the challenges that brings. Teachers are there with the children to encourage constructive interaction, talk with the children about their activities, and comfort them when the world becomes difficult or overwhelming. Language and interaction are a special focus at this age. Lots of choices for fun, educational play are offered. All children are treated with love and respect as they move through their day.

The Preschool is led by Kim Donaldson, Assistant Director of CPSC. Kim has been a member of our teaching staff for over 12 years. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Child Development, endless energy, and a wonderful sense of fun. As our coordinator, she makes sure all the Junior and Senior Preschool classrooms have the support they need to provide the children with fun and stimulation. Kim and her team provide the children with affectionate, respectful guidance in making good choices, playing with friends, and interacting with teachers. They track each individual child's cognitive, social, and emotional progress carefully to make sure each child is getting what he/she needs to develop optimally. Parents are kept well informed of their children's activities and progress through daily conversations and regular written reports on their development.

Preschool Environment

The environment for our Preschoolers includes developmentally appropriate toys and activities that support exploration and learning. The classrooms and playground are set up to provide plenty of choices and opportunities for interactive play. The teachers set up several activity options then allow the children to decide of their own accord which they want to become involved in. When interest in one activity wanes, the children move on to another. There are opportunities for small and large motor exploration and learning both inside the classroom and outside in the play yards. The classroom equipment is sized to fit our Preschoolers and to make the routines of daily living easy and comfortable.

Preschool Schedule

7:15 - 9:00 Greeting, Drop-Off Transitions, Free Play
9:00 - 9:15 Transition, Clean-Up
9:15- 9:35 Snack
9:35 - 9:55 Diapering, Toileting, and Circle Time
9:55 - 10:00 Transition
10:00 - 11:00 Planned Activities, Indoors and Outdoors
11:00 - 11:30 Lunch
11:30 - 12:00 Transition, Toileting, Diaper Changes, Clean-Up
12:00 - 2:15 Nap Time
2:15 - 2:45 Afternoon Snack, Toileting, and Diaper Changes
2:45 - 4:30 Activities and Outside Play, Sensory Activities
4:45 - 6:15 Toileting, Diaper Changes, Late Snack, Free Play