Step into the day with the morning sun casting a warm glow through the expansive windows of our Preschool classroom. Upon arrival, children are greeted at the door by their teacher, ushering in a day brimming with exploration and discovery. A quick good-bye hug to parents precedes the children's independent entry into the classroom, where they gracefully stow away their belongings in personal cubby spaces. In this unhurried environment, children take their time to remove coats, hang them securely, and exchange greetings with friends. Transitioning from outside to inside shoes, a quick handwash marks the beginning of another enriching day at our Preschool.

Engage in open exploration activities that encourage curiosity and creativity. This unhurried morning routine sets the stage for a day where children are free to express themselves through art, music, and movement. Recognizing the unique strengths of each child, our approach values not only academic growth but also the flourishing of their individuality. Guided by these principles, our Preschool becomes a haven for fostering independence and resilience, enriching the whole child's journey through the captivating adventures of each day.

A nutritious breakfast sets the stage for a day of learning and play.

Nestled on the big rug, children unite in harmony to sing songs, partake in playful movement games, revel in group stories, and joyously celebrate the ever-changing seasons within the nurturing embrace of our classroom family. During these delightful moments, inspired by the philosophies of Reggio Emilia and Montessori, we create a positive and safe emotional climate. Through thoughtful language and compassionate interactions, teachers instill a sense of belonging and care, fostering not just language skills but also a profound sense of community during our interactive circle time and story sessions.

Fuel up with a healthy morning snack, preparing for the next set of engaging activities.

Each day presents an opportunity for hands-on discovery, sensory adventures, and the development of essential skills.

Step into a world of exploration and play during our outside time at YES Preschool, where fresh air and nature become the backdrop for boundless adventures and joyful learning for your little ones. It's hard to imagine a happy childhood without ample outside time to explore, climb and expand one's sense of the world in a natural setting. When the weather permits, children will help tend to our own vegetable garden, setting the foundation of understanding where their food comes from.

Enjoy a nourishing lunch, promoting healthy eating habits and social interaction. Children gather again inside for a lunch served family-style. Homemade soups and casserole dishes full of vegetables are the mainstay and children learn to try new foods such as ratatouille and polenta or tofu, broccoli and brown rice with peanut sauce. Children serve themselves when possible, learning to follow their body’s cues for appetite as they find their own right portion (and often enjoy “seconds” when they find they are really hungry). Cold milk and water are available in small pitchers and children carry their food and drink to the table where they join their friends.

The nap area features cozy cots for a restful afternoon, where children snuggle with blankets and lovies. Older ones enjoy extra outdoor time, participate in afternoon projects, and contribute to the classroom by helping with groceries, folding laundry, and assisting in snack preparation. This inclusive approach fosters a sense of belonging and independence, ensuring every child feels actively involved in caring for their shared spaces.

Children head to the cubby area to dress themselves for outdoor play. Older children often help the younger ones with wriggling into snow pants in the winter or donning sun hats in the summer. Outside in the open play yard, a variety of opportunities for gross motor movement await the children, from swings and slides to trikes and a sandbox to dig in. Children love to make up their own games and are often creative in finding a role for anyone who wants to join because we take great care that no one is excluded.

Our meals begin with a celebratory song and expression of thanks for the hands who prepared the food and they end with scraping plates into the compost bucket. Dishes are hand washed (before being sent through our dishwashers again) and floors are swept, chairs and tables cleaned and the area reset for afternoon activities.

We believe that every child is an artist, and we see experiences with art as one of the most important areas we offer!

Encouraging a deep exploration of subjects that captivate children's interest, fostering a comprehensive grasp and mastery of concepts rather than superficial coverage, is at the heart of our approach to learning.

Parents begin to arrive for preschool pick-ups, and children help pick up the yard, organize their things to go home, and then head into their family time at home.

Teachers return inside for end-of-the-day work, tidy the classroom spaces, sharpen pencils, and restock paper and art supplies before cleaning and disinfecting procedures begin. Another day comes to a close as we prepare for the next!