Preschool
2 to 4 years old
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Preschool Program RequirementsOur Preschool program is designed for children aged 2 - 4 years old by the beginning of the school year. Children remain in the same class for the entirety of the school year and do not "move up" during the year. Children on the lowest or highest end of the age range may be eligible for a younger or older class depending on development, class dynamics, and space availability.
Children in the Preschool classes work on potty training. For children who are still in diapers, we welcome parents to bring cloth diapers, if your family prefers. Enrollment InformationWe offer 2/3/5 full or half day options. Part time options must include a Monday or Friday and be consecutive days.
Full days are from 8:30am - 3:00pm and half days are from 8:30am - 12:00pm. Children in our Preschool program are not eligible for tuition assistance. Rhythm of the Day, Week, and SeasonEveryday there is a clear rhythm for children to follow. As the day progresses, activities alternate between open-ended, child-directed indoor and outdoor activities and more inward activities, like circle-time, story time and eating snack together. Children learn organization skills by following this rhythm and feel secure because they know what to expect.
Our literacy curriculum follows what is developmentally appropriate for children. In Preschool aged children, the foundation of literacy is laid by focusing on developing a love of language through magical story telling, song, poetry, and verse. Our daily rhythm includes 2-4 hours of outdoor play in our natural playscape and plenty of opportunity for play and socialization throughout the day. While at many other schools children are not allowed out on rainy days, at Bayou Village School, safe rainy days provide children a chance to suit up in their rain gear and enjoy making mudpies and engage in meaningful sensory activities in a natural environment. Children work out many of life's lessons by learning through play and imitation, and giving them the opportunity to creatively imitate what they see adults doing is vital to their growth and development. The day also includes "home arts", including snack preparation and assisting in daily chores such as setting the table, folding laundry, and cleaning their space. These activities give children a chance to develop a sense of responsibility for their space and their ability to take care of themselves. Each class has their own weekly rhythm which is followed throughout the year.
Below is an example of a weekly rhythm: Monday: Painting
Tuesday: Bread Baking Wednesday: Beeswax Molding Thursday: Soup Making Friday: Drawing Finally, there is the seasonal rhythm. We celebrate seasonal festivals and incorporate certain seasonal activities into the children's daily rhythms. Classes have beautiful nature tables set up by the teachers, which change to reflect the seasons.
Children are encouraged to bring nature items they find to add to their class nature table. |