Frequently Asked Questions

• We believe children learn best through play and self-directed learning where they can follow their interests and are given autonomy in daily choices.
• We utilize our natural setting and the changing seasons as our inspiration for curriculum studies using the Reggio Emilia approach of learning alongside our children, following their lead..
• We provide emergent literacy opportunities and introduce mathematical concepts while learning with natural materials.
• We help children develop a sense of self and community through team building experiences and social interactions with their peers, while providing support with a social/emotional curriculum.
• We strive to make preschool a fun and enjoyable place to learn. 

Your child can expect to enjoy learning outside every day, regardless of the weather. We have an emergent curriculum, which means children help our studies and investigations progress and develop through their interests. They will enjoy picnic snacks, cooking in the mud kitchen, exploring with a light table and identifying nature all around them.

More than anything else, kindergarten teachers are voicing that they need incoming students to have independent skills and self-regulation skills in order for them to pay attention and learn new concepts. Nature-based learning teaches children how to observe, be resilient, problem solve, use mathematical thinking, work cooperatively with peers and evaluate situations at hand. In the Reggio way, we are teaching children how to investigate and bringing a joy to learning. While letter sounds, identification and letter writing are introduced in our program, we let the child lead the way in their interests as we integrate language arts into our daily explorations. Your children will leave here confident and ready for their next step in their educational journey. 

Part of our curriculum is teaching children to evaluate the weather and temperature outside in order to be best prepared with our clothing and gear.  We believe there is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing. We go outside in the rain, snow or sunshine! The Neighborhood provides Oaki rain suits for children to use during their days at school, allowing them to comfortably explore our outside learning space.  In addition, we ask that parents provide weather appropriate footwear.  We recommend the Oaki Neoprene Boots which can be used in rain or snow.  You receive a 25% discount code upon enrollment!  

At The Neighborhood we provide a morning and afternoon snack.  We ask that parents bring a picnic style lunch in an insulated bag, with ice packs if necessary.