Academic Preschool in Tarzana, CA and Surrounding Areas
The Benefits of an Academic Preschool Experience
What kind of preschool experience do you want for your child? Most people don’t realize they have options when it comes to early childhood education. Throughout California, you’ll find all kinds of preschools, from play-based to academically-minded. At Woodcrest Preschool, we bring children a solid mix of academics and play throughout the day. Our Tarzana, CA location is known for top-tier instruction and plenty of opportunities for children to have fun and grow their social skills. Our students come to us from all over the city, including the neighborhoods of Encino, Calabasas, Woodland Hills, Canoga Park, West Hills, Reseda, Sherman Oaks, and Agoura.
A Well-Rounded Curriculum
Academic preschools give children a leg up in their early childhood education. These preschools offer a well-rounded curriculum and ensure students get the basics in each primary subject. However, they don’t focus solely on numbers and vocabulary. A good academic preschool will feature a mix of subject matter—the arts, sciences, humanities, and tech. At Woodcrest Preschool, our curriculum includes all of the following traditional subject matter:
- Math
- Science
- Language arts
- Visual arts
- Music
- Technology
Prepares Students for Kindergarten Success
An academic preschool has the distinct advantage of giving children a head start on kindergarten curriculum. Once kids complete their time at Woodcrest Preschool, they already know the fundamentals of math, science, and language arts. We hope that children leave our walls with a strong sense of curiosity and willingness to learn. Here are a few skills we teach to prepare children for kindergarten success:
- Recognize shapes
- Name colors
- Complete worksheets
- Increase vocabulary
- Get used to a set routine
- Count and do simple math problems
A Structured Environment That Encourages Exploration
At Woodcrest Preschool, children take advantage of a structured environment that gets them used to a routine. Many kids feel much more secure and comfortable with a known routine, and we strive to provide a sense of comfort in the classroom. However, creating a structured classroom and lesson plan doesn’t mean there’s no room for independent exploration! Gaining a sense of independence is a crucial part of preschool education, and children have the chance to explore their world within the structure and safety of the classroom.
Frequent Assessments and Parent Updates
Children who attend an academic preschool are frequently assessed to give a full picture of their progress. We can monitor each child’s growth and development and identify areas of concern early on in their education. Once we know where students are struggling, we can adjust our curriculum to meet their unique needs. In the same vein, Woodcrest Preschool is committed to parent communication. We know you want to stay up to date on your child’s progress, and we’re glad to communicate with you often. When parents take an active role in their child’s education, everybody benefits! Here are a few of the ways our instructors may choose to communicate with you:
- Phone calls and text messages
- Emails
- Communication apps
- Parent/teacher conferences
- Scheduled meetings outside of conferences
Opportunities for Creativity
Academic doesn’t mean boring! Students at Woodcrest Preschool have lots of opportunities to get creative with their studies. Arts and crafts are always a source of fun at our preschool, and children have the chance to flex their creative muscles, learn colors and shapes, and collaborate with their peers. Kids can also get creative during music, dance, and theater modules.
A Slew of Enrichment Programs
Academic preschools offer the potential for various enrichment programs along the way. These modules make room for additional education on subjects not covered in the typical classroom. Enrichment programs are designed to help kids find their passion, interact with new friends, discover talents, and spark their curiosity. Examples of enrichment programs include:
- Foreign language
- Sports
- Performing arts
- Graphic arts
- Dance
- Science experiments
Exposure to Non-Academic Forms of Learning
Like we discussed with creative projects for preschoolers, an academic focus doesn’t mean children lose out on other forms of learning. Our curriculum is designed to encompass social and emotional learning, as well as academics. Here are a few ways, besides math and science, kids learn in our programs:
- Social: Social learning is often deemed one of the most important aspects of a preschool education, and for good reason. Preschool is the first time children get to interact with their peers on a daily basis, and kids learn to play well with others, work as a team, and make friends. Social learning also means children learn to interact with adults and show respect to authority figures.
- Emotional: Young children often, understandably, have a hard time controlling their emotions. After all, they haven’t yet had much experience with self-control and investigating their own feelings. In a preschool setting, kids learn to manage their emotions and channel big feelings into healthy outlets.
- Physical: Preschool is chock-full of opportunities for physical growth and development. At Woodcrest Preschool, we organize lots of activities, such as hopscotch and sports matches, that help children hone their gross and fine motor skills.
- Practical: While we don’t often think about it, preschool is a chance for kids to learn practical skills as well! Children learn to be responsible for their own things, pick up after themselves, and clean tables. Not only does this contribute to higher self-worth, but it promotes helping with chores around the house.
Plenty of Play, Too!
We haven’t forgotten about play! Lots of playtime is vital for preschoolers—it’s both fun for kids and contributes to long-term learning. At Woodcrest Preschool, our instructors have plenty of ideas for fun activities, both self-guided and structured. Take a look at just a couple examples of enjoyable playtime activities your child might participate in:
- Finger painting
- Sports
- Chalk art
- Board games
- Online games
- Holiday crafts
- Sculpting clay
- Chatting with friends and parallel play
Enroll in Our Private Preschool Today
If an academic preschool seems like a good fit for your child, be sure to consider Woodcrest Preschool. We welcome calls and emails from prospective parents, and our team would be happy to give you more information on our curriculum and programs. We offer early childhood education resources for preschoolers and kindergarteners across the Tarzana area. Contact us today for details about enrollment.
