The Learning Beginner Program: Preschool for 3 Year Olds

If you’re looking for a preschool for 3 year olds near me, our Learning Beginner program at Small Discoveries Preschool is the perfect next step. For ages 2.5 – 3, this program expands on the foundation established in the toddler program, introducing more routine and structure to children’s activities and daily schedule. We believe in a hands-on, discovery-based preschool curriculum that builds a strong foundation for a lifelong love of learning.

We understand that finding the right school for 3 year olds is a top priority as you prepare for kindergarten. At this stage, children become very social, and our teachers work to develop their social skills while building self-esteem and confidence. Your child will carry on to build their vocabulary, learn functional numerical skills, and will be encouraged to use simple reasoning to explain everyday occurrences. We also introduce a Spanish-language program as part of our daily activities, providing a head start on bilingual skills.

Our Curriculum for 2.5 – 3 Year Olds

Our curriculum is designed to challenge children while nurturing their unique personalities. Our daily activities reinforce development in these key areas:

• • Language & Literacy: Children build vocabulary by discussing stories and beginning to understand simple directions, preparing them for more advanced literacy.
  • Social-Emotional: Teachers encourage independence as children learn to verbalize wants and needs. They will also learn about taking turns and sharing in structured group activities, building foundational friendships.
  • Creative Expression: Children can explore a wide variety of tools, materials, and instruments to express themselves through multi-sensory art and imaginative pretend play.
  • Citizens of the World (Spanish Language): We introduce a new language through games and songs. Children learn Spanish vocabulary for colors, shapes, numbers, and greetings, exploring animals from around the world.
  • Mathematics: Your child will begin to explore number sets, experiment with textures, sort by colors, and build reasoning skills by manipulating toys and everyday objects.
  • Wellness: Children are challenged to be more active, developing ball handling and body movement skills while improving their ability to manipulate smaller objects.
  • Science & Social Studies: Children explore concepts like texture and speed and identify community helpers and members of their immediate family, building a better understanding of their place in the world.

A Typical Day in Our Classroom

Our structured daily schedule provides consistency and comfort for children in the Learning Beginner program, preparing them for a preschool for 2.5 -3 year olds and beyond. A typical day includes a mix of teacher-led lessons, free play, small group activities, outdoor time, and rest.

Time	Activity
7:00-8:00 AM ET	Gathering & Table Top Activity
8:30-9:00 AM ET	Breakfast & Table Top Activity (bathroom and handwashing break before and after)
9:00-9:15 AM ET	Greeting Circle Time: review of calendar, weather, letters, numbers, reading books, singing songs, etc.
9:15-9:45 AM ET	Fine Motor Skills Practice Activity: writing, coloring, using scissors, etc.
9:45-11:30 AM ET	Alternate classrooms Outdoor Play and/or Indoor Open Play: Child-initiated play as well as various organized activities (bathroom and handwashing break before and after)
11:30-12:00 PM ET	Class Activity: Depending on the day of the week (Yoga, Music, Big group Activity)
12:00-12:40 PM ET	Lunch (bathroom and handwashing break before and after)
12:40-2:30 PM ET	Set up for nap & story time
1:30-2:30 PM ET	Nap Time
3:30-4:00 PM ET	Outdoor Play and/or Indoor Open Play: Child-initiated play as well as various organized activities (bathroom and handwashing break before and after)
4:00-6:00 PM ET	Extended Care program begins

During “Open Play”, children select one of the learning areas to play in- there’s Science, Art, Writing, Library, Blocks & Manipulatives, Dramatic Play, & Table Top activities that include puzzles, playdough, and other  quiet activities. Each area is enriched with age-appropriate rotating and all-year materials that allow children to explore, create, and imagine! This allows children to make their own choices as well give them ample opportunities to make new discoveries, challenge themselves, and encourages self-expression through different avenues.