ACADEMIC
True to its namesake, Academic Preschools focus on kindergarten readiness with reading and math skills. The classroom activities are more structured and scheduled than in other preschools, and play is during recess and a set time. Other examples of the Academic Preschool curriculum include measuring time, problem-solving, colors, and letter and number identification.
BANK STREET
One of the most modern preschool philosophies is Bank Street and what differentiates their curriculum is an interdisciplinary approach to educating the whole child - intellectually, emotionally, physically, and socially. The program focuses on emotional intelligence, children’s introspection, understanding themselves and the world around them, and working together and respecting others. Children of different ages are in the same classroom and work together in collaboration. An example of a Bank Street learning model is the teacher talking about where food comes from while children are playing restaurant in the play kitchen.
CO-OP
Co-ops are a good fit for parents seeking a hands-on role and involvement in their child’s school. For stay-at-home parents, families with flexible work hours, or local grandparents, co-ops can be an excellent way to get a wonderful preschool at a more affordable cost.
The co-op’s curriculum includes play-based learning led by a teacher, and the family members/caretakers are co-teachers, assisting, watching the children, setting up, and cleaning activities. The co-op requires a minimum number of participation hours, and sometimes there are communal requirements.
Many families enjoy the community co-ops and support systems for children and adults.
DEVELOPMENTAL AND PLAY-BASED
The most common preschool philosophy in the United States is “developmental” or play-based. This is often student-led and teacher-facilitated, where the child will explore through play, and the teacher will take the opportunity for teaching moments. For example, the teacher can count with the child if a student is using building blocks. In these preschool classrooms, you will find different stations, such as dress-up clothes, a reading corner, art supplies, and tables with nearby blocks and magnet tiles.
There are some structured activities, such as circle and story time, but this playtime allows the children to explore throughout the classroom, individually, in parallel play, or with peers.
The philosophy behind developmental and play-based learning is that children build a love of learning and confidence through curiosity and creativity.
DUAL LANGUAGE
Dual language programs consist of a bilingual education that values the student’s native language while developing biliteracy and academic achievements in both languages. The goal is for early learners to become completely literate in two languages as adults, and approximately 70% of their time in school is taught in their native language.
HIGHSCOPE
HighScope’s classwork focuses on creative exploration and pretend play, and the curriculum uses key development indicators (KDI) as teachers’ guidelines. These KDIs help teachers choose activities and projects for their students. HighScope follows a “play-do-review” curriculum where students choose what they want to work on and create a goal for the day.
Learning is play-based, and teachers work with the children with hands-on projects; an example would include a child interested in space being encouraged to build a model of the planets.
Social interaction is encouraged, and a consistent routine is followed to create predictability and for children to have autonomy.
MONTESSORI
Over 100 years ago, Italian physician Dr. Maria Montessori developed the learning philosophy named in her honor. She believed the first six years of a child’s life are critical and that learning should take place in a nurturing environment that encourages the child’s natural interests, curiosities, and abilities. The classes are student-driven, and the child is encouraged to follow their natural interests compared to formal instruction. Examples of classroom materials are paint to create art, water play, and blocks to build.
Community and relationship building is important in the Montessori philosophy, and the classes and teachers typically stay together for three consecutive years. Children of different ages are often in the same class, and older students are encouraged to mentor younger classmates.
According to the American Montessori Society, “In a Montessori classroom, teachers assess students daily, using their observations of each child’s interactions in the environment and with peers. They use their knowledge of child development and academic outcomes to prepare an environment simultaneously stimulating and academically, physically, socially, and emotionally accessible.”
THE OPEN PRESCHOOL
Outdoor preschool programs tend to follow up the Open Preschool philosophy. Founded in the British educational system, these programs use the earth and nature as the child’s classroom and focus on natural curiosities. This program allows children to develop at their own pace and gravitate toward their interests. Learning is often student-led and has a wide range of applications. Examples include nature exploration walks, weather discussions, and making flower crowns.
REGGIO EMILIA
Reggio Emilia was developed after WW2 in Italy, and it focuses on community, exploration, and a self-guided curriculum based on the child’s natural development. The program is student-driven and uses hands-on activities that foster relationship-building and active listening.
According to the Reggio Children Organization, “The curriculum bases its structure around ‘the participation of families, the collegial work of all the personnel, the importance of the educational environment, the presence of the creative space and the figure of the art teacher, the in-school kitchen, and the pedagogical coordinating team.” Examples of learning activities include using a sensory table, discovering and discussing insects, flowers, and plants on the playground, and creating noise makers for music and dramatic plays.
RELIGIOUS-AFFILIATED
Some religious organizations offer faith-based preschools. The curriculum’s focus on the religion can vary, whether reciting prayers and singing hymns or religious teachings and instruction.
WALDORF
The Waldorf educational model was introduced in the United States in 1928, a philosophy founded by Austrian scientist and philosopher Rudolf Steiner. The Waldorf philosophy emphasizes critical thinking, practical work, learning by experiencing, creativity, drama, and the arts over competitive testing, academic placement, and memorizing facts. The teacher and students collaborate on what they want to learn, and teachers may stay with the same classmates for up to eight years. Examples include gardening, cooking, baking, storytelling, music, and painting.
Sabrina Hiltunen realized she had found the right preschool for her son when he cried as he left after their tour and begged to go back inside the classroom. He continued to ask to go to the school the following days, showing her it was an environment he felt comfortable in and a preschool he wanted to attend.