PRESCHOOL

Pine Forest Children’s Center hosts two preschool classrooms compromised of a classroom of 3-4 year olds and 4-5 year olds. Each age group has a home base meaning a space from which they can learn, eat, rest and grow. Each classroom has two main teachers who guide and scaffold learning throughout the day based on the children’s needs and interests. Teachers loop with the children to provide continuous support to their growth and development, to aid in consistent documentation in Teaching Strategies and for strong interpersonal relationships. Curriculum is developed based on our open ended play based philosophy using the children’s interests and ideas, events from nature, the community and world and Teaching Strategies Gold objectives. By developing curriculum in a three pronged approach, we are able to honor the children’s interests and give them ownership of their learning and classroom environment. From their home base children engage in learning opportunities throughout both classroom spaces that allow a breadth of materials, teaching styles and peer interactions.

We strive to meet the children at their own developmental levels. We spend a lot of time outdoors learning about nature and the environment. We view experiential learning as a valuable tool for helping children learn about their world in a multi-faceted way.

In the East Woods families are encouraged to arrive by 9:30 so that children are offered an opportunity to participate in all learning choices.

Children explore the natural areas around PFCC and go on morning expeditions to Rosa’s Park, the fire station, Oakledge Park and neighborhood businesses.
Children develop pre-academic skills through play, scaffolding from teachers and the emergence of their own ideas. We believe children learn best at their own pace and that they tell us when they are ready for more.
Children are encouraged to express themselves and their ideas through a variety of materials.

A TYPICAL DAY

7:30-9:00 Free Play & Breakfast
9:00-11:45- Focused curriculum & projects

Outdoor play time- playground, side yard, garden or neighborhood walks.

11:45-12:30 Lunch & Bathroom
12:30-1:00 Book Time
1:00-2:30 Rest Time
2:30- 3:00 Quiet Activities & Afternoon Snack
3:00-5:30- Free Play, Revisit Projects & Outdoor Play Time