The Play Garden Preschool

Curriculum

All Ages

Children are given ample time and opportunity to discover, invent, create, feel, touch, taste, and enjoy a full range of age-appropriate activities. A variety of experiences are offered that are meaningful and fit each child's stage of development. They are encouraged to speak, listen, construct, create, make choices, cooperate, and problem-solve.

The curriculum incorporates intellectual, language, social, large and small motor development. Each child's development will be observed and documented.

We assist in facilitating play and provide guidance, support, and direction as the children transition through the preschool routine.

Kindergarten-readiness

The Play Garden Preschool is a unique licensed 'bridge' program which offers developmental play-based activities balanced with academic learning to ensure Kindergarten readiness.

Since we strongly believe that it is through play young children learn about the world around them, in addition to a planned, teacher-directed curriculum that suits their stage of growth, the value of play is honored to validate and respect the children's desire and initiative to become involved in whatever interests them.

The dynamics of our culture in California are such that children who can demonstrate some fundamental basic readiness in academic skills are better prepared for kindergarten. That is to say, academic skills such as recognizing and writing the alphabet and numbers, together with social and emotional readiness, help children feel more positive and confident upon entering formal school. With higher self-esteem, their journey in today's competitive classroom starts out smoothly.

Children are encouraged to explore and discover learning through hands-on activities during the free-choice hour along with an art project. There are also teacher-directed activities/lessons for Kindergarten readiness, since our original developmental play-based program has evolved into the current 'bridge' program to offer academic learning to balance the fundamental element of play.

Summary

The Play Garden offers a balance between play and active learning, with which I hope all the children in the program will be prepared to enter school when they are ready, with positive feelings and equipped to meet the challenge of their formal education.