Start Here! Preschool Classes

Our Classes

Start Here! Preschool offers thoughtfully designed classes for children ages three to six, including options for younger preschoolers, older preschoolers, and those benefiting from a kindergarten gap year.

Grounded in a learn-through-play philosophy, our approach emphasizes hands-on exploration, creativity, and social-emotional growth to foster a lifelong love of learning. Each class balances structured activities with all kinds of play, ensuring that children develop confidence, independence, and foundational skills in a nurturing, safe, and inclusive environment.

As a parent-cooperative preschool, families are active participants in their child’s education, collaborating with teachers and building a supportive community.

Star Class

Preschool

Mondays & Tuesdays, 9:00am-12:00pm

This class nurtures the curiosity and creativity of young learners through hands-on activities, storytelling, and guided play. With a focus on social skills, early academics, and emotional development, children will build confidence as they explore and discover the world around them.

Age Range: 3-4

*3 years old prior to September 1st

Rainbow Class

Preschool/Pre-k Combo

Wednesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays, 9:00am-12:00pm

This dynamic mixed-age class brings three- and four-year-olds together in a supportive, play-based learning environment. This preschool/pre-k combo class prepares four-year-olds for kindergarten by blending structured learning with creative play. Younger children benefit from the guidance of older peers, while older children reinforce their skills as role models and leaders.

Engaging activities promote creativity, social interaction, and foundational academic skills, fostering a community where all children grow and thrive at their own pace.

Age Range: 3-5

3 or 4 years old prior to September 1st

Sunshine Class

Pre-k/Kindergarten Gap Year

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays 1:00—4:00pm

This class helps bridge the gap between preschool and kindergarten, providing children with an extra year to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. By combining structured learning with creative play, students engage in activities that promote early literacy, math skills, and critical thinking, while also focusing on social interactions and emotional growth.

Children work on building independence, following directions, and mastering self-regulation, all key to kindergarten success. Hands-on projects, group games, and interactive lessons foster confidence and the readiness needed to thrive in a more formal school environment.

Age Range: 4-6

4 or 5 years old prior to September 1st

All students must be Bathroom Independent upon enrollment

Learning Framework

Children have a natural desire to learn and they will do so at their own rate if given the opportunity. Play and learning are deeply interconnected during these developmental years.

SHP offers young children a nurturing place which is theirs to:

  • Prepare for future learning experiences

  • Improve listening

  • Practice manners

  • Explore science

  • Enhance language abilities

  • Develop gross/fine motor skills

  • Develop social skills

  • Expand self-esteem and confidence

  • Enjoy their first friendships

  • Children’s literature is incorporated throughout the day. Free play, circle time and learning centers all routinely include literacy, interaction and freedom to explore.

  • Pre-math exercises naturally occur in the classroom while children move through their scheduled day. Free play activities, stacking, sorting, colors, puzzles, problem solving activities etc. are laced through the Learn Through Play approach. In addition, daily learning centers incorporate specific skill building activities to foster learning and independence.

  • Field trips are an exciting part of school. Parents are to join, creating excellent supervision and ratio. Teachers plan and announce each field trip, as the time comes near!

  • Small and large group interactions are part of every child’s day. Free play, circle time, learning centers, and small groups give students small and large group settings, with adult guidance and support. This accommodates varying learning styles and prepares children for Kindergarten.

  • Arts and crafts are a large part of any preschool curriculum. Start Here! Preschool specifically allows children to freely create their own creative projects, and also routinely incorporates specific projects in learning centers and themed units. Covering both approaches encourages children’s creativity, in addition to teaching them how to operate within certain parameters for future class environments.

  • Creative movement is encouraged and led during circle time and outdoor play. Children learn to move their bodies freely and safely among peers. Movement is often combined with music or incorporated into daily routines, so kids can get their wiggles out.

  • Music and rhythm is incorporated into circle time and special activities. Children also learn songs to associate with transitions or routines and help them move with ease to the next portion of the day.

  • Special units of study are set up throughout the year for learning and exploration. Children get to walk with the dinosaurs, blast into space, oversee construction sites, run a mail room and Santa's workshop, dive into open sea, run their own farmers’ market, and more! Themed units add a spark to children’s learning. As they walk through the doors to the classroom having been transformed, they are excited to discover new things and teachers are able to incorporate important learning into fun and exciting activities.

  • Seasonal celebrations are part of Start Here! Preschool’s age-old tradition. Loved ones will be invited to join in celebration for these special activities.