Lavender & Rose
3 Years to 5 Years Old
PLAY IS SERIOUS LEARNING
TWO STAGES OF GROWTHGrowing Together, at Their Own PaceOur preschool program recognizes that a child who has just entered preschool and a child preparing for kindergarten have very different needs.Rather than expecting every child to learn in exactly the same way, we provide opportunities that grow with them.Group 12 Years 9 Months – Approximately 3½/4 YearsOur younger preschoolers are building the foundations of independence, communication, social interaction, and early academic learning.Children are supported as they learn to:Follow classroom routinesCommunicate their needsParticipate in group experiencesDevelop self-help skillsBuild relationships with peersPractice problem-solvingExplore early literacy and mathematicsDevelop fine and gross motor skillsMake choices and express their ideasLearning happens through play, movement, hands-on experiences, conversation, exploration, and intentional activities.We give children the time and support they need to become comfortable in their new level of independence while continuing to nurture the wonder and curiosity that define early childhood.
Group 2Approximately 3½/4 – 5 YearsAs children grow, their experiences become increasingly complex.Our older preschoolers are given more opportunities to take leadership, solve problems, work collaboratively, communicate their ideas, and explore foundational academic concepts.Children engage with:Early literacy and writingNumbers and mathematical conceptsScience and discoveryProblem-solvingCreative expressionSocial-emotional learningGroup projectsNature-based experiencesSelf-help and classroom responsibilitiesIncreasingly independent work and playWe encourage children to ask questions, make predictions, test ideas, and find solutions rather than simply providing them with answers.We want children to become thinkers, not just task-completers.
Our full-day preschool program supports children from
2 years 9 months through 5 years old in a nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate environment.
While age is an important consideration, we don't believe a birthday automatically determines readiness.
Children as young as 2 years 9 months may join our preschool classroom when they demonstrate the developmental and early academic readiness to participate successfully in the preschool environment.
Our educators consider each child's individual development, independence, communication, social skills, and emerging academic abilities when determining whether the preschool classroom is the right fit.
Every child develops differently.
Readiness matters more than a number.
Preparing for Kindergarten Without Rushing ChildhoodBeing ready for kindergarten means more than knowing letters and numbers.A child also needs to be able to communicate, participate in a group, manage emotions, navigate relationships, follow routines, solve problems, care for their belongings, and approach something challenging with confidence.Our preschool program intentionally supports all of these areas.We want children to leave Valley with:Confidence to try.Independence to participate.Communication skills to express themselves.Social skills to build relationships.Problem-solving skills to navigate challenges.Curiosity to keep asking questions.And a genuine love of learning.We aren't trying to make preschool feel like elementary school.We are creating a bridge between early childhood and what comes next.Children are given opportunities to grow academically, socially, emotionally, physically, and independently—while still having plenty of time to play, explore, create, move, imagine, and simply be children.
Some children are ready for preschool at 2 years 9 months.
Others need more time.
Neither is better.
Our educators work with families to determine when a child is ready to make the transition into the preschool environment.
We meet children where they are, and then help them discover where they can go next.
