Preschool

For children 2 to 5 years old, I offer a play-based preschool program. Most of the children are here for a full day, so I've created a schedule that allows for lots of free choice play and a comfortable flow for the day. Children learn best when new concepts are integrated into activities and routines they enjoy each day. That's why preschool activities are mixed into our daily routines. We are able to enjoy our day at a relaxed pace.

We start out with time to explore and play. We have blocks, puzzles, games, dress up clothes, art supplies, books, and much more to choose from before we have to clean up for breakfast. All toys are chosen for their quality, open-ended play opportunities, and most of all, to meet the interests of my current group of children. We all sit together as a group for meals and snacks, and it's a great time to talk and interact with each other as we eat.

After breakfast, if the weather allows, we go outside to run and play. We have trikes, a climbing structure, playhouse, a very large (10+ yards of sand!) sand area, balls, hula hoops, and lots of space to pretend and imagine. We care for our own chickens, a rabbit, and feed the many birds and squirrels who visit our yard (now designated as a National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat!) We've recently planted many child-friendly plants...edible, fragrant, textures, and much more. A recirculating fountain with a child-sized bench is a quiet stopping place.

When we are inside, we sing, read books, or choose a game to play together. This gives us an opportunity to practice taking turns, listening, and following directions.Then it's time for a project together or individually. It may be working with playdough, listening to a story, painting a picture, or perhaps planting seeds or watching caterpillars turn into butterflies.

By this time, it's usually lunch time and we all sit down together to eat. Every meal meets USDA meal patterns, and we serve as much organic produce as possible, and avoid offering too many sugary, processed foods. After lunch, we all go potty, wash our hands, brush our teeth, and settle down on our cots for naptime.

After nap, we go potty again, wash our hands and head to the table to have snack. Then, depending on the weather and our moods, we go outside to play some more, or stay inside and choose something to work on inside. Most days have at least two projects available, as well as all the daily free choices. A weekly menu and activity plan is posted each Monday for parents to review.