While three year olds are no longer toddlers, they may behave like toddlers at times; at other times, their language ability might mimic that of a four (or forty) year old. Older preschoolers like-wise defy categories with their variable day to day behaviors.

The preschool program at Kidstop is intended to be developmentally appropriate, not merely with repect to the group, but individually as well. We provide a hands-on, non-stressful, non-competitive, nonsexist environment for learning.

The learning emphasis at Kidstop is on promotion of the physical, emotional, social and cognitive development of young children. Our aim is to foster a love of learning in all its dimensions for learning's own sake. We are convinced that children who enter school loving to learn will enjoy success at academic skill building throughout their formal education.

Kidstop's curriculum emphasizes language, fine and gross motor skills, socialization, self-esteem and problem solving.

Our curriculum consists of monthly themes from September to June and biweekly themes in the summer. Each theme focuses on seasonal concepts, experiences and events as appropriate for each age group. Our emphasis is on learning through play indoors and out. We believe children learn best when they are active participants in shared experiences. A written plan of each day's activities is posted in each classroom.

The year-round program is enriched with field trips, projects, special events and myriad celebrations, all of which help us to impart a sense of cultural diversity, community and perspective to the experiences of preschoolers.

We offer a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. "Centers" within the Center allow children to enjoy creative arts, drama, music and movement, storytelling, and science and math in the natural world. Outdoors, children develop physical coordination through running, bike riding, swinging, climbing, racing, catching and throwing in our private playground. We play outdoors everyday, under the canopy or in the sunshine.

Greetings and information are exchanged by you and staff. Your child enjoys a nutritious breakfast brought from home and then discovers activity choices in the environment. Choices include stories, singing songs, building with blocks, engaging in science experiments and creating art. At group time we share and discuss events in our lives and topics that relate to the curriculum. We enjoy a nutritious snack. We add music and movement experiences to the program. The children straighten up the room and get ready, to the best of their ability, to go oudoors. Outside we can swing, climb, dig, ride tricycles, swing hula hoops, play shadow tag or hopscotch. We wash hands and set the table to prepare for our family style lunch. We encourage the children to try new foods. Conversation includes the day's events as well as food texture, color and shape. After we clear the table the children use the bathroom and prepare for rest time. The children remove their shoes and settle down on their cots as we rub their backs while soothing music plays in the background. As the children wake they use the bathroom, put on their shoes, and choose from the host of activities set out. Snack is consumed and then we prepare for outdoor play. We continue some morning projects and introduce new experiences such as cooking, woodworking, dramatic play, and tactile activities. Outdoor play is available as daylight permits. When you arrive at the Center, you will check your child's mailbox for artwork, notices and a Daily Note that describes her day. Feel free to join in the activity your child is engaged in before preparing to head home.

A preschool group is limited to 20 children between the ages of 36 and 60 months. The Head Teacher for the preschool group has overall responsibility for program and supervision. The group is divided into 2 subgroups of up to 10 children each. Each subgroup is lead by the Head Teacher, or an Assistant Teacher or Teacher's Aide, sufficient to maintain the ratio of adult to child at one to ten or better.