Most children couldn’t ask for more than a fun-filled day of playing dress-up, singing songs and reading books, but at Self Development Preschool (SDP), that’s what they get—and so much more.
At SDP, children have so much fun they don’t realize how much they are learning. Every minute of the day is planned to contribute to the children’s social, physical and cognitive development, which prepares them for kindergarten through targeted curriculum and activities.
“Setting a foundation for lifelong learning begins with the toddlers in our program,” SDP Director Vernetta Madsen said. “By the time they are in the 4-year-old class, they are learning at the kindergarten level.”
Children between infancy and childhood develop immensely, according to Director Madsen. SDP toddler curriculum addresses motor coordination, language development through sign language and vocabulary building, as well as recognizing numbers, colors and shapes.
The 3-year-old curriculum consists of letter recognition, phonics and learning to write. Children learn with their five senses and continue to develop by honing fine motor skills, interacting with friends and building mathematical, literary and creative skills.
The 4-and 5-year-old curriculum follows the Mesa Public School curriculum for kindergartners. This prepares students to already be one year ahead when they enter kindergarten the following year. Students learn to write their first and last names, know their letters and numbers in and out of sequence, and learn beginning math skills.
“Students in our pre-kindergarten program receive excellent foundational skills so they are exceptionally prepared for kindergarten,” Director Madsen said. “Our pre-k teachers all have degrees and create a nurturing, caring environment, which truly engages students.”
Among the lessons making SDP unique are music lessons, which expose children to the great composers and the history behind their works and exercises, which mimic Van Gogh and Michael Angelo. Monthly themes keep children engaged through ever-changing classroom decor and new activities and games exploring different professions, historical eras and animals.
Self Development Preschool is a privately run school founded in 1988. SDP offers year-round services for 2- to 5-year-olds, a before- and after-school age program, and a summer day camp for children ages 2 through 12 years. Many SDP students go on to attend Self Development Charter School (SDCS) through eighth grade. Located next door, SDCS is one of the top-ranked charter schools in the state.
SDP is enrolling for the fall. To secure a place for a pre-kindergartener, call (480) 396-3522, or visit the Web site at www.selfdevelopmentpreschool.com. For more information, please call Vernetta Madsen at the same number.
Self Development Preschool is located at 1721 N. Greenfield Road.