Early preschool

Where Children Begin to Develop a Love of Learning

Child care research shows that children build knowledge appropriate to their development when they actively explore and interact with their environment. This is especially true between the ages of 2 and 3. That’s why The Children’s Courtyard teachers and classrooms provide ample opportunities for children to learn, grow, and develop their skills confidently and comfortably in our safe and supportive daycare environment.

Early Preschool is the time when The Children’s Courtyard teachers really begin to channel the active nature of children into real excitement about learning. Teachers become even more familiar with each child’s abilities and interests, and use that knowledge to develop an individual curriculum based on The Complete Resource for Toddlers and Twos, The Complete Resource Book for Preschoolers and the High/Scope curricular framework. Small and large group experiences, gross motor exploration, independent play, sensory play and social stimulation experiences are all provided through developmentally appropriate activities that are designed to keep children interested and engaged.

The Early Preschool daily routine is supported by the High/Scope philosophy of “learning by doing.” A pictorial daily schedule is intentionally placed at the Early Preschool child’s eye level to aid in understanding daily routine in predictable patterns. The schedule provides an active balance of teacher and child directed-activities.

The Early Preschool classroom offers a comfortable, inviting child care environment that makes the most of learning opportunities and self-direction. Children’s artwork, pictures of diverse people, personal family connection photos, easily accessible materials and experienced, knowledgeable teachers are all essential components of the environment. Shelves are labeled with pictures and words to expose children to print awareness and to assist them in accessing and putting away materials. To further this concept, children are given a High/Scope Letter Link that correlates phonemically with their name and is unique to them. As children begin the process of name recognition, they learn to readily identify with the Letter Link as their personal symbol.

We also make sure parents stay informed and involved, with daily reports, family nights and two parent-teacher conferences per year.

At The Children’s Courtyard we encourage parents to learn more about the quality child care and education we bring to our early preschool programs. Find a school near you or request a visit to see for yourself.