A Joyful First Step

Children are guided by experienced Early Childhood teachers to move through the days with the perspective of exploration and wonder. The program strives to help children develop social and emotional skills, resiliency and physical independence through imitation, domestic tasks, free play, and teacher-led activities

Gentle Beginnings

Teachers work closely with families to ensure a smooth transition to school and to create an experience that supports each child’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. A balanced routine gives children the security from which to explore freely and confidently.

Work and Play

​Preschool children find delight in simple activities like bread baking, painting, crafts, and clean-up. Puppet shows and stories capture a child’s imagination and help build strong language skills, while lively counting games lay a foundation for mathematics. Teacher-led movement games help integrate the senses, and support physical and emotional development. There is time for creative, imaginative free play each day. This play is an essential part of children's physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth.

Exploration 

Preschool children have a beautiful playground to run, climb, build forts, and experience the seasons in all types of weather! Regular excursions provide plenty of fresh air and help children gain confidence in the wider world. Children walk, run, explore and observe the seasons in our beautiful outdoor space.

Movement

​In the early years, movement is learning. Children develop motor skills, integrate the senses, and work cooperatively. Teacher-led movement activities and games are balanced with time for free movement, indoors and out. Fine motor and artistic expression are encouraged through activities like watercolor painting, handwork, cooking, and free play.

La Paloma Classroom

A  Day in the life of a Preschooler

Our program is inspired by the principles of Waldorf Education.  This holistic pedagogical approach manifests naturally in an enduring way.  The schedule of the day is designed with an in-breath and out-breath rhythm that allows for on task work and more relaxed times.  Our children are met at their current stage of development and they are given opportunities to enhance their imagination through work and play.  Our approach develops both cognitive and social skills.  We enhance their creativity in a beautiful, safe environment. We provide natural materials such as; earth, sand, mud and flowers. 

Inside our cozy classroom you will find toys made of all-natural materials such as; wood, wool, cotton and silk.  These types of toys stimulate a child’s imagination through their simplicity.  The calming colors inside the classroom give your child a feeling of tranquility.  The fresh smell of cooking and baking gives the classroom a feeling of home. 

In our storytelling using handmade puppets, we awaken their imagination as they learn about kindness for all living things.  They will also develop literacy and listening skills.  The teacher chooses tales that are appropriate for the age of the child and the season.  Our weekly activities are built into the program; to celebrate each season and enrich the children’s year.  In our daily circle activity, your child will develop their fine and gross motor skills as well as their social skills; through movement, song, and verse.  As a bilingual teacher I will also incorporate Spanish into our songs and circle time as well as cultural stories.  
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With the help of my wonderful Assistant Teacher we will provide a supportive and wholesome environment for your child.  Our organic cooked meals are prepared safely with love each day.   Our menu is created with an emphasis on the nutrition that your child needs to thrive and feel nourished. 
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Our nap program flows in a way that your child can have their own dreamy space to rest.  To help them relax, their feet are massaged with lavender oil and they will be serenaded by lullabies and the gentle sounds of a lyre.

If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.
- Albert Einstein

Daily Activity Rhythm

Times	Schedule
8:30 AM	​Arrival, free play on the playground and/or inside.  This is a time for children to meet the day, with imagination and excitement to see friends.  Exploration of the gardens and inside activities will reflect daily chores and common household tasks.  The smell of home cooked food will greet them. There are opportunities for children to help with cooking along the way!
8:30 AM	Morning Verse: Singing morning circle and saying our class morning song will bring familiarity and consistency to your child's day. This is a sweet time for parents and siblings to participate.  This marks the beginning of our day together.
9:00 AM	​Morning movement: this is the first ‘in-breath’.  In class, our morning activities are painting, drawing, seasonal activity, music, games, dancing, movement, or yoga.
9:30 AM	​Free Play: The first “out breath”.  Free play is as important as organized activities.  This is a time your child should occupy themselves, getting lost in their own worlds while teachers model household activities, both inside and out.
10:00 AM	Morning Activity: After the children get some movement in, the next “in breath” occurs by gathering children in organized activity.  This can include learning songs, listening to a story, watching a puppet show, games, and going on a walk.
10:15 AM	Snack Outdoors
11:00 AM	Play/Chores: It’s time to get lost in some more imaginative play until clean up time and lunch preparation.  Chores can include tending to chickens and bunnies, setting tables for lunch, helping to fold laundry, wipe down tables, put toys away, and water plants.
12:30 PM	Lunch held outdoors. Children are encouraged to help with making and cleaning up afterwards.  Children are free to play after they have cleaned up.
12:45 PM	Gather for story before rest time.  Lights are dimmed and beds are prepared. (Parent pick up opportunity occurs before naptime begins).
1:00 PM	Nap or Rest Time with Lullaby, Lyre and Lavendar Essential Oils.
3:00 PM	Outdoor play and snack (Parent pick up). Goodbye song with warm embrace.

Weekly Activity Rhythm

Weekly activities are interwoven during outside play at the beginning of the day.

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
Painting Day	Drawing Day	Seasonal Activity Day	Music Day	Game Day

Seasonal Menus

Morning Snack

Day of the week	Menu Items
Monday	Rice Cakes and Almond Butter / Apples
Tuesday	Cheese and Crackers/ Oranges/ Grapes
Wednesday	Pumpkin Spice Muffins / Apples
Thursday	Popcorn and Hard Boiled Eggs / Apples
Friday	Cornbread with Butter and Honey / Apples

Lunch Menu

Day of the week	Menu Items	Theme
Monday	Curry Lentils and Rice	Rice Day
Tuesday	Oatmeal with Maple Cinnamon Apples / Yogurt	Oat Day
Wednesday	Quinoa with Veggies	Quinoa Day
Thursday	Beans and Corn Tortillas	Corn Day
Friday	Pasta Marinara Casserole with Cheese	Pasta Day

Afternoon Snack

Monday-Friday: Homemade Hummus / Baby Carrots / Cucumber / Bell Pepper / Tortilla Chips

We are a Gluten Free and Nut Free Classroom.