Nursery

The nursery curriculum provides children with the opportunity to become acquainted with the educational routine and social structure of a classroom as well as to explore a variety of relevant themes. The overall curriculum is emergent; encouraging children to investigate topics of interest in a group setting. Children are encouraged to become independent in self-help skills and in developing their ideas. Artistic creative exploration represents another opportunity for children to explore different ways to express their thoughts, ideas, and feelings. Throughout the year, the children will be exposed to such mediums as paint, collage, clay, wood. The ultimate goal is process over product so that a child can explore the characteristics and uses of different types of materials.

In addition to the emerging social curriculum; language and awareness of print and literacy become a focus in the Nursery year. The children begin to work in small group activities, while also having ample time for free choice time. As the children become more comfortable with sharing ideas and cooperative planning, the implementation of project work will begin. Activities are structured to expand the palate of knowledge and skills of each child using the basis of his/her strengths as a starting point.

Pre-Kindergarten

Our goal for children in the Pre-K program is to encourage them to think expansively while simultaneously exposing them to the skills and information they will need to be successful in their kindergarten year.  Time is spent as a group developing ideas with regard to the curriculum topics.  Based on the children’s observations and discussions, the teachers and children invest themselves in projects or units that provide enriching opportunities to closely and thoroughly examine aspects of the children’s environment curiosities, and knowledge base.  Integrated into the unit are complimentary skills in math, science, physical development, and language arts.  We believe computers should enhance curriculum rather than dictate it and as a result, the Pre-K children with the assistance of a teacher, utilize the computer in the exploration of their curriculum topics. This stimulating approach to curriculum accentuates the use of problem-solving, research, and creativity.  Work with different artistic mediums continues to play a major role in the curriculum. The children will be exposed to similar materials as the year before, such as paint, collage, clay, and wood, but will use them in new ways.  The children are also given an introduction to the vocabulary and tools of art. Through this curriculum art becomes another language which allows the children to explore themselves and represent the world around them.

The Pre-Kindergarten children go to the library in small groups each week.  During their library session, the children return books as well as select a new book to take home.  The library time is also designed to expose children to the different genres of literature including poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and music.

Creative Movement

Each week the children participate in a creative class designed to explore the world of music and movement through creative dance, singing songs, dramatic play, and children’s literature.  The nursery children participate in half groups.  In Pre-Kindergarten, the group size increases to 16 children with eight children from each classroom combining to form one group thereby creating friendships between classrooms.  Once a month, this class session is devoted to yoga.

Community Service

Each year the Playschool undertakes a community service project.  We believe that it is important for young children learn social responsibility early and can do so by being empowered to take action.  Therefore, all community service projects involve the collection of physical items needed for the project.  The children become involved in an age appropriate manner by monitoring the specific collections, making cards to accompany the items, and /or presenting the donated items to the charity in a brief school presentation.