If you are looking for a preschool program sure to equip your child with the academic and social skills necessary for kindergarten, look no further than Self Development Preschool (SDP).
SDP provides programs to children ages 2 through 5, exceeding standards and enriching higher levels of learning. The preschool 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, EdD, design the curriculum. They each have more than 13 years of experience in early childhood education. In addition, Linda Steiner, MEd, a Self Development Academy (SDA) kindergarten educator and a reading specialist, oversees the SDP phonics and reading program. These educators not only assist the staff in implementing the curriculum, but also teach the enrichment program.
Director Vernetta Madsen has been employed at SDP for more than 25 years, ensuring the school’s commitment to providing excellent early childhood programs. 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-kindergarten curriculum goals and encourages concept mastery and academic confidence. The curriculum 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 classrooms. This component 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, and sound recognition, learning the alphabet, verbal memorization, word association, and 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,” said Linda Steiner.
The school uses a multi-sensory phonics instruction, which focuses on visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic techniques to reach each child’s learning style. They learn phonemic awareness, and concentrate on one letter and number of the week. Research shows children need a full week to master each letter of the alphabet to insure correct phonemic awareness to begin reading.
“On many occasions, I have observed the classrooms, and I am truly impressed with the teaching techniques and engagement of the children,” said Ms. Steiner. “The dedication and sincere devotion of the teachers to instill these essential concepts is amazing. I see the commitment to student education every day.”
Almost 100 percent of the students completing their preschool year at SDP enroll in SDA, located next door to the preschool, for their kindergarten year. Given the exceptional academic foundation and social skills development offered at the preschool, the students smoothly transition to kindergarten.
The curriculum at SDA continues the tradition of providing a rigorous curriculum in a nurturing environment. SDA has open enrollment for kindergarten through grade eight, and limited spaces are available for the 2015-2016 school year.
We welcome all parents to experience this exceptional learning environment for your child. We are proud to recommend SDP and SDA as paths 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 to 11 a.m. Additionally, SDP offers a summer program for children ages 5 to 13. The theme for this summer’s program is Destination Adventure. Children will learn about other countries and cultures. The summer program includes art and science projects and field trips, too.
SDP 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.
If you would like further information regarding Self Development Preschool, please contact Director Vernetta Madsen, at (480) 396-3522. Contact Self Development Academy at (480) 641-2640.