Schedule

Preschool children learn primarily through play.   The Great Escape Preschool nurtures a sense of wonder and curiosity so that children can actively explore their surroundings. Nature, sensory exploration, music, and movement are integrated into our Daily Routine:

ARRIVAL: Children enter the classroom, hang up their coats and backpacks, and wash their hands. Each child is greeted by the teacher and invited into a welcoming environment that engages the child and is safe for exploration.  Fine motor and social-emotional development is emphasized during this time.

CIRCLE TIME is a special part of the morning where the children gather to greet one another and welcome the day through a welcome game, seasonal song, poem, story, or finger play.   Each child decides what centers he or she would like to become involved with for that day. The theme is also introduced during this time as well as participation with the calendar, weather, literary concepts, and sharing during this time.

SMALL GROUP: Teachers will spend individual time with children working on specific lessons for that day’s plan that may include; literacy, mathematical, or science-related activities

STORY TIME: Teachers read to children in both large and small groups. Reading enhances listening skills and memory stimulates thought-provoking questions, and helps children discuss the differences between the world we live in and the fantasy worlds we read about.

CENTER TIME allows children to develop their imagination and creativity while they also learn about sharing, taking risks, role modeling, and resolving conflict.  Our classroom is divided into interest areas (books, blocks/manipulative, music, dramatic play, art, science/sensory, math, literacy, and our very own classroom tree house) that accommodate a few children at a time.

CLEAN UP: Children learn when it’s time to stop an activity, put away toys and materials, and learn to
cooperate with others.

SNACK TIME encourages communication between children, self-help skills, and good manners.

GROSS MOTOR/GYM TIME: Teachers will lead children in planned, supervised activities in our gymnastics and/or large gym facility through our “fitness is fun” program.  Children also learn self-control by following rules and safety guidelines.

OUTDOOR: On the playground, the children are free to run, play on the wooden play structures, kick or throw balls, play hide-and-seek, ride bikes, or experiment with sensory play.

DISMISSAL: Children are encouraged to collect their belongings independently.