Our Offerings

Our Program Offerings

Ages:  2.9 years to 6 years

School Hours: 7:30am – 5:30pm

Curriculum

Little Planet Preschool curriculum is based on the awareness that children learn best while actively engaged in their environment and activities. Classrooms are arranged in learning centers that support active, independent engagement and learning. Our early childhood trained staff routinely observe the children in their classrooms, noting their individual development and interests. Appropriate activities are planned for the group that reflect their developmental levels in language, literacy, math, science, fine and large motor, cognitive and social/emotional skills. Children’s interests are reflected in the identification of themes.

Themes are identified by teachers through observation of the interests and needs of the children and can be developed through stories, discussions, art projects, songs, science experiments, pictures, related materials, games, independent exploration by the children, guest visitors and field trips. Individual accommodations and support are provided that encourage all children to succeed.

Physical development activities are essential to both large and small muscle development and coordination. Walking, running, jumping, climbing, balancing, etc. are always part of indoor and outdoor activities. Regular physical development activities are planned for Little Flippers Swim School and Sweet Pea Educational Gymnastics and by their qualified staff in conjunction with our Little Planet Preschool staff. The small muscles of fingers and hands, along with eye-hand coordination, are continually developed by drawing, using writing tools, painting, cutting, pasting, and folding paper. The children also are learning skills through cooking and eating, learning to fasten and tie clothing in dress-up, sand and water play and the use of many manipulative materials and toys.

Intellectual growth is always one of the intentions of any activity. For the younger child, continued development in speech and language is very important. Simple conversations, puppets, role play, and dress-up, stories, and music are all part of language development in an atmosphere of warmth and encouragement and through positive reinforcement. The older preschoolers have many opportunities to work with numbers/counting and letter/sounds. Growth is also developed through rhyming, matching, and problem solving with puzzles and games.

Cognitive learning about their environment is important to young children. A sense of wonder and curiosity about the world is an important part of learning. In their interactions and activities, children will be able to describe what is seen and to understand relationships and consequences. Observation, questioning, and problem-solving with experimentation bring increased understanding and knowledge.

The children’s aesthetic awareness is encouraged and nurtured in several different ways: by valuing individuality in the creative expression of all kinds, by paying particular attention to the use of all the senses and sensory experiences, by the artistic display of their creative work, and by thoughtful consideration of the books and music which are available as well as pictures and displays on the walls.

The emotional well-being and socialization skills of the children are integrated throughout the day in all of our interactions and activities. The positive quality of relationships between children and adults, peers, siblings, and parents are important to their development. Encouragement of self-acceptance, self-approval, and self-regulation are important aspects of our program.  Consideration of other’s wants and needs and how they affect each child is stressed. Families’ comments and insights are valued in supporting an individualized program that meets each child’s needs.