Laurel Community Center Preschool

Confidence, independence, interest in the world around them, a desire to join activities with their peers and an unquenchable curiosity are characteristics of preschool children.

Coed Preschool for three-year-olds:

Although we prefer children to be three by September 30, we will assess younger children's readiness on an individual basis.

A quality preschool program promotes creative expression and social interaction; attention to the development of fine and gross motor skills; an appreciation that for some children the separation from parents or comfort objects requires more time and understanding; and emphasis on oral expression, letter and number recognition and memory stimulation.

Laurel's Preschool fosters a love of learning by providing a school experience that is rewarding, challenging, successful and fun. Our hands-on, experiential curriculum encourages the development of imagination, creativity and the individuality of each child. A warm environment with open communication between children and their teachers leads to the development of both independence and the ability to interact with others.

A typical day in Laurel's Preschool is grounded in the fact that the classroom is where all children feel welcome and valued. The day begins with morning meeting during which the children have a time to share with each other and learn what is planned for the day, followed by free choice, when students select activities that interest and challenge them. A snack, group activities, especially as they relate to curricular themes, and recess, which encourages the development of gross motor skills, round out the day. Science and art are incorporated into the daily curriculum, and "specials" classes in creative movement, music, library and physical education meet at least once every week. Learning also happens beyond our Lyman Circle campus, even for our youngest students, whether it's a magical bus ride to our wooded Butler Campus or a field trip to the Cleveland Zoo.