Early Preschool Classroom – The Forest Room (3 year olds)

Meet the teachers

As an early preschooler, your child will begin to explore their independence more in a larger classroom environment, with plenty of opportunity for expanding their social skills, vocabulary, team building, caring, all while learning their academics in a fun and exciting manner! They have a structured schedule to promote learning throughout the day.

Our teachers are excellent communicators and are always searching for ways to show children how to properly communicate their feelings/needs, to lessen the amount of physical confrontations that may occur. We believe in using “I statements”; “I’m sad because she took my toy.” We find that repetition and consistency with these statements is helpful for children to express what it is that they may be feeling and why, and then creates a platform for conflict resolution skills to build upon. These skills start rather simplistically, and as the child becomes more in tune with their feelings and environment, the “I statements” and the conflict resolution process become more complex. This creates a greater understanding of how social interactions work and the child gains self-confidence and independence.

Most 3 year olds are potty-trained but if they aren’t, we will work with parents and families to ensure we support each other to help each child gain confidence and the skills to use the bathroom independently.
Parent communication is high priority for our staff. Our teachers provide parents with a daily report on each child’s activities and pay special attention to ensure the parents feel informed as to how their child’s day went.

Early Preschool Daily Guide:(Click Here)

What to bring for your early preschooler:

We ask you to bring the following:
– bedding bag- crib sheet, blanket, small pillow and lovie (bag will be returned at the end of each week to be cleaned),
– clean changes of clothing (weather appropriate, 2-4 outfits)
– pull-ups as needed
– lunch in lunchbox with ice pack (If not participating in our Lunch Program)

Miss SydneyMiss Sydney
Lead Teacher – Early Preschool

Hello! I am originally from New Hampshire, but moved to Maine when I was young. I have my Early Childhood Development Associates Degree and have been working with children for four years. I knew at a young age that working with children is my passion. I have worked at a home daycare, a center, and even a summer camp! When I’m not hanging out with kiddos, a couple of my favorite things to do are watch movies and paint. I am so excited to get to know each kiddo!

Miss VanessaMiss Vanessa
Co-Teacher – Early Preschool

I’ve lived in and out of Portland area for years and have recently decided to settle down here. I grew up in central Maine and always knew I loved working with kids! that passion was cemented when I worked at a summer camp in Vermont! We had so much fun exploring the outdoors and being creative! I love to bring art into the classroom and I have a soft spot for illustration specifically. I love supporting children’s imaginations and sense of adventure! I hope to incorporate as much creative expression into my work at The Academy as I can!

Miss JamieMiss Jamie
Co-Teacher – Early Preschool

Hello! I grew in Scarborough, but now live in Saco. I’m the second oldest of 14 cousins, so growing up I was always the babysitter. Ive nannied for 4 different children and loved every minute of it. Fun fact, my favorite superhero is Batman, I even named my cat Bruce Wayne after him, only to find out she was a Bruce Jane 3 months later, whoops! I spend a lot of my free time with my nieces, nephew and family. My favorite place to be is on a beach or snuggled up with my cat & a good book.

Hailey Grenier Hailey Grenier
Co-Teacher – Early Preschool

I grew up the middle sister of three girls in Central Maine. At an early age, I began participating in several programs at the local YMCA and spent every summer on McGrath Pond in Oakland at Camp Tracy. I was a camper for years before I became a Counselor in Training, Counselor, Senior Counselor, Senior Counselor, and Ropes Course Specialist. I have always been active in athletics, especially soccer, basketball, and lacrosse and at the age of 14 earned my Black Belt in Karate. I enjoy spending time with family, friends, hiking, playing corn hole, fishing, boating, and camping. I am very excited to be part of the Academy for Active Learners team!