Preschool Prep + Parent Education
The Family Room has designed a program that continues to provide education + community for parents as you begin to prepare your toddler for preschool. Our parenting expert, Gia, leads topic-driven discussions, provides important information and supports you; while your 2-year-old gets the comfort of having you nearby while participating in an enriched and supervised learning experience across the room with our newest educator, Ms. Tasha.
We’ll cover off on important topics like Goal Setting, Emotional Development, Educational Philosophies, Successful Parenting with Partners and more of the topics that are emerging at this age and stage of development, as well as leave time to talk about your experiences, questions and anything else that comes up.
This shared space concept will give your child practice at gently separating from you in preparation for preschool and offer social-emotional and play-based learning activities such as song time, story time, arts & crafts, simple letter and number recognition activities.
Parent Discussion Topics
We will have a planned discussion topic for each week, however, there will always be time for troubleshooting and responding to your needs as they arise.
- Goal Setting
- Teach – Model – Reinforce Values Model
- Emotional Development (Initiative vs. Guilt)
- Time for Chores (responsibility to self and family)
- Connecting Children to Nature
- Screen Realities in the Age of Remote Learning
- Education Philosophies
- Parenting with Partners
- Gratitude Work for children
- Review and Hot Topics
The Toddler Experience
Each week, the toddlers will engage in activities that reflect specific themes. Story time, songs, crafts, and toys will all reflect these themes. We will introduce a new theme every two weeks.
| Time | Activity | Themes & Activities |
|---|---|---|
| 20 minutes | Hello Meeting Song time, music & movement, story time |
Community Heroes – Police/firefighters, doctors/nurses |
| 20 minutes | Small-group Guided Activity Arts/crafts, messy play |
STEM* – Mixtures, volcanoes |
| 30 minutes | Free Play Manipulatives, gross motor Play |
Nature – Beans in bag, coffee filter butterfly |
| 20 minutes | Goodbye Meeting Roses & Thorns, Goodbye song |
Art – String painting, object painting Music – Make your own drums, maracas |
*STEM: Science, technology, engineering & math
Separation Philosophy
We are delighted to be a part of your child’s first exposure to a more structured and enriched learning environment. In a typical school, the child separates from their parents at the door and reunion is at the end of the school day. In our prep format, children will share the same space with their parents, with a minimal barrier (child gate) separating us. Children will be warmly welcomed, given an age-appropriate task to complete upon arrival, and then say “goodbye” to their parent. If they experience or display signs of separation anxiety, Tasha will engage and gently encourage them. However, if they continue to feel distressed they can check in with their parent and re-enter class when they feel ready.
Peaceful Conflict Resolution
Conflict is an important opportunity for children to learn how to be part of a group. As they learn how to navigate personal space, share resources, take turns, and much, much more during their time together, peer conflicts will be a natural occurrence. Tasha will teach and model how to use effective communication, empathy, and respect. Lessons on emotional regulation, handling frustration in a socially appropriate way, and how to be a good friend will be woven throughout our curriculum and interactions.