The emphasis for this class is to introduce children to school and their life-long learning experience. Children learn social and emotional skills such as, taking turns, following a routine, following directions, and developing positive social interactions. An emphasis on language acquisition and development is provided through carefully planned play-based activities both indoors and outdoors. Intentional interdisciplinary learning centers (which we refer to as provocations and invitations) are created each day to encourage children to actively explore and investigate their environment. Interactive play and exploration is provided to encourage both large and small motor development. Art exploration, phonological awareness, basic counting skills, scripture verses, songs and poems, listening to and interacting with stories, spatial awareness, and sensory activities are all a part of your child’s learning experience.

Art exploration, phonemic awareness, basic counting skills, scripture verses, songs and poems, listening to and interacting with stories, spatial awareness, and sensory activities are all a part of your child’s learning experience.

As we see our children mature and grow, we find them more competent in making decisions regarding their own learning through exploration and investigation of their environment. Children will be provided provocations to enhance their numeracy skills, letter recognition, early literacy skills in both English and Spanish, art exploration, music and rhythm movement, scripture verses, science and sensory, social skills, and large and small muscle development. Risk taking (trying new things) is highly encouraged in this emotionally safe learning environment. We have found for children to succeed on their academic journey, they need a solid social-emotional foundation. You will find that these foundational skills are cultivated each and every day. We believe that children excel when invested in their own education. We encourage this by providing developmentally appropriate opportunities through our inquiry-driven, play-based environment.

Students are finding that they are competent in many ways as they make decisions for their learning while exploring and investigating their environment. Math, letter recognition, reading and writing readiness, art, music and rhythm movement, science experiments, social skills, and large and small muscle development provide interactive opportunities throughout the day. Children will begin to print, recognize alphabet letters and sounds, and learn basic math concepts such as number recognition and one-to-one correspondence. Learning scripture, poems and songs are also an important part of their experience. Children must be 4 years old by September 1st to be in the 4 -5 year old program.

Kindergarten Readiness: An assessment by both preschool teachers and kindergarten teachers is coordinated to ensure your child is ready to have a successful Kindergarten experience. All children must be 5 years old by September 1 to attend Desert Christian Schools’ Kindergarten.

Our After Care Program is an extension of our morning programming and children are welcome to participate in the following activities:

• Lunch Bunch (lunch with teacher and friends)
• Outdoor Exploration
• Nap/Rest Time
• Provocations and Invitations
• Story Time
• Bible stories and verses
• Independent and peer play

After Care is intentionally differentiated to meet the unique needs of your child. While some children need a nap, others simply need a quiet time to rest and recharge. After Care meets the need for each of these. Independence and self-sufficiency is fostered in a nurturing environment. Children are offered a balance of student-initiated and teacher-supported activities throughout the afternoon.