PRESCHOOL PROGRAM
Rainbow's preschool program, located in Plumley Village, serves 54 children in 3 classroom settings. Two teachers, aided by an assistant teacher, student interns and volunteers direct each classroom. Our preschool operates an open education, language based program that supports children's growth in all areas of development. The classroom environment is safe, nurturing, stimulating and developmentally appropriate.
Rainbow's preschool program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Each classroom contains suitable equipment, supplies and educational toys. Space is organized into several different learning areas such as art, reading, block corner, table or cognitive toys, dramatic play or housekeeping area, water or sand table, carpentry bench, science corner, music listening center, computer center and climbing structures. Usually several activities occur at the same time in small groups. Discovery time is an important part of the program since children learn best through play. The program focuses on readiness skills, giving children a lot of experience with basic skills that need to be mastered before they can be expected to learn reading, writing and math concepts. The program attempts to give as many varied experiences as possible in all learning areas knowing that a variety of experiences will stimulate children in different ways. Nourishing children's natural curiosity and encouraging their discovery and exploration of new concepts, ideas and skills is the basis for all learning. Speech therapy and play therapy are available to facilitate learning.
The children's daily routine offers varied, planned and spontaneous activities, which gives them the opportunity to develop motor skills, social skills and self-esteem. The routine allows for alternate periods of activity with quiet periods in accordance with the attention spans of the children. Time and schedule allows for children to have the opportunity for individual and group attention.
Weather permitting, all children play outdoors daily as well. Outdoor activities may include a neighborhood walk or playing in the preschool playground. A new preschool playground was built in 2000, which gives the children the opportunity to develop their gross motor skills as well as their social skills.
Children receive nutritious meals (breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack) that are prepared and served on site in accordance with Bureau of Nutrition requirements. Field trips for the preschool children are also part of the curriculum. Trips are usually taken to age appropriate museums, parks or orchards. Field trips are planned around curriculum.
Parent involvement is encouraged by the preschool staff. Newsletters are sent home periodically. Children's evaluations are prepared biannually. All parents are invited to review the evaluation reports with their child's teacher. Parents are invited to participate in workshops and other programs planned for parents and families.
