Augustana Preschool

Augustana Preschool is a Christian preschool. In that context, it is our goal to provide a variety of experiences and opportunities for the social/emotional, cognitive, physical, language and spiritual development of Augustana Preschools children. Through learning activities and play, each child will be encouraged to grow at their own rate. Children will be encouraged to imagine, explore, invent, create, interact and express ideas and feelings. A childs work is play!
The classroom is child centered in order to foster development through creative play choices. The teachers prepare the environment for children to learn through exploration and interaction with adults, other children and materials. The children can choose from a variety of developmentally appropriate activities set up in interest areas around the room. Teachers flow with children to give them individual attention and to extend their learning experience within a given area. Teachers interact with small groups and one on one. Each day, large group activities are offered to help develop large group skills and a sense of community. Large muscle activities are offered on the playground, outside and in our large muscle area.
The Creative Curriculum for Preschool provides a structured guideline for learning but also allows for unplanned and spontaneous learning experiences. In addition, the curriculum provides learning opportunities for all children. The curriculum is adapted to account for individual differences including interests, learning styles, life experiences, temperament, culture, special needs and English language learners. The curriculum specifically includes multicultural concepts and activities.
Families and parents are an essential ingredient for a positive early childhood experience. Parents are welcome at preschool anytime and are asked to volunteer for activities. Communication between families and preschool staff is important and may include newsletters, face to face communication, conferences, flyers, notes, phone calls and e-mail. A parent survey and program evaluation is conducted on an annual basis for feedback and assessment.