Discovery
Early Childhood Programs at Oak Grove School provide young children a wide range of experiences in a very nurturing environment. Because Preschoolers and Kindergarten kids are emerging from the comfort and security of their homes, the Oak Grove Preschool programs ease them gently and playfully into the world of peers. At Oak Grove, children come to trust their teachers who are caring, supportive and knowledgeable about this journey.
Learning
Serious respect for the work and play of children is combined with developmentally appropriate expectations of classroom routine and social learning. Children begin to learn how to get along with others – to share, to be aware of other people’s feelings, to express themselves in words, to solve disputes.
In Oak Grove’s diverse, thoughtful community, we strive for collaboration among teachers, parents, and children that models the values of cooperation and lifelong learning. Our founder’s intent is not just the schooling of children but nourishment of the whole family.
Three facets make up the early childhood program at Oak Grove School. They include a developmental Preschool for 3- to 5-year-olds and Kindergarten for 4- to 6-year-olds, as well as a parent education and support program.
Preschool Program
In Oak Grove’s Preschool Program, an environment is created where learning takes place naturally and intellectual growth flourishes, but is never forced. Through stories, art, nature, indoor and outdoor activities and movement, children are supported as they explore their world and become more independent.
As children become more at ease with separation, they begin to form peer relationships and increasingly become part of a group. Preschool provides challenge and intellectual stimulation within a warm emotional climate. Teachers and children create experiences together that arouse curiosity, inspire discovery and stretch muscles. Through observing children closely, teachers determine needs, temperament, and readiness for next steps.
There is a special emphasis on social-emotional development in Preschool, based on the values of community and empathy. Children are given the tools and skills needed to participate in cooperative interactions, to resolve conflicts peacefully, to stand up for themselves and others, and to be active, responsible members of a group.
At Oak Grove we are committed to fostering in children the sense of well-being and confidence that enables them to appreciate others and instills real understanding across cultures.
Kindergarten
Kindergarten at Oak Grove is a time when children and their families enter a larger, more diverse community; when children are discovering their autonomy, yet still need supportive adults to help them make sense of the world.
This is a time when the transition between play and learning is still seamless. Kindergarten provides children with an opportunity to learn (and practice) the essential problem-solving and communication skills that they will use throughout their schooling. Through immersion in a participatory and inquiry-based curriculum, students develop a sense of autonomy and internalize a feeling of safety.
Parent Support
Our intention is to nurture an affectionate partnership between teachers and parents. To encourage open communication between home and school, parent education and discussion time is offered twice a month during school hours with the ECP Director.
Come discover and learn with us!
Oak Grove’s expanded early childhood program emphasizes the emotional and academic benefits that can take place when parents and children learn together.
