Curriculum

The Hillcrest Preschool Approach:

Our hands-on curriculum considers each child’s unique style of learning based on their stage of development, current interests, and personal, relatable experiences. Embracing the inherent curiosity of each child, we foster inclusivity, diversity, and community, guiding young minds to connect with the natural world and cultivate a lifelong passion for learning.

Holistic Learning

Play-Based Approach

Recognizing the vital role of play in early childhood education, we encourage active, playful exploration and experimentation. Our curriculum is carefully designed to balance purposeful teaching with hands-on, play-based activities that promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, fostering a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom.

Social-Emotional Development

We prioritize guiding children in understanding and expressing emotions, cultivating empathy, and promoting respectful and compassionate interactions with their peers and the world around them. Our aim is to equip each child with the communication and social skills necessary to build lifelong, positive relationships. We foster a positive self-concept through celebrating successes, encouraging children to try to problem-solve, taking calculated risks, and learning emotional self- regulation skills.

Language and Literacy

Through a diverse range of engaging activities and literature exploration, we encourage children to develop strong language skills, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of the power of storytelling and self- expression. We foster a sense of community and belonging through age-appropriate books including multicultural, inclusive, anti-bias, and LGBTQIA+ topics.

Mathematics

We provide hands-on activities and materials that promote the development of foundational numerical and reasoning skills through the use of puzzles, patterning, block building, and one-to-one correspondence, preparing children for real-world application.