We are located in the lower level of the Willow Ridge Community Association at 680 Acadia Drive SE. We offer morning and afternoon classes for children ages 3 to 5. We are a nonprofit preschool that believes children learn best through play. We have been providing quality and affordable preschool programming since 1981. Our ideal location allows for gym and playground access as well as lots of outdoor space, with an outdoor rink we use to skate on in the winter and use as an outdoor gym in the summer. At Willow Park Preschool, we work on developing and enhancing socialization skills such as listening, decision-making, problem solving, healthy communication, taking turns, empathy, sharing, respect, and self-control, as well as fostering curiosity, independence, self-esteem, imagination, hand-eye coordination, language and cognitive skills as well as an introduction to physical education.
Our Vision
We are a preschool that emphasizes learning through play. By following an emergent curriculum*, the teachers at Willow Park Preschool observe the children at play and develop their calendar/projects based on the children’s interests: (what are the children playing, what are they talking about and how can we support their learning dispositions?)
We believe in advocating for the children as well as representing them. We do that by listening, observing and finally, nourishing what they have shown us.
Our philosophy is influenced by the flight framework curriculum, Emilia Reggio, Piaget and Constructivism.
We offer hands-on activities and believe in building confidence by encouraging the children to ask questions, participate, and, to make mistakes.
We like to explore art by offering a range of materials that allows the children to decide how and when to use them. We call it “open-ended art”.
When children are free to choose, they are capable to come up with their own art ideas besides developing regulation skills, focus and language.
Our preschool has a strong sense of community. The parents at Willow Park Preschool are our lovely volunteers who make this all possible.
* Emergent Curriculum is a philosophy of educating and a thorough way of planning out lessons and learning that is responsive to each child’s interests and progress; making it much more meaningful and tailored to each student.
Our Routine
Circle time: We start our day with circle time. Usually, a conversation related to the ongoing project followed by a few songs for some fun movements.
Table tops: After circle, we invite the children to explore the activities on each of the 5 tables. Our tables are usually divided into different categories:
1. Sensorial (water, sand, slime, playdough)
2. Fine motor (pinch punch, drawing, painting, writing)
3. Full hand muscle awareness (cutting, gluing, beading, braiding, sewing)
4. Games (puzzles, board game – counting, taking turns, following rules)
5. Crafts (open ended craft or a craft related to the project).
We also have a sand table, painting easels, science corner and our library always available.
Snack: We finish tabletops and prepare for snack. Everyone washes their hand and eats the snack they brought from home.
Free Play: The playroom is often changed into whatever the current project is. We like to incorporate new items that are related to the project and keep nourishing their interests.
Story Time: Our last activity is a story. We prepare our library monthly, so it goes along with the project. The teachers sit at the circle with the children and vote on a book. The one with most votes is the one we read.
Gym Time: We have gym time once a week for each class. Gym time allows us to explore gross motor in an open and safe environment. The children show much more focus after we come from the gym.
It’s so important for them to have the opportunity to run, jump and get sweaty!
Have a Say in Your Child’s Education!
Willow Park Preschool is a Parent run Co-Operative. This means that the school is operated by the volunteering of parents that have their child enrolled. All parents are required to volunteer for one of the many roles that keep the preschool fun and operating smoothly. These roles can be anything from President or Treasurer of the board to Party Planner, Social Media coordinator, to making Play-Doh . For the most current list of volunteer roles, please contact the school. In addition to your volunteer role, all parents are required to take part in cleaning nights where several parents get together and do a deep clean of the preschool. This is an important part of keeping the preschool a safe and healthy environment for our children.
willowparkpreschool.com 