Preschool
Ages 3-4
The philosophy behind Ladybug Preschool programs is based on the belief that children learn best through play and hands-on experiences. The curriculum aims to provide opportunities for children to explore their environment, build relationships with others, and develop their problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Some common areas we focus in preschool program include:
1. Language and Literacy Development:
Teachers facilitate conversations and read books to the children to foster vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension.
2. Mathematical Concepts:
Children learn about numbers, counting, shapes, and patterns through hands-on activities, games and puzzles.
3. Science and Exploration:
Preschoolers are given opportunities to explore their environment, learn about the natural world, and develop their scientific thinking skills through experimentation.
4. Social-Emotional Learning:
Teachers reinforce pro-social behaviors and encourage cooperation, communication and empathy through role-playing, games and teacher-directed activities.
5. Physical Development:
Preschoolers engage in gross and fine motor activities that are designed to help them develop their coordination, balance and strength.
Our program offers:
Small and intimate class size of 15 students (1:5 ratio)
NYS Certified and experienced lead teacher and two assistant teachers
Enrichment classes led by teaching artists in of yoga, music, Spanish, and more!
Large private backyards for outdoor learning and play
Early drop off and optional extended day options
Our approach is to develop the whole child through play-based exploration, the arts, social emotional learning, and community building experiences.
Ladybug on Smith
413 Smith Street (Smith & 4th Place)
Ladybug on Union
138 Union Street (Union & Columbia)
The details
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Calendar
Our school year is September to June from 9am to 3pm. Children may be dropped off beginning at 8am. Extended day is available until 6pm. You can find our 2022-23 calendar here.
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Tuition
The 2023-24 tuition and payment schedule may be found here.
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Our Education Director
In 2016, we welcomed our first students to Ladybug on Smith with founding teacher, Erica Katz. Erica has developed a celebrated preschool program which we are expanding to Ladybug on Union in 2022. Now serving as our Education Director, Erica oversees all of our programs and collaborates with teachers to embody our program philosophy.
More about the Preschool Program
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8:00 am - 8:30 am: Arrival and morning routine
8:30 am - 9:00 am: Circle time and language development
9:00 am - 9:30 am: Art activities and creative expression
9:30 am - 10:00 am: Outdoor play and gross motor development
10:00 am - 10:30 am: Snack time
10:30 am - 11:00 am: Small group activities and social development
11:00 am - 11:30 am: Clean Up, Wash up, Potty time
11:30 pm - 12:00 pm: Lunch time
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Nap time
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Story time and literacy development
3:00 pm: Dismissal for full day program
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Music and movement activities and physical development
4:00 pm - 4:30 pm: Science and nature exploration
4:30 pm - 5:00 pm: Snack time
5:00 pm - 5:30 pm: Outdoor Activities, Choice time
5:30 pm - 6:00 pm: Quiet activities
5:30 pm - 6:00 pm: Pick-up time and closing routine
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Our optional extended day program is from 3pm to 6pm. During extended day, children engage in free play and in good weather, are able to spend additional time outdoors.
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Each December, families from our 2s program and Ladybug Daycare are invited to tour Ladybug on Union and Ladybug on Smith. Current Ladybug families receive priority admissions.
In February, new families are invited to tour our preschool locations. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until all spots are filled. Our goal to balance the schedule, age and gender of our classrooms.
Summer Camp:
Early March: Summer camp enrollment opens for current preschool families.Mid-March: Ladybug Daycare Families are invited to join us for camp.
April: New student enrollment opens for summer camp.
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The 2023-24 tuition and payment schedule may be found here.
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In August, new families will be invited to orientation. Our first day of school is a full day.
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Children should bring a healthy morning snack and lunch from home. Children participating in extended day will be served organic snack. Due to allergies, we are a nut free facility. Candy and gum are not permitted at school.
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Children should bring the following items to school:
Extra set of of seasonally appropriate clothes (including socks)
Indoor shoes to keep at school
Small blanket for rest time (bring home Fridays to wash)
We have limited storage and can accommodate only umbrella strollers or scooters
Please label all items with your child’s name. Weather permitting, children will play outside daily.
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Children should be potty trained (or actively working towards it) before school begins.
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Our top priority is the health and safety our families and teachers. As the pandemic continues to evolve, our school policies for COVID-19 will be updated here. We welcome you to reach out with any questions or feedback.
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We maintain our classroom blog documenting our work each week. This is an excellent way for families to stay connected to your child’s preschool experience and provoke interesting conversations. We also share photos through a private classroom group that can help spark conversations with your preschooler.
Parents will be invited to conferences in October and March. You may also request a phone conference with your child’s teacher or send us an email at anytime to check-in.
Once children adjust to our school routines, parents are invited to volunteer, join us a guest reader or help us in the garden! Each year families look forward to our Halloween Parade, Winter Celebration, Garden Social and End of Year Celebration. We hope to see you at school!
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Please contact us to schedule a private in-person tour. You’ll have a chance to see our classroom and meet our Education Director. We hope to meet you soon!
