PRE-KINDERGARTEN
“Pre-Kinder Seniors” 4+ Years
THE SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND TOOLS YOUR PRESCHOOLER IS GOING TO NEED TO CRUSH IT IN KINDERGARTEN
THIS IS THE LAST YEAR WE HAVE TO SEAL IN THE IMPRESSION WE’VE MADE, AND WE DOUBLE DOWN – ON MATH, ART, MOVEMENT, SCIENCE, AND ESPECIALLY COMMUNICATION SKILLS
PRE-KINDERGARTEN
“Pre-Kinder Seniors” 4+ Years
THE SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND TOOLS YOUR PRESCHOOLER IS GOING TO NEED TO CRUSH IT IN KINDERGARTEN
THIS IS THE LAST YEAR WE HAVE TO SEAL IN THE IMPRESSION WE’VE MADE, AND WE DOUBLE DOWN – ON MATH, ART, MOVEMENT, SCIENCE, AND ESPECIALLY COMMUNICATION SKILLS
BOOK A COMPLIMENTARY TOUR TODAY!
COMMUNICATION IS KEY: WE USE PHONICS AS A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE TOOL FOR GUIDED READING AND WRITING
Focusing on Kindergarten readiness, much of our academic time focuses on building pre-writing and pre-reading skills.
Premier Pathways, our award-winning curriculum developed by the owners of Premier Learning Academy, is a proven phonics-based program that helps guide your young learner through the early stages of phonetic awareness which then results in enriched reading of sight words and word families for the advanced learner.
We designed a special reading program headed by a specialist to work on fluency and reading comprehension skills through small group learning.
Our “scholastic for scholars” initiative motivates students with new magazines that arrive in the mail for the classroom!
FOREVER LOVE MATH
A focus on developing a positive attitude towards math is key to exceling in it!
Too many of us as adults had a negative experience when we were young with math – and we grew up either afraid of it or feeling we weren’t “math people”. This has now thoroughly been debunked, math, and more importantly, the critical thinking skills it develops, is a critical part of our modern world and we now know that EVERYONE can gain a foundational understanding.
Our goal is to ensure your child starts their journey into math with a sense of wonder and openness. Every person learns at a different level, and we ensure your child
We strive to teach numbers 1 to 100 and basic algebraic operations using music and repetition. Eager learners even get the exciting chance to begin counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s!
We also use art (for those more visually inclined) to inspire geometric concepts of shapes and patterns, graphing, sorting and sequencing.
SCIENCE THROUGH EXPERIMENTS
The best method to truly learn and love science is to experiment and ignite the senses!
We excite curiosities through inquiry: making observations with and through art, math, classifying toys, estimating and measuring fun things all relevant to your preschooler’s world view.
We continue with a one-to-one approach in our curriculum, ensuring the experience is tailored to the young learner’s interests.
The human body teaches about our teeth, senses and importance of nutrition.
The earth & beyond unit introduces our amazing planet, keeping it clean and exploring the rest of the universe.
And of course, the animal kingdom unit is by far the most popular amongst pre-kinders! Exploring reptiles, insects mammals and dinosaurs incites their passion towards our non-human friends on earth.
CONFIDENCE & RESILIENCE ARE THE CORNERSTONE OF PRESCHOOL EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Kindergarten readiness is rooted in strong self-esteem and independence.
Placing great emphasis on having our little ones familiarize with different emotions and how to resolve conflict by reflecting and controlling them is a huge focus.
This includes separation anxiety, discovering individual strengths and weaknesses as well their unique physical appearance as they begin to notice differences between themselves and peers.
To fully prepare for the change in ratios of kindergarten and reduced individual attention, we instill these core values to cope with different teachers as well as friends: respect and self-respect, manners, sharing with and caring for those around us and being organized and accountable for our actions.
PAINTING LIKE PICASSO
Encouraging expression of imagination and creativity through the arts is fundamental in the modern classroom.
From painting Art Masterpieces to performing on stage, we enrich minds by tapping into a realm of student-led creativity.
As the world now rewards creativity and cross-discipline connections, every month we integrate a practical work of art that is related to an academic portion of the curriculum, connecting science, math, art and even movement together.
SINGING IN THE RAIN OR SHOWER, AS LONG AS YOU SING
Music is an incredible stimulator. We all have our favorite songs, the one we HAVE to sing to, or get up and dance, or that we connect with and has the best chance of turning a bad day into a manageable one.
It’s an even more powerful stimulant for our preschoolers. As their minds form and make connections, we use music, songs, rhymes, and poetry to engage them in new and inspiring ways.
YOU’VE GOT TO MOVE IT MOVE IT
We add movement to all our programs through physical fitness, helping children strengthen their coordination and gross motor skills, which in turn builds confidence and trust in their bodies.
Your child enjoys yoga, sports, indoor and outdoor active play in beautiful purpose-built playscapes for the start of lifelong healthy habits and a love of movement.
Finally, we add to the mix special guests and courses to truly offer a unique and dynamic preschool program.
Our pre-kinder program focuses on a structured daily schedule. Beginning the day with circle time is critical and usually takes place after the morning rush at 9am so that everyone gets ample opportunity to make it in time. Circle time is followed by learning stations alternating with sensory play. We believe students are better prepared for success by experiencing transitions from one activity or place to the next. The earlier we get our students familiar and comfortable with transitioning from one space to the next without hiccups, the faster they get on the road to success!
Circle time is significant learning time. We would prefer that you arrive by 9am but do not restrict your schedule – hence arrival by 9am is only a recommendation. Success largely depends on introducing a healthy routine (waking up at a consistent relatively early hour, eating a healthy breakfast on the go, dressing independently, helping to pack a lunch and making it to school in due time with no stress or rush). This will surely implement a great start before kindergarten begins.
In order to get children ready for a longer day in kindergarten, we prefer a longer morning full of activity without break for food from 8am to 11:15am when lunch is served. In the afternoon, a nutritious snack at 2:30pm is served before the end of the full school day.
Naptime greatly varies according to families’ needs, as well as desires! Every child is different. Some pre-kinder students used to nap during their previous year in preschool but no longer need the ‘down time’ and desire to join the afternoon program. Some parents are adamant about their child napping until the very last day before kindergarten and some prefer to wean off nap mid way through pre-kinder year. We are very flexible and offer you an option for whatever choice you may see fit.
We offer two parent-teacher conferences annually – first meeting takes place at the beginning of the program to assess where a child is, and the second meeting is planned for sometime mid-year. Daily communication and curriculum updates in monthly newsletters are also a wonderful consistent key to communicating progress and status of where children are. Our teachers are very approachable and fantastic at keeping their parents informed of behavior, performance and progress at all times!
Meet yOur Teachers
Chandler Location
Ms. Danielle
Ms. Danielle | Pre-kindergarten
I was born in Southern California but raised here in the Gilbert/Chandler area where I attended grade school. I studied education at Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University. From being an aunt of 8 nieces and nephews to being a Girl Scout Leader and a Girl Scout Camp Counselor to volunteering with Special Olympics, working with children has always been my passion! My hobbies include hiking, swimming, going to the gym and trying new foods! I’m truly so excited to be part of the family here at PLA!
Ms. Esther
Ms. Esther | Pre-Kindergarten
I moved to Chandler from Pennsylvania 20 years ago with my husband. I have 3 wonderful children who are my everything! I have been working in the preschool world for over 15 years and I have an Associate degree in Technology, which is my passion! My favorite thing to do is hike the great state of Arizona and watch my kids play soccer!
Ms. Kelsey
Ms. Kelsey | Pre-kindergarten
I was born and raised in Iowa and attended the University of Iowa (GO HAWKEYES) where I received my bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a focus on child development. I moved to Gilbert 4 years ago to be closer to my best friend and to explore new opportunities. In my spare time I love hiking, swimming, participating in trivia nights, and going to the movies. I have always felt it was my passion to work with kids, so I am extremely excited to be a part of the PLA family!
Ms. Lillian
Ms. Lillian | Pre-kindergarten
I grew up down the street from Premier Learning Academy and now live in South Tempe with my husband. I graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree in Communications. Since I was a teenager, I have always loved caring for children. I have experience in special education and nannying as well. In my free time I love to spend time with my six nieces and nephews, read, and spend time outside. I’m so excited to be a part of the PLA family!
Queen Creek Location
Ms. Chantelle
Ms. Chantelle | Pre-kindergarten
Hello Parents & Friends! Growing up, I was always the little girl who wanted to become a teacher – and if that didn’t work out I daydreamed about being a farmer! I’ve been working with young children for about 9 years now, the last 5 of those years having been spent teaching pre-k here at PLA! My time here has been a dream come true with all the wonderful students I’ve worked with over the years. On the rare occasions I do have free time, I love to explore nature, write and read! I have a Chonky cat named Baby and an adorable little mouse named Castiel! I am so excited to meet you all! I promise that we’re going to have so much fun!
