In the foreground, children play with dolls and pretend household items. In the background, children play in a pretend kitchen area.

The Multi-Age Preschool class is structured around developmental theories that are essential for early childhood education. The most important concept is to create a community of learners, by allowing each child to feel safe and comfortable in a classroom environment. The teachers design emergent activities as the children grow, which are open-ended and appealing for children as they learn and explore.

The Multi-Age Preschool classroom uses themes (manners, community helpers, ladybugs, etc.) as a tool to implement activities at different learning centers (language/reading, creative arts, sensory/science, etc.). Themes often incorporate the individual interests expressed by the children.

Here is a sample schedule:

9:00 – Free exploration
9:50 – Circle time (sharing/news, zoo phonics, calendar, weather, etc.)
10:05 – Recess
10:30 – Wash hands/snack
10:45 – Circle time (story/learning center explanation)
11:00 – Learning centers
11:50 – Circle time (music/movement, show and share)
12:00 – Lunch
12:30 – Recess
1:00 – Rest time
1:45 – Large group project (science, STEM, art), centers
2:45 – Snack
3:00 – Recess
3:15 – Final dismissal

* Before and after school care is available.