Pre K 3

The classroom environment is carefully organized into distinct interest areas such as blocks, dramatic play, art, sand and water play, table toys, music, pre-writing and library. The daily schedule reflects a balance of small group, large group and independent choice times allowing for child initiated and teacher supported activities.

2 years 9 months to 4 years

Our Pre K3 program continues to build on the goals of developing each child’s self-confidence and independence as well as continuing to challenge the child academically through age- appropriate themes, projects and activities. Our Pre K3 program builds upon the educational foundation established in our toddler program by enhancing letter, shape and color recognition while focusing on fine motor skills such as cutting/pasting and preliminary writing skills. Basic scientific/mathematical concepts are introduced. The classroom is designed for both small and large group activities as well as to promote independent exploration and learning at “centers” such as the dramatic play area, the block area, sensory table etc.

Our Pre K3 teachers and staff are very energetic and creative as they introduce the curriculum through weekly themes. They challenge the children to use their imagination and draw out their creativity as they explore new topics through art projects, books, audio/visual aids and more.

S.T.E.M. Program

Our Pre K3 curriculum also includes our S.T.E.M. program. This unique program encourages exploration of learning outside the classroom environment and beyond the academic curriculum of the classroom. A separate Head S.T.E.M. Teacher works with small groups of Pre K3 students each day in ½ hour sessions in our “Center of Town” area. The children will be academically challenged, (at an age appropriate level) focusing more in depth with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Study after study has shown that children who experience S.T.E.M. education early on will be best equipped in understanding S.T.E.M. concepts later in their academic career. On My Way Early Learning & Childcare Center has integrated S.T.E.M. lessons into daily curriculum to give our children a better chance of developing a stronger understand of these skills, as well as cultivating a future interest in these fields of study. We have seen such great benefits with this program as your child is assessed by two Head Teachers, one classroom and one S.T.E.M. teacher. This provides great opportunities for both teachers to create individual learning plans for children that are excelling in an area or provide additional one on one instructional time for children that may need additional assistance.

LIVE S.T.E.M.

On My Way Early Learning & Childcare Center has partnered with Crystal Run Healthcare to expand its S.T.E.M. program (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with monthly visits from Crystal Run Healthcare Physicians.  The yearlong program focuses on providing students with knowledge beyond the classroom curriculum in order for them to explore, discover, and learn.  Each month, a Crystal Run Healthcare physician volunteers their time to present to four groups of Pre K3 and Pre K4/5 students with hands-on lessons ranging from Cardiology and Endocrinology to Gastroenterology and Pulmonology, part of the childcare center’s Science initiative. Thus far this year, Crystal Run Healthcare Cardiologist, Dr. Sandeep Singh, and Crystal Run Healthcare Gastroenterologist, Dr. Cecilia Minano have given presentations on Cardiology and Gastroenterology, respectively, with short educational videos, activities, and anatomy models to generate student’s participation and allow them the opportunity to explore questions related to the specific topic.  Upcoming “LIVE S.T.E.M.” assemblies include Dr. Peggy Nelson endocrinologist and Dr.Geoff Hulse pulmonologist.

Morning snack, lunch, afternoon nap time and afternoon snack are also incorporated into our exciting daily Pre K3 routine. All snacks and lunch are provided by the center and included in the tuition. A snack/lunch menu is provided to each parent on a monthly basis. We pride ourselves in offering our parents a flexible lunch plan. This plan allows you the flexibility to bring in a nutritious lunch from home should your child not like the scheduled lunch. Each day you provide a home lunch, you will receive a lunch credit that will be applied to your next tuition invoice.

Our experienced teachers form a caring, nurturing and responsive relationship with each child. This relationship is enhanced through the daily interaction and communication between the parent and staff as it relates to the child’s development and needs. A daily report of your child’s day will be filled out and provided at the end of each day. This daily report is a summary of your child’s day as it relates to activities, accomplishments and projects worked on during the day. We welcome our Pre K3 parents to call directly into the classroom each day to get a verbal update on your child’s day. And of course, parents are welcome to drop in at any time to observe their little one in action.

A written child evaluation is provided to each parent 3 times a year showing your child’s progress and developmental achievements. These reports are completed in November, February and June. Parents are encouraged to set up a parent/teacher conference to discuss the evaluation one on one with the head teacher.