Freedom Park Preschool

DISCOVERY PROGRAM: FOR CHILDREN 12-23 MONTHS AS OF SEPTEMBER 1, 2026.

 

Discovery, defined as gaining insight or knowledge of something previously unseen or unknown, is a cornerstone of early learning. At this stage, knowledge expands as children engage with their environment through multi-sensory experiences designed to foster exploration and discovery.

For many children in this age group, experiences outside the home are still unfamiliar. Even the act of separating from parents or a beloved caretaker can be both new and challenging. To support this important transition, our preschool provides consistent, nurturing environments where children can explore their ability to form new relationships.

Through meaningful interactions with teachers and peers, children develop a sense of belonging. This growing sense of security enables them to engage more fully with their surroundings—seeing, feeling, doing, and, ultimately, discovering.

You may register your child for up to five days a week. Please check your preferred days.
Note: Changes or additions to your selected days are subject to availability.

If applicable, you may use the Comments Box at the end of the form to indicate your second-choice preferences.

 

EXPLORER PROGRAM: FOR CHILDREN AGE 2, TURNING 3.  24-35 MONTHS AS OF SEPTEMBER 1, 2026.

We believe that children at this stage of development are naturally driven to explore—eager to investigate every area, test boundaries, and venture into the unknown. Whether timid or bold, they approach the world with fascination and strong opinions about everything they encounter.

These young explorers are deeply curious about the people they meet and how those individuals respond to them. Their visual-spatial awareness and language skills are constantly evolving, reflecting their expanding understanding of the world.

Repetition through books, stories, songs, puzzles, and movement fosters a sense of mastery, while the introduction of new activities and materials stimulates curiosity, encourages focus, and provides just the right amount of challenge for growth.

ADVENTURE PROGRAM:  FOR CHILDREN 3 TURNING 4, 36 - 47 MONTHS AS OF SEPTEMBER 1, 2026.

 
Our adventurers are ready for bold new challenges. Their growing fine motor skills enable them to create more detailed, representational work, while their expanding self-concept and blossoming imagination support increasingly complex storytelling and cooperative play.

Recognizing that children develop at their own pace, we strive to provide creative experiences that cater to a wide range of developmental needs. These experiences are designed to foster developmentally appropriate problem-solving opportunities. Through the richness and complexity of their play, children encounter and overcome challenges across all learning domains. As they navigate these challenges, they experience the satisfaction of taking risks and the joy of discovery and learning.

2nd Language Learning Experiences in Italian and Spanish
We are excited to offer immersive 5-day language learning experiences in Italian and Spanish. These classes honor children's innate curiosity and competence while maintaining the same flow of the day, materials, environment, and educational approach as our other classrooms.

Our language learning program emphasizes child-directed, play-based exploration. Rooted in the belief that language acquisition is an organic and natural process for children, teachers communicate exclusively in the target language while engaging in the daily life of the classroom.

Additional strategies enrich the language learning experience, including: memorization of songs, interactive storytelling and games, use of visual aids such as pictures and contextual cues to support understanding.

This approach ensures that second language learning is both engaging and developmentally appropriate, fostering curiosity and confidence as children explore new ways to communicate.

 

VOYAGER AND 2ND LANGUAGE LEARNING EXPERIENCE PROGRAM:   CHILDREN 4 - 5 years AS OF SEPTEMBER 1, 2026

 
Voyagers: The Beginning of a Lifelong Journey

These children are voyagers, embarking on the first leg of their long journey into formal education. This voyage should have a strong and hopeful beginning, where ideas, curiosity, and creativity are cherished, and imaginations are given the time and space to soar.

At this stage, children engage in complex social understanding, driven by a budding interest in justice and fairness. These interests spark engaging discussions and foster challenging problem-solving opportunities. While memory and skill acquisition are essential, it is equally important to honor the depth and complexity of children’s understanding. As W.B. Yeats so eloquently said, “Education is not the filling of a bucket, but the lighting of a fire.”

Our goal is for these voyagers to spend their year on a journey that ignites their curiosity and inspires them, lighting a fire for the exciting voyage ahead.

Spanish Language Experience
The Spanish Language Experience enriches the PreK curriculum with Spanish language and cultural immersion. Families interested in this program may choose it even if their child was not previously enrolled in the 3-year-old Spanish program. However, preference will be given to children who have participated in the earlier Spanish experience.

Italian Language Experience
The Italian Language Experience continues in the multi-age Italian classroom, where Italian language and culture are integrated throughout the day. These second-language learning classes honor children’s natural curiosity and competence, maintaining the same flow of the day, materials, environment, and educational approach as other classrooms.

Our language learning program emphasizes child-directed, play-based exploration, rooted in the belief that language acquisition is a natural, organic process for children. Teachers communicate exclusively in the target language, weaving it seamlessly into the daily life of the classroom.

Key strategies include:

• Memorization of songs to build vocabulary and rhythm.
• Interactive storytelling and games that engage children’s imaginations.
• Use of visual aids such as pictures and contextual clues to support comprehension.

Through these immersive experiences, children develop not only language skills but also an appreciation for the richness of diverse cultures, all while enjoying the adventure of learning.

 

VOYAGERS:  CHILDREN 5 years AS OF SEPTEMBER 1, 2026

 
Voyagers: The Beginning of a Lifelong Journey

These children are voyagers, embarking on the first stage of their long journey into formal education. This voyage deserves a strong and hopeful beginning, where ideas, curiosity, and creativity are cherished, and imaginations are given the time and space to soar.

At this stage, children engage in increasingly complex social understanding. Their growing interest in justice and fairness sparks lively discussions and challenging problem-solving opportunities. While memory and skill acquisition are valuable, it is equally important to honor the complexity and depth of children’s understanding. As W.B. Yeats famously stated, “Education is not the filling of a bucket, but the lighting of a fire.”

Our goal is for these voyagers to embark on a journey that inspires them, igniting their curiosity and passion for learning as they prepare for the exciting voyage ahead.

Note: In the event that target enrollment numbers are not met, a multi-age classroom may be created. Teachers in this setting are skilled in tailoring instruction to meet the unique developmental needs of each child.

The "young 5's" program is designed to offer children who turn five in the spring or summer an additional year to grow and prepare before entering kindergarten at another school. This program provides a nurturing environment where experienced teachers guide children through joyful explorations of science, nature, art, and early math and literacy skills.

If you have questions about your child’s eligibility for this program, please contact the school director at margaretw@freedomparkpreschool.org.