Our pre-k and VPK classes are designed to build on what your child has learned in preschool thus far and get ready to excel in kindergarten. Our developmental continuum is composed of 50 objectives broken down into developmental steps with which our teachers plan learning experiences allowing for differences in the rates at which children learn. Your child will become more accustomed to working together with peers, focusing for longer periods of time, conducting science experiments, working with numbers, geometry, spatial mathematical concepts, and problem solving. Our literature-rich curriculum allows students to improve their reading and writing skills in an enjoyable, child-size, child-friendly setting.
In addition to our teacher directed learning, the following learning centers offer opportunities for children to experiment, learn to cooperate, to problem solve, and use their imaginations all while engaging in self-directed learning
-
Science & Sensory Center
-
Math Center
-
Language & Literacy Center
-
Writing Center
-
Art Center
-
Construction Center
-
Dramatic Play Center
little pioneers
4's & 5's
.jpg)
pre-K
health and safety
-
Classrooms are completely sanitized every evening.
-
Toys are sanitized during naptime with a food grade sanitizer.
-
Children are given their own labelled sleep-mat and sheet, which is laundered weekly, more if needed.
-
Children bring in their favorite labelled blanket for nap time, which is sent home weekly to be laundered.
-
We understand that your four-year-old is growing in coordination, taking more risks, and sometimes accidents happen. Our teachers fill out detailed boo-boo reports, apply ice, TLC, or bandages, monitor the affected child, and inform you when you pick up your little one at the end of the day.
-
Equipment and toys are checked each morning for wear and to ensure they are in proper working order.
-
All children are taught how to properly wash their hands, and do so at scheduled times throughout the day.
-
Children who have had diarrhea, a temperature at 100℉ or above, or have a runny nose with yellow or green discharge cannot be admitted until they have been symptom free for 24 hours.
-
All teachers and staff are certified in infant, child, and adult CPR and First Aid.
-
All children are required to have up-to-date immunizations or a Religious Exemption form from their doctor.
The ability to learn a language comes naturally to a child as they are cared for and spoken to. We take advantage of this time to expose your child to not only the English language, but also sign language and Spanish, laying the cognitive and auditory discrimination foundations for becoming fluent in two or more different languages.
A vast listening vocabulary is developed as our teachers have small group reading times with two or three children. Comprehension is the focus during larger group reading times, while individual reading time builds independence. Many children will be reading on their own before graduating from Little Pioneers. Students will learn letter formation, and be engaged in creative writing and storytelling. With their new-found vocabulary at this stage in development, we encourage the use of language to solve problems which fosters the skill of relating effectively to peers as well as the adults in their lives.
Communication is the focus during our lunchtime dining experience. Teachers display table manners and model listening, commenting, and communicating while eating with their students.
Language, Literacy, and Communication skills
Brain and Cognitive Development
Your child’s brain is now ready for a little more structured learning mixed in with fun and games. Our engaging, hands-on learning in math, science, geography, writing, and art uses self-directed and structured experiential learning and teamwork, giving rise to a life-long love of learning.
Physical Development
Our Pre-K classrooms and playgrounds are equipped with developmentally-appropriate toys that invite learning and exploration in a fun, safe, and exciting way. Balls, a low and wide balance beam, wheeled toys, sporting equipment and others promote coordination and balance developing both small and large motor skills.
Pre-K Yoga (stretching and calisthenics) is something children look forward to daily as a way to make the most of their vast energy store.
Social and Emotional Development
Our teachers take advantage of individual and small group activities to promote both a bond with trusted adults and also positive interaction with their peers.
We make the most of teachable moments, helping children regulate their emotions by turning potentially upsetting situations into positive interactions as we model conflict resolution teaching respect and kindness.
Puppets are also used to emulate real-life situations in which children may find themselves-much like the late Mr. Rogers from Public Television. Children are encouraged to talk to the puppets during the presentation with possible solutions promoting real-life problem solving skills.
Children are taught how to clean up after themselves, and help others when needed.
Music and Rhythm
Exposure to various styles and beats of music helps to develop auditory descrimination. We play classical pieces from Chopin, Schubert and others throughout the day. We also incorporate music from Indonesia, Brazil, China, Scotland and other countries to expose children to different styles, beats, and a variety of musical instruments.
Music scales and treble clef notes are learned in a fun and interactive way creating neurological pathways understanding that those notes make a melody. Children will begin playing the recorder and have the opportunity to play with other instruments during music time.
These skills give your child an advantage in later, more advanced training involving voice, piano and/or other instruments.
As a group, we dance, stomp, and clap to different beats and sing favorite songs repeatedly sharpening memorization skills.
After a long day at school, your child’s mind is filled with facts and figures. Little Pioneers’ aftercare program is designed to refresh and recharge before homework time.
Your child begins with a snack and free-play to usher in fun and laughter, which are conducive to the building of friendships. After that, homework time is much more effective. Next, children are free to choose from the following learning experiences divided into five activity zones :
-
Creativity (Arts & Crafts)
-
Relaxation (Books & Reading)
-
Challenge (Games)
-
Thinking (Math & Science)
-
Study (Homework Help)
We seek to make the most of every hour your child spends with us. Discovery, exploration, forming lasting friendships all under the supervision of caring, energetic after school teachers help to enhance their unique skills and abilities.
after care
