Preschool
What do We Offer Children in Preschool?
| To a Child The greatest poem ever known Is one all poets have outgrown: The poetry, innate, untold, Of being only four years old. Still young enough to be a part Of Nature's great impulsive heart, Born comrade of bird, beast and tree And unselfconscious as the bee --
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And yet with lovely reason skilled Each day new paradise to build. Elate explorer of each sense, Without dismay, without pretense! In your unstained, transparent eyes There is no conscience, no surprise: Life's queer conundrums you accept Your strange divinity still kept. ... Christopher Morley |
The preschool class is a joyful place for the children to grow in an atmosphere of love and acceptance. Quakers believe that each person has a divine seed, or Inner Light. For that reason, Quaker education is a process where both student and teacher are learning together. All children bring their unique way of learning into the world, to be nurtured and celebrated.
The three- and four-year-olds are masters of imitation. Children carefully observe other humans, especially adults, to learn how to behave. For this reason, teachers endeavor always to model the highest level of integrity, wonder, service, enthusiasm, and respect.
These children are natural learners with a built-in urge for exploration and experimentation. The two hours of free play, one inside and one outside, provide time for the rich interaction with the environment that the growing brain needs in order to create meaningful learning. Teachers observe the children's play, provide resources, and join in the enthusiasm so that groups and individuals are able to follow their own learning journeys. Curiosity and questions are encouraged from everybody and the search for answers is a mutual adventure.
The preschool class is often a child's first experience with being in a group other than the family. While we recognize that each child is unique we also emphasize the joy of creating a community by helping children see ways that each contributes to the whole. We have communal snacks each day, provided by families in turn. Children take part in preparation and clean up. We encourage each other to show appreciation and helpfulness.
Natural materials and simple, lovely surroundings create a safe, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing environment for learning. If children's brains are to be ready for abstract reading and math tasks, they must first have plenty of chance to develop their imagination and problem solving skills through play. For children of this age, play is the way that they learn. Significant learning experiences outside are directly correlated to greater interest in all learning, and in improved performance in all academic areas.
DAILY SCHEDULE
The daily schedule is predictable but flexible, emphasizing sequence, not deadlines. Children are neither rushed nor delayed by a clock. All times, except 8:45 and the pick-up times, are approximate.
8:00-8:45 Gathering outside. Children may arrive at any time within this window, and parents are welcome to stay and talk or play until it is time to go inside.
8:45-9:00 Morning circle will begin with a greeting song. The circle will be brief and directed by the children's interests. The goal is to bring at least one "inquiry" to their attention. Contributions to the Seasons Table will begin the free play period.
9:00-10:00 Free exploration inside. Trains, trucks, dolls, blocks, fabrics, and many natural materials are available for imaginative play. Art supplies, puzzles, books, tools and life skills activities will also be available, and teachers will assist as required, but will leave the children to do their own explorations for the most part. Teachers will be observing and recording.
10:00-10:30 Snack
10:30-11:30 Free exploration outside. We will most often be in the large field, where the children may find their own play spaces. Occasionally this time will be spent on adventures further afield: beaches, hiking trails, ponds, etc.
11:30-12:00 Reflection Circle and story time
12:00 Prompt pick up for morning children
12:00-12:30 Lunch for afternoon children
12:30-1:00 Clean up, singing, nap nests prepared
1:00-2:00 Naptime
2:00-3:00 Tactile and small motor activities. During this time, we will expand our space to include the preK/K room, and may even be outside. This is also an ideal time for children to draw and dictate their stories.
3:00 Prompt pick-up for those not staying for Aftercare.
There is a multi-age Aftercare Program from 3:00-5:30pm.
The preschool program has several options:
- Five-day program is M-F, half day option ends at 12:00 (before lunch), full day at 3:00
- Three-day program is Monday, Wednesday, Friday, full or half day
- Two-day program is Tuesday, Thursday, full or half day
Mondays and Fridays differ slightly. There is an all school Meeting for Worship on Monday morning from 8:30-8:45. Preschool children who have arrived by 8:20 will be included in that. Later arrivals may join the meeting with their parents, who are always welcome to attend at any time. Friday is an early dismissal for the whole school. Full day students who are not going to Aftercare should be picked up promptly at 1:45.
