Our Pre-K 1 Classroom prepares your child to begin their educational journey through school. Brighton’s teachers focus on introducing academics and providing opportunities for learning through developmentally appropriate activities. Our Pre-K I Class is divided into various centers that allow children to actively learn through play with “hands-on” exploration into the world of science, math, language development, dramatic and creative arts. Children are encouraged to explore their developing interests through self-selected play, but also to participate in group activities that promote important skills like listening and following directions.
Pre-K 1 Class 2.5-3.5 Years Old
What to expect in the Brighton Pre-K1 Classroom
In Brighton’s Pre-K 1 Classroom, children will:
- Start laying the foundation for reading and writing. They will learn all letters of the alphabet and the first letter of their name.
- Use the creative arts to facilitate emotional and language development.
- Participate in daily music/movement time where they will use instruments and dance to further develop their motor skills.
- Develop their creative imagination through dramatic play.
- Be read to daily, practice good listening skills, and be able to recognize social and emotional behaviors through story.
Children thrive off of a routine with just the right amount of structure and flexibility because it helps their minds know what to expect and be mentally prepared to take on the day. Our daily schedule gives students plenty of opportunities for teacher directed instruction, child led exploration, and socialization within large and small group learning experiences. We also take our learning outdoors twice a day and give our brains a rest after lunch time. Students are provided with breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack.
We ask that you arrive prior to 8:15 if you’d like your child to have breakfast and that all students are here no later than 9:30am on a daily basis. Our earliest drop off time is 7:00am and the latest pick up time is 6:00pm. The bulk of our curriculum will take place between 8:30 and 4:30 and we want to ensure that all of our students are getting the most out of what each day has to offer.
Low ratios are essential to providing young children with high quality, meaningful learning experiences. We pride ourselves on following NAEYC standard ratios and ensuring we are attentive and engaged with each of our students and providing the best possible care and education.
Our teachers are amazing, devoted, and highly talented. They genuinely care for the students in their class and have the experience and education to create learning experiences and relationships that will last a lifetime. In each classroom at least one of the teachers has a college degree either in education or a closely related field. In most of our classrooms, both the lead and assistant teachers have a degree and/or certification. All of our teachers pursue ongoing training and education on an annual basis and receive at least 30 hours of training each year. 90% of our teachers have been with Brighton for more than a year and the majority have been with us for several years. We also, have substitutes on staff so that when our teachers need to be out, our students will still have a familiar face.
When you eat well, you grow, learn, and feel well.
We make a conscious effort to help our students enjoy a variety of tasty and nutritious meals each day. All of our meals align with the guidelines set forth by the USDA, but we also take care to use fresh, high quality ingredients and prepare each meal with love and tons of tasty flavors. One of the best ways to get children interested in trying new foods is by involving them in the process. Our students help plant herbs and veggies in our garden, maintain the garden, participate in a variety of cooking activities in the classroom, give feedback on foods they would like to have on next month’s menu, and practice family style dining.
The National Association of Education for Young Children (NAEYC) program standards are the highest standards an early childhood education/pre-school program can acquire. Both of Brighton’s Pre-School locations hold this accreditation and operate according to their standards that are based on the latest research in education. These standards that Brighton Center operates within include:
- Promoting positive relationships between children and teachers.
- Implementing a curriculum that supports learning.
- Teaching that supports curriculum goals.
- Establishing a system of assessment for children’s learning.
- Promoting the health of children.
- Employing teachers who have a professional commitment.
- Maintaining relationships with families.
- Identifying community resources to support goals.
- Maintaining a safe physical environment.
- Having program management follow policies to maintain high-quality experiences for children, families, and staff.
When you choose a NAEYC accredited center, like Brighton Center, you can feel assured that your child is well cared for, is enjoying activities and making friends — and is building the knowledge, skills, and confidence to do well in kindergarten and beyond.
At Brighton’s Preschool Centers we understand that Parents play a vital role in the development of their children. That is why we involve our parents in ongoing curriculum and center activities. In addition, we meet annually with parents and discuss their child’s current developmental progress and goals to ensure we are working together towards kindergarten readiness.
Communication between teachers and parents is a high priority at Brighton Center. We recognize the trust you place in us with your children and take that responsibility seriously. That’s why we have partnered with Tadpoles to provide parents information, progress reports, photos, videos, and more of their children while they are in our care.
Here are some details about the parent communication tool that we use called “Tadpoles”:
UPDATES ARE PRIVATE AND SECURE We know that nothing is more important to a parent than the security of their children and their children’s information. That is why we use Tadpoles. It’s a service that allows safe and secure sharing from us to you.
ALL PARENTS HAVE ACCESS FREE! If you have a smartphone, you have access to the free Tadpoles Parent app. But, we realize not every parent has a smartphone. You will be able to access photos, videos, and reports via email and through the web.
USE APP OR EMAIL: WE MAKE IT EASY Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. Everyone has access to email. For that reason email is our primary means of communication. Right from your email you can play a video, share a photo, or reply right back to the teacher or director.
NEVER HEAR “NOTHING” AGAIN What did your child do today? Now you will always know. Photos and videos of your child’s day give you a view of their day. Daily reports keep you informed of the daily activities and learning experiences that happen while you are at work.
