Preschool Four/Five (Willow)

We offer three preschool programs (1 classroom is ages 3 to 4 years and we have 2 classrooms for children ages 4-5 years). The 3-4 year old program focuses on emerging skills such as: number, name and letter recognition, learning shapes and colors, and specific fine motor development, all through play and social interactions as well as intentional instruction and activities that are geared around the children’s interests. This is also an important developmental social emotional period. It is encouraged for a child to be fully toilet trained prior to transitioning into any preschool program, however it is not a requirement. Many are still using trainers for rest time when they first enter preschool.

The goal of our 4-5 year preschools is to help prepare students for their transition to kindergarten and help them feel comfortable and confident in doing so. Particular focus is given to early literacy skills, extended fine motor development, understanding, and math concepts.

Each classroom has as designated play ground and is outside twice per day. Not only is the outdoor playground space utilized, however we are fortunate enough to be located directly off the Stowe Bike Path where we have access to trails and wooded areas where we are able to explore. We also have 2 buses that are able to transport children and we are able to take off site field trips to local destinations. We have an outdoor education program where the instructor teaches the students and teachers various ways to enjoy the outdoors and the world that surrounds our location. This program is offered bi-weekly to each age group. We also offer enrichment programs such as swim lessons, at the Swimming Hole, and martial arts through Mansfield Martial Arts to the Preschool Students. All programs also receive music class with Andrea Soberman through her program, Musical Munchkins. Music is offered bi-weekly to each age group and is currently on Mondays.

Both preschool rooms are spacious and bright environments with age appropriate learning tools, which make them inspiring places to learn. Our programs have a balance of creative play, (child directed) and teacher created experiences. Each classroom incorporates curriculum, which focuses on: Math, Science, Literacy, Dramatic Play, Art, Music and Movement, and Sensory Development. Teaching Strategies Gold is used to assess students. Information from the assessments is used to guide curriculum development and to help guide individualization needed to meet each child’s needs.