Est. 1954
Two classes, one co-op: a full morning of hands-on, play-based learning — guided by experienced teachers and powered by parents.
This class has a great deal of fun exploring! We are learning by exploring different art materials, pouring, scooping, sweeping and otherwise working on our small motor strength and abilities.
Pre-K children are just sponges for learning! They are excited to learn new information and explore everything — learning to ask deeper questions as well as how to explore to find the answers.
The Early Learners age group is ready for an abundance of language acquisition so they are learning what words to use in different situations. We talk often about our feelings, what they are called and how to appropriately express them. We also learn to really look at and listen to each other and notice facial expressions, body language and voice tones to help us understand each other. Additionally we introduce the alphabet and work on recognizing our names and our classmates' names.
We learn about numbers, counting and one to one correlation as a beginning base for mathematics.
This age group is very physically active so we begin learning about personal space as well as spatial awareness, how our bodies move and build confidence in trying out new physical abilities.
Early Learners have lots of opportunities to work on social and emotional awareness, how to be kind, patient and respectful. We are learning how to take turns, how to share and let others know what our needs are as we become more and more independent.
Pre-K children are just sponges for learning! They are excited to learn new information and explore everything! They are learning to ask deeper questions as well as how to explore to find the answers to their questions. Each monthly unit provides opportunities to learn about new parts of life from different seasons, to outer space and the wide world around us.
Imagination play explodes at this age and gives lots of opportunities to learn problem solving, compromising and concern for others. We build on social and emotional learning to further respectful communication skills.
All academics are learned through interesting activities and play. Our goal is for children to have a love of learning. To that end, our activities are hands-on and full of exploration. With our small group sizes, children get lots of individual attention as they learn and are never pressured to continue when they are ready to move onto more active activities.
Children are learning to write their names, recognize and write other letters in the alphabet and their sounds. They are learning numbers and math concepts to prepare them for success in Kindergarten. We stay in contact with wonderful Kindergarten teachers so we are in line with what the current expectations are.
Independence is an important piece of preparing for Kindergarten. Learning to put on coats and shoes, toileting hygiene, waiting patiently and how to ask for help are the skills we hear over and over again are some of the most important foundations to be successful. We strive to ensure each of our Pre K students can function independently in an age appropriate way.
Of course we still make sure we have lots of active and messy play!
We are a developmentally appropriate "play school" where children learn both social, emotional and academic skills through hands on activities. Children will explore through getting dirty, wet, sandy, manipulating art supplies and using all 5 senses to explore the world around them.
We strive to create an atmosphere where children are nurtured with acceptance and kindness while developing a love of learning and excitement to participate.
Our environment supports language and literacy development, math and science exploration, as well as art and music experiences.
Positive Discipline Association Lab School
Children must be two years of age prior to the first day of school and potty-trained (or close to potty-trained). Children's health forms must be on file at the school as required by the State, and family members working in the classroom must provide a health screening report and vaccinations prior to working. Franklin Park Co-op Preschool does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, color, national origin, or age in its enrollment of students, families, employment practices, educational programs or activities.
Working in the classroom every other week with the teacher and families assigned to that day, signing up for a job or committee, participating in the maintenance work days, participating in fundraising, and attending monthly parent meetings for school business and the Positive Discipline Parenting Class.
It starts with a tour during class time, so you can see a real morning. If it feels like a fit, we'll walk you through enrollment paperwork together — there's no online checkout, because joining a co-op is joining a community.
Both classes run 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM. Early Learners meet Tuesdays and Thursdays; Pre-K meets Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The school year begins the Tuesday after Labor Day and ends the Friday before Memorial Day.
Tours happen during class time — come watch the school in action.