Introduction to Preschool

Introduction to Preschool

2-Year-Old Program

Poko Loko offers full and part-time Introduction To Preschool programs for our two-year-olds. Ratios are kept low, one teacher per eight children. All meals are provided including breakfast, lunch, and two nutritious snacks. Parents are responsible for providing diapers and wipes of their choice. Our two-year-old program is structured to help your child learn socially and cognitively. Theme-based stories, singing, creative art, letters, numbers, picture cards, colors, and shapes are all daily parts of our daily program. This program assists our two-year-olds in developing early language and communication skills as they are introduced to preschool. Special guests, such as musicians and artistic performers are also part of the two-year-old curriculum.

Introduction to Preschool

Daily Schedule

Half-day hours include 6:40 a.m.–12 noon; Full-day hours include 6:40 a.m.–5:00 pm

Early Morning—Student Arrival

(6:40 a.m.– 9:00 a.m.)

As parents drop off their little ones, a warm welcome awaits. Two-year-olds are now free to explore, interact, and express as their curiosity guides them. Cereal and milk will be served at 8:00 a.m. for breakfast, and if the weather permits the outdoor playground is a must.

Structured Learning

(9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.)

In an effort to prepare our two-year-olds for their preschool years, we try to break up their morning routine into small scheduled increments. Circle time, art time, and story time are integral parts of their schedule as well as singing, letters, counting, colors, and shapes. During this time a healthy snack is offered and outdoor playtime is allotted.

Afternoon

(11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.)

As noon approaches, our little ones grow hungry and tired. Our in house chef is sure to prepare a meal that is both balanced and nutritious. After filling their bellies, it’s time to rest. Each child will be able to nap for 2-3 hours every day on his own cot.

Late Afternoon—Parent Pick Up 

(2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.)

Every afternoon is free classroom play and a chance to socialize with other children. Also, another healthy snack is offered and more outdoor playtime is available until your little one is picked up.

Our Space

    • Morton Grove Introduction to Preschool #1
      Morton Grove Introduction to Preschool #1
    • Morton Grove Introduction to Preschool #3
      Morton Grove Introduction to Preschool #3
    • Morton Grove Playground #2
      Morton Grove Playground #2
    • Morton Grove Playground #3
      Morton Grove Playground #3

Information

  • Our two-year-old ratio is one teacher per eight children.
  • Periodically throughout the year children will move up to an older room. The children are usually eager for this move because they are going to a new room that is stimulating and exciting. Their curriculum is getting more challenging, and they will be encouraged to learn and try new things. To help with this change, Poko Loko will let the child visit the new room before she moves. Parents will also be informed of this move and will be asked to sign a Transition form.
  • Our children take their naps on cots. Each child has his own cot with a blanket and sheet that is washed at least once a week. If two part-time children share a cot, the linens and cot are washed between uses.
  • As two-year-olds, the children are introduced to a preschool schedule that is modified to be appropriate for their young age. Every morning the children have their preschool activities; these include story time, circle time, music time, etc. Each child also completes a project; the projects include finger painting, easel painting, bingo markers, coloring, etc. Throughout the day, the children have structured play times; activities during these times include playing with small manipulatives, large manipulatives, dramatic play, reading books, etc. The children eat breakfast, two snacks, and lunch together, and they all nap at the same time. Every month the parents receive the curriculum that their child’s class is following. The curriculum includes the special subjects the children are learning and any special projects they will complete as well as our special songs, books, and activities.
  • Please inform your child’s teacher when you have begun potty training at home with your child. It is very important that you inform us of your plans so that we can be consistent with your strategies. For instance, if you are using pull-ups at home, please bring them in so that we can use them too. It is important that we know what you are doing at home and how your child is doing with you so that we can support your child’s progress at school. Together our efforts will help your child find success.

Communication

Once your child reaches two years of age, daily information sheets are not provided to the parents. However, we strongly believe in building and maintaining healthy parent-teacher relationships. Therefore, we encourage both parents and teachers to share concerns, problems, information, and anecdotes verbally on an as needed basis. Our teachers and directors are always available to help out in any way possible. Conferences will also be held twice a year to help evaluate your child’s developmental progress. As always, parents are welcome to visit their child throughout the day. 

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