In our Pre-School Room, also known as the Dinosaur room (3-5 yrs), we focus on preparing our preschoolers for kindergarten by providing opportunities for language activities throughout the day, alongside art, science, story time, music, large muscle/movement, and sensory activities, with a different theme of activities each month during the school year. When the time comes for these children to go on to kindergarten, we have a preschool graduation ceremony to congratulate them, which is always a special event for everyone.

In this program you will see your child...
exploring, engaged in learning activities, interacting with each other, creating, involved in activity-based learning including counting, sorting, graphing, following directions, enjoying painting, puppets, music and outside play, learning to play and playing to learn, learning new skills, sharing, problem-solving, developing pre-reading and reading readiness skills, exploring math concepts, appreciating literature, developing computer skills, smiling, laughing and expressing a sense of humor.

In this program you will see teachers...
Interacting with children, encouraging independence, teaching self-discipline and problem-solving strategies, fostering independence and autonomy, developing self-esteem, delegating simple responsibilities, structuring the learning environment so that children make choices, introducing educational equality for all children, planning for daily learning, smiling and hugging children, helping children find answers, praising, accepting, reassuring and nurturing.

GOALS
Munchkinland Child Care's Pre-School program offers children the opportunity to learn and develop in a secure, creative and stimulating environment. Our focus is on activity based learning planned around the growing child’s need for learning while doing. It is important to us that your child receives the very best education, care and attention possible. Our philosophy is based on personalized instruction that offers your child developmentally - appropriate challenges. The result is the opportunity for children of all ages to develop a strong foundation in learning, positive self-esteem and emotional well-being.

Social and Emotional Development (developing social-awareness and positive self-concept)
Your preschooler will continue to learn and to understand behavioral guidelines, and to respect the feelings and property of others. Teachers encourage your child to express feelings, to share and to cooperate. Establishing independence and positive interactions are reflected in your child’s developing self-control.

Language Development (increased vocabulary and expression):
Teachers encourage your child to use language in describing simple experiences and feelings. He/she is encouraged to speak in full sentences, to ask questions, and to develop listening skills. Your child will have many opportunities to use books, stories and other media to stimulate imagination and language.

Cognitive Development (acquiring and using info):
Your child’s frame of reference will be expanded through meaningful educational experiences that are necessary for future school success. Your child will begin to develop sound-symbol association skills through pre-reading and reading readiness programs. He/she will work with manipulatives to learn the foundations of mathematical concepts. Computers are utilized to reinforce learning for your child. He/she will explore the areas of science, health, cooking, and visual and performing arts.

Gross Motor Development ( use of large muscles):
Munchkinland's motor movement curriculum will provide opportunities for your child to increase coordination by participating in activities requiring the skills of running, hopping, jumping, climbing, swinging, throwing and catching. He/she will learn directional skills such as up/down, in/out, and over/under.

Fine Motor Development ( use of small muscles and eye- hand coordination):
To further develop fine motor skills, your child will have opportunities to work with scissors, pencils, crayons, small pegs and beads for stringing. He/she will also explore building and constructing with varied manipulatives and art materials. Pre-writing experiences will prepare your child for later academic success.