Self Development Preschool continues to exceed standards and enrich higher levels of learning in the 2- to 3-year-old classroom.
The school acknowledges the importance of early childhood education, and implements a weekly lesson plan. The children follow a curriculum-based lesson, which includes 12 areas of enrichment.
Rachel Hunt, MS, and Anjum Majeed, MS, doctoral candidate, design the curriculum. They each have more than 13 years of experience in early childhood. In addition, Linda Steiner, MEd, and reading specialist, oversees the phonics and reading program. These educators not only assist the staff in implementing the curriculum, but also teach the enrichment program.
The uniqueness of the program for the younger children is exceptional. The weekly detailed lesson plans include concepts and objectives. The academic program includes language/reading readiness, math and writing. The enrichment curriculum details art, classics/poetry, music, science, life skills and dramatic skills.
The 2- to 3-year-old classroom introduces preschool and pre-k curriculum goals, and encourages concept mastery and academic confidence. This is an important component, since the 2- to 3-year-old classroom progresses with the skills needed to transition into the 4- to 5-year-old classroom. This ensures a solid academic start to kindergarten and elementary school.
The preschool prepares children to learn key subject matter. The school’s success works on teaching children the principles of number, letter, sound recognition, learning the alphabet, verbal memorization, word association, tracing and pattern formation, as well as introduction to writing their first and last name and letters.
As a certified kindergarten teacher and state-endorsed reading teacher, I know the importance of early education intervention to promote a foundation for academic success. The school uses a multi-sensory phonics instruction focusing on visual, auditory, tactile and kinesthetic techniques, which reach each child’s learning style. They learn phonemic awareness, and each week, concentrate on one letter and number of the week. Research shows children need a full week to master each letter of the alphabet to ensure correct phonemic awareness to begin reading.
On many occasions, I have observed this classroom, and I am truly impressed with the teaching techniques and engagement of the children. The dedication and sincere devotion of the teachers to instill these essential concepts is amazing. I see the commitment to student’s education every day.
Michaela Stockton and Stephanie Mitchell are co-teachers with a commitment to their students. “I am extremely proud of my students’ hard work and dedication,” said Michaela. “In August, we moved up a group of 16 children who knew how to write their first and last names, and use letter sound and recognition.” Stephanie stated, “The art of teaching is the art of …assisting discovery.”
All parents are welcome to experience this exceptional learning environment for your child. I am proud to recommend Self Development Preschool as the path to your child’s academic success. Parents need to be a part of this exceptional learning adventure for their child. The preschool hours and extended care are from 5:45 a.m. to
6 p.m. The enrichment program hours for the 2- to 5-year-old classrooms are from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Self Development Preschool delivers a well-rounded educational experience for your child. The school offers children the opportunity to develop a love for learning and a daily challenge to think at a higher level.
For more information, please contact Self Development Preschool at (480) 396-3522.
Learn to gain knowledge, and activate that knowledge. Knowledge equals power.