Preschooler Classroom – The Town Room (4 – 5 years)
At The Academy, we realize that a child-scaled environment increases children’s interest and concentration, and it delays boredom. Your child will spend their day actively learning in our many centers focused on play in the creative arts corner, sensory tables, creative building, pretend play and so much more! Our teachers are focused on preparing each child individually for kindergarten by evaluating our preschoolers to assess their developmental status. Academics within the subjects of writing, language arts, math, science, social studies, and physical education are all integrated in thoroughly throughout the day.
Not only do we use creative and positive redirection as our main form of discipline and guidance, but we also address the unwanted behaviors directly to ensure the children understand which behaviors are acceptable and which are not. 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. This creates a greater understanding of how social interactions work and the child gains self-confidence and independence.
Our teachers discuss with parents at pick-up to provide them with a run-down of each child’s activities throughout the day and pay special attention to ensure the parents feel informed as to how their child’s day went. We know it’s difficult to be away from your child but being able to discuss with them activities they have done earlier that day is a great way for you to connect and for them to re-teach, what they have been taught.
We work with you to create a solid foundation of academics and a love for learning to begin their elementary years in either public or private kindergarten setting.
Preschooler Daily Guide: (Click Here)
What to bring for your 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 changes of clothing for those potty training),
– lunch in lunchbox with ice pack (If not participating in our Lunch Program)
Co-Lead Teacher – Town Room
I have been at The Academy since February 2021. I was the lead teacher in the Jungle room for two years, then I moved to become the lead teacher in the forest room for one year. I wanted to challenge myself a little bit more so I decided to move to the Town room to lead that classroom! While being lead teacher for Town, I also worked closely with the other classrooms to help them plan and execute their curriculum!
I have my Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education through Southern Maine Community College. I am currently in school to get my Bachelors degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences, I love applying what I have learned through my education!
When I am not at work or in school, I spend my free time with my family and dog. I love to go camping, hike, and bring my dog to the beach!
Co-Lead Teacher – Town Room
Hello! I grew up in a small town in Maine and currently reside in Portland. I babysat all through high school and always knew that I would end up working with children.
I am a huge animal lover and during my free time I am typically at the dog park or bringing my pup on adventures!
I enjoy art as my creative outlet and love to bring painting especially into the classroom!
I have been with The Academy since 2022 and have been a floater working with all age groups. During this time I have found that my passion lies in working with our preschoolers, preparing them for kindergarten!
Co-Teacher – Town Room
I grew up in Standish, but now live in Portland. I lived in Florida for a few years where I started working as a Behavioral Health Professional, working with the younger school aged children. When I moved back to Maine I did in home BHP care with children aged 2-7. I studied a couple years at the University of Maine Farmington as a Community Health major and recently switched my major to Social Work.
In my free time I like to read and spend time with my dog