Age range 2.5 – 5 years
Adult/child ratio 1:8

Schoolhouse Playcare operates preschool programmes at twelve of our locations.  

In school locations where full day kindergarten has not yet been implemented, the preschool group includes junior and senior kindergarten children who attend school on a half time basis.  The programme provides a play-based learning environment that is geared to reach the individual developmental needs of all children in the group, regardless of whether the children are of preschool or kindergarten age.  

The programme plan covers a variety of developmental areas, all of which have an important impact on the child’s learning. These are as follows:

Cognitive and Concepts – shapes, colours, numbers etc. are introduced and reinforced through games and circle time activities.

Language and Music – this is available through songs, stories and musical instruments.

Interactive Discussion – children are encouraged to talk about their feelings, experiences and what they want to do during their time at the centre.

Fine Motor – activities such as threading, lacing and puzzles develop fine finger movements required for printing etc.

Calendar Circle – days of the week, months of the year and theme discussion takes place at this time.

Dramatic Play – this area changes according to the weekly theme and is designed to encourage language, socialization and problem solving. The children’s imagination is of course, allowed a free reign.

Discovery/Science/Cooking/Nature/Math – the activities in this area encourages the children in problem solving, discovering their world, how it works and what they can control in it.

Creative Process – a variety of mediums, activities and projects are offered to the children. This develops self-confidence in their ability to make and create works of art.

Open Creative Shelf and Easel – self-expression is developed and encouraged through a variety of materials e.g. glue, scissors, paper, crayons, markers, wool, glitter etc.

Sensory – a variety of tactile materials are available to the children e.g. playdough, rice, water, sand, pine cones, etc., allowing the children to experience different textures and experiment with math concepts such as measuring, balance, weighing and volume.