3-year-old Preschool Program

Our 3-year-olds dive into the world of letters and phonics through engaging, multi-sensory activities like songs, books, and picture-based games. Each week, we focus on recognizing a specific letter and its sound, using creative tools such as tracing letters, identifying sounds in playful chants, and clapping out syllables. These activities spark curiosity and lay the groundwork for early literacy by introducing foundational phonics and phonemic awareness, making learning both fun and memorable. 

Helping our 3-year-olds recognize and practice writing their names is a key focus of our program. Each child has a personalized name card with their picture displayed on their cubby, reinforcing name recognition daily. Through consistent practice, students begin writing their first name in upper and lowercase letters using worksheets and art projects. This builds early literacy skills, fosters a sense of identity, and prepares them for future writing tasks. 

Pre-writing skills are essential for developing the ability to hold and use a pencil effectively. Our 3-year-olds engage in activities that build these foundational skills, such as drawing pre-writing shapes like lines (|), dashes (—), circles (O), and crosses (+). Through hands-on tasks like tracing, coloring, and crafting, children strengthen fine motor abilities and hand-eye coordination, setting the stage for legible writing while boosting confidence and reducing frustration. 

We introduce pre-math skills to prepare our 3-year-olds for elementary school success. Children explore concepts like size, shape, and patterns through sorting activities, learn to count forward verbally, and begin recognizing numerals. Hands-on experiences, such as matching sets or identifying “more” and “less,” build number sense and one-to-one correspondence. These early math foundations spark logical thinking and curiosity, from counting blocks to exploring spatial ideas like “up” and “down.” 

Playtime doubles as a learning opportunity in our 3-year-old school programs. Small play centers encourage children to share toys and interact respectfully with peers, fostering cooperation and teamwork. When conflicts arise, teachers guide students through discussions about taking turns and expressing feelings, helping them develop empathy and social skills. This nurturing approach builds confidence as children learn to navigate friendships and recognize emotions like joy or frustration. 

Each classroom features a dress-up area and kitchen for dramatic play, where creativity and imagination thrive. We rotate items based on themes, holidays, or special events, offering opportunities to explore cultural diversity and real-world scenarios. Whether pretending to cook or dressing up as community helpers, 3-year-olds develop social skills, self-expression, and confidence through this dynamic, hands-on play experience tailored to their interests. 

Social and emotional growth is at the heart of our curriculum, guided by Dr. Becky Bailey’s “Conscious Discipline” program. Through storytelling, role-play, and circle-time discussions about feelings, children build empathy, self-regulation, and emotional awareness. Teachers model kindness and understanding, helping 3-year-olds articulate emotions and collaborate with peers, creating a compassionate classroom community that supports lifelong interpersonal skills. Click here to learn more!

Sensory play engages our 3-year-olds’ senses—touch, sight, sound, smell, and taste—through exciting, hands-on activities. From squishing clay to exploring textured materials, children encounter new sensations that spark curiosity and learning. These experiences not only enhance sensory development but also support fine motor skills and emotional regulation, allowing young learners to form positive connections with the world around them in a safe, playful environment. 

Fine motor skills, like writing, cutting, and opening lunch boxes, are honed through sensory-rich activities tailored for 3-year-olds. Children build towers with small blocks, snip paper with scissors, copy circles, and roll clay into shapes—milestones that strengthen hand control and coordination. With teacher guidance, these tasks enhance dexterity and prepare students for everyday tasks, all while keeping the process engaging and fun. 

Gross motor development is nurtured through active play that builds strength and coordination. Through comprehensive preschool education, our 3-year-olds pedal tricycles, climb ladders, jump with both feet, and walk upstairs with alternating feet—key milestones that boost physical confidence. Outdoor games and movement activities, like catching with their bodies or balancing on tiptoes, enhance eye-hand coordination and overall agility in a supportive, energetic setting. 

We introduce basic concepts to expand our 3-year-olds’ understanding of the world, from seasons and weather to parts of the body and community helpers. Through songs, stories, and hands-on exploration, children learn about animals, plants, good manners, and more. These foundational science and general knowledge topics foster curiosity and critical thinking, helping young learners make sense of their surroundings. 

Arts and crafts ignite creativity and support early childhood development in our 3-year-old program. Children engage in sensory art projects—like painting or shaping playdough—that build fine motor skills, problem-solving, and self-expression. These activities boost confidence, hand-eye coordination, and critical thinking, offering a fun, interactive way to explore imagination while mastering skills that last a lifetime. 

Our 3-year-olds build healthy bathroom habits with a consistent restroom routine. Teachers guide students to the restroom every 1 to 1.5 hours, reinforcing independence and self-care. This predictable schedule helps children feel comfortable and confident in managing their needs, fostering a positive approach to personal hygiene as a natural part of their day. 

Each month, we focus on a different character-building trait—like courage, kindness, or responsibility—to help our 3-year-olds develop strong habits for life. Through stories, discussions, and activities, children explore values such as cooperation, gratitude, and self-control. This intentional approach nurtures resilience and compassion, laying a foundation for positive behavior and emotional growth.