A love of learning, for learning’s own sake.
Our Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten programs are developmentally appropriate and geared to each child’s stage of learning. We provide a hands-on, supportive, non-stressful, non-competitive environment for active learning — because children who love to learn enjoy success throughout their formal education.
Our curriculum combines the Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards (CTELDS) with the practices of The Creative Curriculum. From September to June we explore the world through monthly themes, shifting to biweekly themes during Summer Camp.
- “Centers” within the Center for art, drama, music, storytelling, science and math
- Projects, special guests and celebrations that build cultural awareness
- Life skills: zipping jackets, pouring milk, manners and handwashing
- A garden the children plan, plant and tend
- A spacious, private playground plus a canopied play area the length of the building
- Lesson plans posted in every classroom
Preschool · 3-year-olds
A transitional age. We model and reinforce respect, responsibility and safety as children begin to recognize that others have needs and rights. New concepts are introduced through auditory, visual, tactile and kinesthetic approaches.
Pre-K · 4-year-olds
A time of questioning, reasoning and understanding. Children write their names, explore math, grow a garden from seed, illustrate and write stories, shop at local stores and meet community helpers.
A typical day
Children this age depend on routine for security and control, so set times for learning, eating, resting and play matter. Activities are planned for each child’s developmental level.
Welcome!
Greetings exchanged, breakfast from home, and learning centers open for exploration.
Stories & songs
Child-selected activities available to discover.
Teacher-selected activities
Manipulatives introduced; “breakfast” ends.
Morning snack
Nutritious food with language, social and self-help skills reinforced.
Group time
The day’s curriculum focus is introduced with books, visuals and hands-on aids.
Music & movement
Songs, dance and movement experiences.
Small groups
Teachers connect with each child while planned activities stay open.
Outdoor classroom
Relay races, bubbles, climbing, digging, tricycles, hopscotch, scavenger hunts and cloud-gazing.
Family-style lunch
Food origin, color, texture, healthy portions, self-help skills and manners.
Rest
Soothing music as children settle in with blankets from home.
Library time
Refreshed from rest, children “read” and tidy nap items.
Afternoon snack
Language, social and self-help skills enhanced.
Outdoor time
The possibilities are endless!
Story & group time
A follow-up to the morning meeting to reinforce comprehension.
Music & movement
Alternate choices and wind-down activities.
Have a wonderful evening!
Check your child’s mailbox for notes and artwork.
Group organization
Per state regulations, groups for children 36–60 months are limited to 20, divided into two subgroups of up to 10 children. Each is led by a Head Teacher or Teacher with an Associate, Assistant or Aide, maintaining a ratio of one adult to ten children or better.
This year’s curriculum themes
From “Family, Friends, And Me!” in September to “Games Galore!” in June, every month has its own focus, letters, numbers, colors and science.
Come see Cornerstone in action.
We invite you to visit as often as you like. Book a tour and meet our educators, see the classrooms and explore our playgrounds.