EARLY CHILDHOOD AT PCS
A time of joyful exploration for early learners.
Early Childhood at PCS is a fully immersive, play-based program that encourages multi-sensory exploration, kindles children's innate sense of wonder, and provides plenty of opportunities for both imaginative play and experimentation with the natural world.
Early Childhood Program
MONDAY - FRIDAY, FOR STUDENTS AGES 3-5
Young children are natural, capable learners. The Early Childhood program at PCS offers hands-on, joyful, child-centered learning experiences in a nurturing environment designed to kindle children’s innate curiosity, wonder and ability. Taking the children’s interests and inquiries as their guide, EC facilitators work hand-in-hand with students, offering a balance of intentional provocations, inquiry-based explorations, and plenty of time for free play.
The PCS Early Childhood program nourishes the whole child, with equal attention to building strong bodies, honing sharp minds and honoring free spirits. Community building is central: through guided play, collaborative activities and thoughtful
interventions, PCS supports children in learning to identify and express their emotions, resolve conflicts, and build positive relationships.
Explorations of literacy (concepts of print, principles of storytelling, letter/sound recognition, and written and spoken communication) and mathematics (concepts of numeracy, ordinality, correspondence and measurement), as well as participation in the PCS thematic trimester-long Integrated Unit, unfold authentically and within the context of play.
Above all, children are encouraged to play and to explore; to engage and to inquire.
EARLY CHILDHOOD 3/4’S
The Early Childhood 3/4’s program is open to children turning three years old by September 1st of the enrollment year. All children must be potty proficient. Families may choose a full or half-day option and may choose to enroll their child(ren) 2, 3 or 5 days per week. Children arrive at 9am and depart either at noon (half day) or 3pm (full day).
EARLY CHILDHOOD 4/5’S
Early Childhood 4/5’s is a full-day program open to children turning four years old by September 1st of the enrollment year. Families may choose to enroll their children for either four or five full days. Children arrive at 9am and depart at 3pm.
Sample Daily Rhythm
ARRIVAL & MORNING PROVOCATION
a simple invitation to explore or create greets the children upon arrival
MORNING MEETING
classes gather before embarking on the day to practice mindfulness, set expectations for the day, share community news and engage speaking and listening skills.
INTEGRATED EXPLORATION
learning experiences balance thematic inquiry, open-ended exploration and joyful wonder
SNACK
FREE PLAY / OUTDOOR EXPLORATION
children engage in a variety of outdoor play spaces, including: our self-made playground, our hiking trails, the school gardens and our outdoor classrooms
LUNCH AND RECESS
REST AND READ
students in all grades at PCS observe a period of rest/reading after lunch and recess to honor our bodies’ and minds’ need to restore.
ENRICHMENT AREA INSTRUCTION
weekly visits with our Enrichment Area facilitators in Spanish, Music, Art and Wellness
FREE PLAY / EXPLORATION
REFLECTION/CLOSING
classes gather before heading home for goodbyes and reflections on our shared day
Learn More about Early Childhood at PCS!
Please complete the inquiry form linked below to connect with our Co-Director and Admissions Lead, Liz Casey, and learn more about what a PCS education can mean for your child!
“Our daughter is flourishing at PCS. She is able to explore her creativity and imagination to its fullest and evolve her own magical spirit along with her classmates.”