Pre-Kindergarten PROGRAM

Giving our children both roots and wings

Our Pre-K program is designed to meet the growing needs of children preparing for Kindergarten. We teach children to embrace and extend their learning, both inside and outside of the classroom. Teachers create a classroom environment that is supportive of each child’s learning needs and sets them on the path to success in school and beyond.

Health and Safety in the
Pre-K Classroom

  • Regular health screenings of children and teachers
  • Daily sanitization of toys and other classroom materials
  • Regular disinfection of high-touch surfaces
  • 1:10 teacher-to-child ratio for individualized learning experiences
  • CPR- and First Aid-certified staff

Our Pre-K Day

The typical Pre-K day includes:

  • Engaging arrival/transition activities
  • Healthy snacks (morning and afternoon)
  • Circle Time (songs, stories, movement)
  • Thematic learning center activities
  • Outdoor play (morning and afternoon)
  • Lunch
  • Quiet time
  • Self-selected activities

Home-School Connections

In addition to sharing information at pick-up and drop-off times, GHES teachers communicate with families through Procare Engage, a digital communication app. iPads in each classroom allow Pre-K teachers to send daily reports on:

  • Meals
  • Potty use (if requested)
  • Nap times (if applicable)
  • Classroom activities (photos and videos)
  • Special events

Families can also use Engage to update teachers on any special considerations for the day.

Assessments of children’s progress towards developmental goals are done three times each year. Parents/family members are invited and encouraged to attend conferences with the teachers at least twice each year to set goals for each child and discuss growth and development over the course of the program year.

We also welcome all our families to become involved in their campus community through classroom visits, volunteering, and special family events.

P.L.A.N.

Play:

  • Creating learning opportunities through play in centers designed for block building and floor play, dramatic play and make-believe, art exploration, puzzles, book reading, and science activities
  • Enjoying outdoor play: running, jumping, climbing, sliding, balancing, and trike-riding

Learning:

  • Exploring early literacy concepts (organization and basic features of print, letters and letter sounds, rhymes, syllables, etc.)
  • Utilizing the scientific method to answer questions
  • Expanding math understanding through oral counting and writing numbers, measurement using classroom materials, constructing solid shapes, and exploring number operations.
  • Investigating new interests through monthly thematic units including From Farm to Table, The Universe, and Animal Life Cycles

Arts

  • Expressing creativity through process-oriented art
  • Studying well-known artists and emulating various artistic techniques
  • Providing daily music and movement experiences

Nurturing

  • Seeking new and varied experiences and challenges
  • Taking responsibility for self-care and problem-solving
  • Communicating emotions and thoughts verbally
  • Playing cooperatively with peers and forming friendships
  • Focusing on tasks for extended periods of time with teacher support

P.L.A.N.

Play:

  • Creating learning opportunities through play in centers designed for block building and floor play, dramatic play and make-believe, art exploration, puzzles, book reading, and science activities
  • Enjoying outdoor play: running, jumping, climbing, sliding, balancing, and trike-riding

Learning:

  • Exploring early literacy concepts (organization and basic features of print, letters and letter sounds, rhymes, syllables, etc.)
  • Utilizing the scientific method to answer questions
  • Expanding math understanding through oral counting and writing numbers, measurement using classroom materials, constructing solid shapes, and exploring number operations.
  • Investigating new interests through monthly thematic units including From Farm to Table, The Universe, and Animal Life Cycles

Arts:

  • Expressing creativity through process-oriented art
  • Studying well-known artists and emulating various artistic techniques
  • Providing daily music and movement experiences

Nurturing:

  • Seeking new and varied experiences and challenges
  • Taking responsibility for self-care and problem-solving
  • Communicating emotions and thoughts verbally
  • Playing cooperatively with peers and forming friendships
  • Focusing on tasks for extended periods of time with teacher support
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