What is a parent participation preschool?
Does the term play-based mean that it is not “academic?”
Is a play-based preschool good preparation for kindergarten?
What kind of activities and experiences will be offered at preschool?
What should my preschooler wear to school?
What if I want my child to come to LCP, but I can’t work in the classroom?
Do you offer before or after school care or extended day options?
Do you offer a summer program?
What is a parent participation preschool?
Also known as a “co-op” or cooperative preschool, a parent participation preschool relies on an active partnership among parents, teachers, and children. Parents work as teacher assistants under the direction of a professional director/teacher. Parents also assume many responsibilities in the administration of the school.
As a volunteer in your child’s class, you are a vital member of our school community. In this cooperative setting, parents and children have opportunities to learn together through hands-on exploration and play, as well as build friendships and community.
For more info, check out the parent participation requirements.
Does the term play-based mean that it is not “academic?”
At Loomis Community Preschool, we provide our students with ample opportunities to learn through play, as this is the most effective way for them to explore ideas and integrate new information into their lives. Playing and learning go hand-in-hand!
We offer students a variety of activities and experiences that allow each child to build and develop language skills, social skills, physical coordination, creativity, and a healthy self-image.
LCP supports the following child-centered objectives:
- To get along well in work and play with peers and adults
- To be able to communicate clearly
- To show initiative and responsibility
- To foster a sense of community through work and play
- To have interests in art, music, science, and the world around him or her
- To be aware of the basics for a strong, healthy body
- To be an emotionally secure individual
- To develop fine and gross motor skills
Is a play-based preschool good preparation for kindergarten?
This is what a few of our local elementary schools have to say about play-based learning:
“I feel strongly that kids need play in order to develop skills like cooperation, fine motor and critical thinking. These skills are vital for Kindergarten.”
-Katie Doak, Newcastle Elementary School TK teacher
“Students learning to build fine motor skills with tracing, cutting, coloring, using playdough, and sewing or threading beads will prepare the students more for a kindergarten year where they will be expected to have these basics down in order to be successful at writing and arts and crafts projects. Preschools that teach students about good character is very important. Reading stories, role playing, and drawing about how to be a responsible, respectful, caring, trustworthy citizen is important to a Kindergarten teacher.”
-Janine Brizendine, Kindergarten Teacher at Loomis Grammar
“Play based with hands-on and student directed learning would be especially recommended for the early preschoolers as they are preparing to transition to Kindergarten. Kids need to play and explore.”
-Jennifer Wood, Kindergarten Teacher at H. Clarke Powers
What kind of activities and experiences will be offered at preschool?
The children at LCP are offered various activities and experiences including social experiences, dramatic play, sensory play, and opportunities for self-expression. They have opportunities to participate in physical activities, walks and excursions, as well as exposure to music, art and literature. They are encouraged to explore and create in a safe and healthy environment, and each child is accepted as an individual with specific needs.
What should my preschooler wear to school?
Children should be dressed in play clothes appropriate for current weather conditions that can get dirty, as children will be painting, gluing, playing with sand and water, inside and out. They should wear loose-fitting clothes, so as not to confine play, and sturdy shoes for running, climbing, and riding bikes.
*Parents working in the classroom should keep in mind that they will also be exposed to painting, gluing, sand, water, etc. and should dress accordingly.
What if I want my child to come to LCP but I can’t work in the classroom?
We have a limited number of spaces available for limited-participation parents. You can also send a spouse or grandparent to work in your place.
Do you offer before or after school care or extended care options?
We do not currently offer any extended care beyond our regular class times.
Do you offer a summer program?
We do not currently offer a summer program. Our classes run on a typical school year schedule, from September to May.