Our Preschool Program
The children in this age group range from 3 to 4 years old and will be adjusting to new settings and learning environments. Your child will be encouraged to develop at his/her own rate of development. Various activities will be utilized to maximize your child’s interest in learning, interacting with their peers and other adults as well as their intellectual, physical, emotional, and social growth.
What to expect:
Developing Fine Motor Coordination – The curriculum at the school is designed to encourage your child to first build the STRENGTH in the muscles used for the fine motor skills. This is done using various manipulative materials. As your child becomes more confident using the fine muscles, the teachers will introduce materials that will encourage your child to use their muscles for more complicated skills. Naturally this area of development will extend and relate to other skills.
Refining Gross Motor Skills – Large motor development in the three year old stage is both a function of the chronological age of your child and the exposure your child has had- as well as natural ability. The teachers will expose your child to various materials and equipment to assist in developing the interest and ability in gross motor skills as well as the strength in the large muscles. The equipment on the playground has been installed with the development of these skills in mind as well as your child’s safety.
Socialization – During this time in preschool, children will move away from the typical parallel play of the two year old, to the community oriented play of an older child. Sharing is much easier at school and of course is encouraged. Your child will be exposed to larger social concepts such as cooperation and team work.
Language Development – Communication is very important at this stage of development and the teachers will use many different materials and activities to encourage your child to speak with their peers and teachers. “Show and Tell” is a very important time of the week. All of the children are encouraged to share objects or experiences which promotes listening and language skills.
Listening Skills – Through story time, flannel board activities, circle and music time your child’s attention span is lengthened. Here as in other areas the major emphasis is on having the children want to listen and participate. This means that the teachers will plan exciting activities and use age appropriate materials. This also means that the children will be divided into different age groups during the year which will emphasize their individual abilities.