PRESCHOOL
THE PROVIDENCE DIFFERENCE | CHILDREN ARE KNOWN & LOVED
Welcome to Providence Preschool! We are thrilled you are exploring our school as an option for your child.
At Providence, we begin with the end in mind. It’s not just the day-to-day joy-filled growth and development that Preschool parents value, but the educational foundation that is established through a safe environment, a thoughtful program, and a genuine love for each and every child.
My child is loved by his teachers the way that we love him at home. It brings us so much comfort, knowing that our son is being poured into by teachers who hold similar values and perspectives. He comes home with stories and songs and laughter, and we couldn’t be more satisfied with our choice of Providence Preschool.
– A mom of a Preschool child
FOSTERING AN ENTHUSIASM FOR LEARNING
Our preschool was founded in 1958 and continues to be a robust program with a strong community reputation. Many parents who attended our school as children choose it for their own children, identifying the special role it played in their childhood development. Many of our teachers have been with the school for over 20 years—some have been with us for as many as 30 or even 40 year—creating a strong family-like community, establishing consistency of care, and fostering the loving, nurturing environment for which our program is known.
The preschool curriculum varies from class to class according to developmental needs. A balance is established of both indoor and outdoor time as well as structured and unstructured play experiences. Each classroom incorporates gross- and fine-motor development, creative art, music, stories, dramatic play, concept games, and other pre-academic activities while building on individual skills such as language and communication, autonomy and self-confidence, and learning routines and self-control.
CLASSES & AGES
We offer classes for children from two to five years of age. Children are assigned to Room 1, Room 2, or Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) on the basis of age groupings. Children must be fully toilet trained.
Room 1 is where preschool begins. It is a safe space to playfully engage in learning while building self-confidence and independence. Children shift from parallel play into interactive play, as friendships form and blossom. Teachers lovingly guide the children in how to navigate peer relationships through expressing feelings and resolving conflict. Children in Room 1 are usually 2 ½–3 ½ years old.
Room 2 is a year for children to develop social and emotional skills, which is scaffolded by guided play to enrich their creativity and problem solving skills. Academic concepts are introduced throughout the year and enhanced through art projects, science, and stories. Through the daily helper role and bringing items from home in a share bag, children practice speaking in front of a group and being a good listener. Children in Room 2 are usually 3 ½–4 ½ years old.
Pre-K is the final preschool year before a child enters kindergarten. This is a stretching year emphasizing kindergarten-readiness skills and critical thinking skills. The curriculum includes a pre-reading program using the Letterland phonics system, formal introduction to numbers, and enriching experiences in all developmental growth areas through dynamic classroom themes, which are supported by creative art activities and science exploration. Children in Pre-K are usually 4 ½–5 ½ years old and are anticipated to enter kindergarten the following year.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Chapel is held twice a week. It starts with interactive, age-appropriate worship songs followed by a brief message of Biblically-based principles at developmentally-appropriate levels. Patience, forgiveness, goodness, self-control, and putting others before oneself are examples of themes reinforced through Bible stories, other supportive literature, and using puppets.
Music class also is held twice a week. Children are introduced to a variety of musical concepts through song, instruments, and creative expression. Preschoolers perform at a variety of events including Christmas programs, Grandparents & Special Friends Day, and the Lower School spring concert.
The Garden is an outdoor, hands-on learning classroom. Students explore the space through digging, watering, weeding, observing, touching, smelling, and tasting. We believe children benefit from being outdoors in both teacher-supported and child-initiated activities. The connection with nature supports both physical and cognitive learning processes as well as fosters psychological health and a child’s understanding of their place in the world.
HOURS
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:30 am–1:00 pm
Calendar: Late August through early June, with Summer Camp options for the remainder of the month of June
SCHEDULES
Schedules are made to fit the family’s needs and preferences. There is a three-day minimum for Pre-K students.
TEACHERS & CLASS SIZE
Lead teachers are experienced and highly qualified. They live Christ-centered lives and are passionate about serving children and families. They enjoy close relationships with students, fostered in classes that are small and nurturing. The student-to-teacher ratio is approximately 6:1.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
We believe that a school choice is for the whole family; therefore, we encourage parents to participate in our many annual events. Opportunities to volunteer are shared throughout the year by the San Roque Parent Association, open to all Preschool parents.
AN INVITATION TO LEARN MORE
We would love to meet you, share our campus and program, and learn more about your family.
Fill out and submit the inquiry form below, and we will promptly respond with more information about Providence Preschool.
For a personalized tour, please call Julia Davis, Preschool Admission Director, at (805) 962-3091 or email her at jdavis@providencesb.org.
Thank you for your interest in our program. We look forward to partnering with your family.
Tracy Larson
Interim Preschool Director
