Preschool

Philosophy

The preschool program at Four Stars is intended to be developmentally appropriate with respect to the group, and individually as well. We provide a hands-on, non-stressful, non-competitive, a nondiscriminatory environment for learning. The learning emphasis at Four Stars is on promotion of the physical, emotional, social and cognitive development of young children. Our aim is to foster a love of learning in all its dimensions for learning’s one’s own sake. We are convinced that children who enter school loving to learn will enjoy success at academic skill building throughout their formal education.

Program

Four Star’s curriculum emphasizes language, fine and gross motor skills, socialization, self-esteem and problem solving. Our curriculum consists of monthly themes from September to June and weekly themes in the summer. Each theme focuses on seasonal concepts, experiences and events as appropriate for each age group. Our emphasis is on learning through play indoors and out. We believe children learn best when they are active participants in shared experiences.

The year-round program is enriched with field trips, projects, special events and myriad celebrations, all of which help us to impart a sense of cultural diversity, community and perspective to the experiences of preschoolers. We offer a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. "Centers” within the center allow children to enjoy creative arts, drama, music and movement, storytelling, and science and math in the natural world. Outdoors, children develop physical coordination through running, bike riding, swinging, climbing, racing, catching and throwing in our private playground.

A Typical Preschool Day

MORNING

Greetings and information are exchanged by you and the staff. Your child enjoys a nutritious breakfast and then discovers activity choices in the environment. Choices include stories, singing songs, and building with blocks, engaging in science experiments and creating art. At group time, we share and discuss events in our lives and topics that relate to the curriculum. We enjoy a nutritious snack.

MID MORNING

We add music and movement experiences to the program. The children straighten up the room and get ready, to the best of their ability, to go outdoors. Outside, we can swing, climb, dig, , swing hula hoops, and play shadow tag or hopscotch, etc.

NOON

We wash our hands and set the table to prepare for our family style lunch. We encourage the children to try new foods. Conversation includes the day’s events as well as food texture, color and shape. After we clear the table, the children use the bathroom and prepare for rest time. The settle down on their mats as we rub their backs while soothing music plays in the background.

MID AFTERNOON

As the children wake, they use the bathroom, and choose from the host of activities set out. Snack is consumed and then we prepare for outside play. We continue some morning projects and introduce new experiences such as cooking, woodworking, dramatic play, and tactile activities. Outdoor play is available as daylight and weather permits.

AFTERNOON:

When you arrive to the Center, you will check your child’s school bag/folder for class work, notices and a Daily Note that describes his or her day. Feel free to join in the activity your child is engaged in before preparing to head home.

NSECD

Coming soon