Preschool 4s
The four year old class is for children who turn four by September 30, with a maximum student to teacher ratio of 16:2. The program is based on the curriculum guidelines set out by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children). It is a developmentally appropriate program focusing on four major areas: social/emotional, physical, cognitive and language. Our daily classroom routines enable children to feel comfortable and confident at school. There are many and varied opportunities for children to play, explore and develop their own interests and creativity within our thoughtfully structured learning environment and classroom routine. Our teachers have designed multi-sensory hands-on activities and projects which foster your child’s love of learning. Their curriculums include music and movement which are a vital component for building brain development. Our most important goals are for children to get along well with others and become independent learners who are prepared for kindergarten.
The skills and abilities your child will develop in this class include:
- positive separation from parent or caregiver;
- fine motor coordination through the use of manipulative materials such as play dough, beads for stringing, puzzles, pencils, crayons, paint brushes and more;
- writing skills using a secure grip and control. The “Handwriting Without Tears” program is used for teaching correct letter and number formation and developing good habits for successful penmanship
- writing first and last name using uppercase letters;
- scissor skills with accuracy and control;
- gross motor coordination through our organized gym classes as well as daily play in our fenced outdoor playground with space to run and equipment for swinging, climbing, balance and sand play or indoor gymnasium with tricycles and equipment for climbing and balance and space to run;
- use of academically appropriate applications on the Ipads and as a tool for learning;
- problem solving skills both of an academic and social nature through guided play, independent play and one to one interactions between teachers and students;
- number recognition and one to one correspondence;
- identification of both upper and lower case letters;
- phonemic awareness through rhymes and beginning phonics: the relationship between sounds and written symbols;
- shape and color recognition;
- recognition of child’s name in print as well as a number of common sight words;
- speaking in full sentences, asking and answering questions, using age appropriate vocabulary and sentence structure;
- a love of age appropriate children’s literature by being read to as well as the availability of books during free play;
- participation in individual, small group and large group activities.
Our four year old students enjoy a weekly physical education class with an early childhood specialist. In this class, children have fun with exercise and yoga while building their gross motor skills and self-esteem.
Our dedicated experienced teachers work in partnership with parents and caregivers for the benefit of each child. Communication between home and school is continuous through email and written classroom information, daily contact with teachers at dismissal, and Director updates. In January and May, preschool progress reports are given and parent/teacher conferences are offered.
Your child will love learning at The Preschool Place and Kindergarten in this exciting pre-kindergarten year!