Palisades Pre-School

The regular preschool day begins at 8:45 a.m. and ends between 1:00 and 1:40 p.m. We also offer Stay & Play between 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. (Monday through Thursday) or children may be enrolled in one of our after school focus groups, organized in 10 week sessions. These small groups meet after school from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. as well (Monday through Thursday).

We believe that children learn by exploring and experiencing, by asking and discussing, and by reflecting upon and revisiting their experiences. This growth and learning process takes place with the support of caring adults and peers and within the context of a rich and interconnected system of child, family, and community.

The atelier was introduced by Loris Malaguzzi in the Reggio Emilia preschools along with a teacher with an art background. The atelier has a special driving energy, a creative potential, a special audacity in finding meaningful ideas, materials and techniques.

At Palisades Preschool we take advantage of the fact that the school's 1926 building is made up of numerous small spaces in addition to four classrooms, a beautiful outdoor play yard, a large "basement" space, and another additional studio space offered to the school.

As a powerful, growth-promoting and essential experience in the world of young children, meaningful play constitutes the basis of our curriculum. Play based curriculum directly influences all areas of development by offering children opportunities for building relationships. Play gives children the freedom to imagine, to explore and to create.

Our toddler program philosophy recognizes children as competent learners and values their emotional, social and physical experiences. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, the Explorations classes are centered around observation, free play and the wish to understand and appreciate each child's unique developmental achievements and challenges within the context of the toddler group.