PRESCHOOL (3, 4, and 5 years )

Children at this age always seem to set expectations for themselves. For example, “I will be able to cut a straight line by the time I am 4 years old.” In our Preschool classes, social and physical development continues to be nourished. Your child’s teacher will help and encourage the children to achieve their expectations they have placed upon themselves through cooperative learning activities, experiments, discovery and play. Our preschoolers will engage in activities that will help each of them achieve expectations set at the preschool age level, while allowing each child to develop at his/her own pace. Our curriculum is developed to help prepare our pre-schooler’s for kindergarten.

Your preschooler(s) will become absorbed in many educational activities and experiences which correlate with the established curriculum our teachers and staff at Kids First have established. Activities such as projects, plays, stories, songs, and field trips will be provided throughout our preschool program. We will always encourage participation from each child but will not be forced.

Children at this age become so independent and we will encourage this through out each day in our program. We will encourage independence through activities such as, but are not limited to, getting dressed, cleaning up, setting the table, serving ourselves and our friends and assisting others.

Miss Nicole Watts- Head Preschool Teacher
(3 year olds)

Education/Experience:
I graduated from Stark State College in 2003 with my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. I have 5 years of experience working with 3-5 year olds in a preschool setting.

Philosophy:
I believe that children learn through play. They make natural discoveries because they have a natural curiosity about everything. I believe it is the responsibility of the teacher to provide the children with a variety of appropriate materials and activities. In this environment, the children will be encouraged to learn and discover through play. A well-balanced schedule that is consistent supports all areas of children’s development and growth. The Kids First preschool experience provides children with positive life long skills and a strong foundation for Kindergarten.

Email Nicole

Miss Christine - Head Preschool teacher
(5 year olds)

Education:
I will graduate in the fall 2006 with an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education.

Experience:
Once I graduate, I plan on taking continued education at Walsh University.

Philosophy:
I believe all children have the right to learn in a safe atmosphere.  Children need to meet new friends, build on what they already know, and have a chance to learn at their pace.

I want to create a classroom that is fun for all with activities that are age appropriate.  Children bring such a joy to my life and I plan on showing them how much joy with hugs, kisses and smiles everyday!!!

Miss Michelle - Head Preschool Teacher
(4 year olds)

Education/Experience:
Associate Applied Science (A.A.S.) Child Development from Akron University.
In the past 25 years I have worked as a Nanny, Pre-K Head Teacher, Pre-K Assistant, Assistant Director and Director.

Philosophy:
I believe all children have the desire for learning and discovering the world around them. As a facilitator of learning in young children, I take my responsibility to them seriously. I believe when telling children how special they are, they must also be told how special other people are. I believe play is an important part of a young child’s life. Play is the child’s natural way of learning and they gain experience for living through it. Play also fosters independence and curiosity which are two areas that are important in the development of the whole child.

I believe children learn best when there is consistency and structure. Children also need time to be creative and have choices. They need to be respected but must also learn to respect themselves, their teachers and their classmates. By planning opportunities throughout the day that are age appropriate, I will be able to help all children develop to their full potential.

I believe it is my responsibility to provide opportunities for all children to develop to the fullest of their capabilities.

Email Michelle

GENERAL SCHEDULE