Preschool (Appx. 2 years 9months – 5 years)
 
The Preschool program offers children expanding opportunities for play experiences with paint, clay, water, sand, blocks, puzzles, and other manipulatives as well as music, movement, cooking, books, dress-up and dramatic play and caring for plants and animals.  More emphasis is placed on this age group’s increased capacity to enjoy beginning friendships, to start learning how to resolve conflicts by using words with each other, and to respect and enjoy the multicultural differences and unique qualities that exist among people.  A key aspect of the program at all levels and in Preschool in particular is to help children develop positive self-esteem.  A focus in the curriculum is offering children choices among a range of activities, including those that are based on each child’s interests and experiences. 
 
Once the teachers feel a child is ready, the child will be introduced to different aspects of language:  writing, reading, speaking, and listening, as well as increasingly complex mathematical games and experiences.