The Preschool 2 class is held in the “middle room”. The children who enter this class are three years old, and are ready for the critical objectives in Level 1, and some children are working in Level 2 of the Core Knowledge Preschool Sequence. In addition, many resources are used to guide the overall program, as well as the interests of the children themselves.

Individual needs are met by the teacher’s approach to each child’s level of development and provides the necessary content within the classroom environment to meet these needs. Children are not grouped according to ability, but are looked upon as unique individuals. Our teachers support the growth and development of all children, and use everything they can to learn about each child. This includes individual learning styles and preferences, interests, personality and temperament, abilities, challenges and difficulties.

The Preschool classroom environment is set up to encourage development for self-help skills and promote independence.

Centers include materials and activities that are rearranged throughout the day and provide an environment for young children to explore and participate in child-initiated, autonomous play and learning opportunities. Young children learn by watching real people perform real things and experiencing the way a world works. Children in our program will experience the way their world works. The preschool environment provides a variety of open-ended materials such as art, writing opportunities, constructive play, science, books, dramatic play, outdoor and indoor physical activities. These centers offer complexity and encourage independent decision-making skills. A balance of music and movement is provided throughout the day. Math manipulative and science experiments are provided to stimulate reasoning, problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Realistic toys and props are used during constructive, dramatic, and imitative play. Structured, developmentally appropriate physical education activities are also provided throughout the week.

Play is important for children’s developing sense of competence. Through play, children become empowered to do things for themselves, to feel in control, to test and practice their skills, and to affirm confidence in themselves. Children are treated with kindness and each new learning experience is approached with patience and understanding; this includes toilet training and taking care of personal needs.

Because young children are creatures of habit and ritual, repetition throughout the day provides soothing structure to their day. At the same time, the schedule remains flexible enough and is able to offer a wide variation in order to meet individual needs. Teachers give time to help young children participate as fully as they would like during routines. Children are included in helping to make transitions go smoothly, and ample periods of time are provided for quiet and inactivity. Snacks are served family style so children can learn to try different foods, and learn to take care of their own needs regarding eating habits. Child-size serving utensils are provided to encourage independence, confidence and self-esteem.

Outdoor play is provided daily and is a valued component of our program. Whenever possible, children will also have the opportunity to experience art activities outdoors and make discoveries about their outdoor environment by taking nature walks around the school property, hikes to Elk Meadow, as well as participating in bringing materials from home to share. Curriculum does not just take place in the classroom. The schedule provided is simply used as a guide. It is flexible to meet the ever-changing needs of our children.

A child must be 3 years old to be in the Preschool 2 classroom. However, sometimes exceptions are made depending on the individual child.