"They will spring up like grass in a meadow,
like poplar trees by flowing streams."
-Isaiah 44:4
Our programs
Sunflowers - Infants
The environment for infants at PCLA provides opportunities for safe, stimulating exploration. Infants are surrounded by different textures and colors. Pictures on the walls feature objects and people the children find interesting and are displayed and rotated on a regular basis. Developmentally appropriate toys are also rotated to provide variety and continuing challenges. Teachers sit on the floor and join infants in their play.
Little Sprouts - 1 year olds
The environment for very young children at PCLA provides opportunities for safe, stimulating exploration. Children are surrounded by different textures and colors. Pictures on the walls feature objects and people the children find interesting and are displayed and rotated on a regular basis. Developmentally appropriate toys are also rotated to provide variety and continuing challenges. Teachers sit on the floor and join children in their play. The children are taken outside to play on a daily basis as weather permits. Both the outside and indoor environments provide many choices for activities and exploration for our tiny Poplar Pals.
Snapdragons - 2 year olds
Two year olds need to pursue their quest for independence - our teachers are there to lend a helping hand when needed. Children can choose between many interesting activities that keep them busy and happy throughout the day. Teachers in the toddler/two's classroom allow the children to try new things for themselves, only stepping in to help as the need arises. One of our primary areas of focus is aiding our young children to learn how to express themselves and communicate with adults and other children. Often, teachers will assist the development of the children's vocabulary by helping them put words to feelings and needs, supplying them with a rudimentary vocabulary even if they still can't produce clear words. Good, responsive and respectful relationships are key to achieving important developmental milestones.
Rising Rosebuds - 3 year olds
3 year olds are working on communication and beginning to negotiate friendships more than before. They need choices for their play that are interesting and challenging. The curriculum in the Three year old room includes meeting or gathering time for stories, sharing, singing, and identity formation. Children are provided pre-math and pre-literacy activities as well as lots of role-playing opportunities where they can use their imagination. They have time for free play so they can construct their own activities either as independent activities or with play mates. Teachers help the children to communicate their needs and desires, and assist the children as they negotiate sharing and playing together. Independence is encouraged in daily living tasks by giving children the time and space to learn how to put on their own shoes, use buttons and zippers. Affection, respect, and sensitivity are important as well as responsiveness to each individual personality and temperament.
Beanstalks - 4 year olds
Ready to learn, make new friends, and enjoy group activities, our preschoolers look forward to each school day. Our exciting curriculum includes math and literacy lessons. Early math concepts include number recognition, counting, geometric shapes, and classification. Emergent literacy skills include experiences in beginning reading and writing. Teachers expand and enhance the language concepts of three and four year olds by the unique activities they choose and meaningful interactions they plan.
Our Curriculum
Our curriculum is built around monthly and seasonal themes, often driven by the creative thinking of the children. Each day, children have the opportunity to develop and build upon cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills through active exploration in learning centers and during group time. Age-appropriate language, art, math, science, and Brain Power activities are incorporated into the daily routine and plan. We encourage creativity and experimentation through a wide range of materials.
Focus Areas For Preschoolers
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Classification
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Communication Skills and Literacy
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Counting
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Creative Expression
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Initiative and Social Interactions
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Music and Movement
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Patterning