preschool & Pre-K
Our holistic preschool childcare program encompasses a comprehensive approach to early childhood education that values the development of the whole child—cognitive, social, emotional, and physical aspects. In addition, we incorporate yoga, hands-on gardening, and extended outdoor nature time for an all-around wholesome experience.
In our Preschool & Pre-K Classrooms we focus our educational time on Kindergarten readiness. We work directly with the Great Valley School District and work alongside their educational milestones. Our goal is to prepare and advance each child in our program for Kindergarten to ensure they start ahead!
Reggio-inspired practices and mindfulness are both approaches that prioritize the holistic development of individuals, with an emphasis on creativity, empathy, and self-awareness. Combining these two approaches creates a unique blend that promotes a rich and meaningful learning experience. Here’s how this approach manifests in our program:
- Child-Centered Learning: The curriculum is based on the interests, questions, and
- curiosities of the children. Teachers observe and listen to children to understand their interests and then design learning experiences that build upon those interests.
- Project-Based Approach: Children engage in long-term projects that emerge from their own inquiries and explorations. These projects are collaborative in nature, encouraging children to work together, problem-solve, and communicate their ideas effectively.
- Environment as the Third Teacher: Classrooms and outdoor spaces are carefully designed to be aesthetically pleasing, inviting, and filled with natural materials. The environment is intentionally set up to provoke curiosity, exploration, and creativity among children.
- Documentation of Learning: Teachers document children’s learning experiences through photographs, videos, transcripts of conversations, and displays of their artwork and creations. This documentation serves multiple purposes: it helps teachers assess children’s progress, reflects on their own teaching practices, and communicates children’s learning to parents.
- Inclusive and Respectful Relationships: Our program values relationships among children, teachers, and families. Teachers foster a sense of belonging and respect among children, encourage collaboration and empathy, and involve families as partners in their children’s learning journey.
- Artistic Expression: The arts are integrated into everyday activities, allowing children to explore various forms of artistic expression such as painting, drawing, sculpting, music, dance, and dramatic play. Art is seen as a powerful tool for communication and self-expression.
- Emergent Curriculum: Rather than following a strict curriculum, learning experiences emerge based on the interests and questions that arise from children’s explorations. Teachers adapt and scaffold learning opportunities to support children’s current developmental stages and interests.
- Promotion of Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Children are encouraged to ask questions, hypothesize, experiment, and explore their surroundings. Teachers facilitate opportunities for critical thinking and problem-solving through open-ended activities and provocations.
- Physical and Emotional Well-being: Our program supports children’s physical development through active play, outdoor exploration, and healthy habits. Emotional well-being is nurtured through supportive relationships, opportunities for self-regulation, and validation of children’s feelings and experiences.
Our preschool program provides a nurturing and stimulating environment where children can grow, learn, and thrive across all dimensions of development. It emphasizes curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and respect for each child’s unique capabilities and potential.
Communication
We use the Procare software, an integrative childcare system. The parent engagement app allows parents to notify us when they are within the geofence so that we can be ready to escort their children for pick-up and drop-off when the parent arrives. We also have an open-door policy and parents are welcome to come in for drop-off and pick-up or any other time throughout the day.
Our educators communicate with families on a daily basis, discussing their children’s current interests, learning and development. The parent engagement app is also used to send messages, updates on Meals and Diapering/Potty, and, to share photos of children’s play and exploration throughout the day. So, even though parents may not be physically close to their children during the day, they can still feel connected and be aware of what they have been up to!