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KIDSPACE is an education-rich program that offers high-quality child care.

Our focus on learning-through-play and developmentally-appropriate curricula means that your children will be laying the best foundation for their education in our classrooms. Our preschool, with extended care options, ensures every child in our care receives the same high-quality experience. 

Preschool and Childcare – Starlings and Chickadees

3-5 years

Children must be at least 36 months by August 31st

Teacher ratio: one to eight

Maximum class size: 16 students (well below state ratios)

Children must be fully toilet-trained.

Preschool classes are held for six hours a day, 8:30 am – 2:30 pm.

There is a childcare (“extended care”) option for families needing care before and/or after preschool. Care is limited to an hour and a half before and after a student’s daily program. Kidspace is open from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm.

All programs follow a traditional school calendar with classes beginning in September and ending in June. The summer program runs during July and August for students wanting or needing year-round preschool/childcare.

Families may enroll two, three or five days a week for preschool.

Once enrolled, students will typically stay with the same learning community for two years. Knowing classmates and teachers across this extended period promotes growth, increases student achievement, supports instructional time, and provides enhanced teacher-student relationship.

The curriculum focuses on individual and small group learning experiences with socialization, motor skills, and language development as key learning objectives.  Rich daily experiences with the arts, sciences, math and literacy give children many opportunities for exploration and discoveries while preparing older students for a successful and easy transition to elementary school. Nature School is a regular component of this program.

 

Two-year Kindergarten Program – Eagles

4-6 years

Children must be at least four years old by August 31st of enrolling year

Teacher ratio: one to eight

Maximum class size: 16 students (well below state ratios)

At Kidspace, we offer a two-year kindergarten program that provides an extended period of early childhood education for our students before they enter elementary school. This format allows children to spend two years in a structured learning environment specifically designed to support their developmental needs and prepare them for future academic success.

Kindergarten classes are held for six hours a day, 8:30 – 2:30 pm.

There is a childcare (“extended care”) option for families needing care before and/or after preschool. Care is limited to an hour and a half before and after a student’s daily program. Kidspace is open from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm.

All programs follow a traditional school calendar with classes beginning in September and ending in June. The summer program runs during July and August for students wanting or needing year-round preschool/childcare.

Families joining our kindergarten program will enroll for five days a week.

 

Key Aspects of Kidspace Preschool and Kindergarten Programs

Mixed-age classrooms: Our students typically enter our program at around three or four years old and stay until they are five or six. They will enjoy the benefits of our mixed-age classrooms where our students become family of learners who support and care for each other.

Small class size: With a maximum of 18 students (approximately 50% of each age group), our small class size allows for personalized instruction and meaningful interactions. This promotes strong teacher-student relationships and ensures that every child receives the attention they need to thrive academically.

Individualized Learning: Our certified teacher and teacher assistant recognize that children develop at different rates and have unique strengths and needs. They provide individualized support and instruction to meet each child where they are and help them progress at their own pace.

Holistic Development: The program focuses on fostering children’s holistic development, including their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills. Through a combination of structured activities, play-based learning, and social interactions, children develop foundational skills that are essential for success in school and life.

Early Literacy and Numeracy: While the emphasis is on play and exploration, we also introduce students to early literacy and numeracy concepts in developmentally appropriate ways. Children engage in activities that promote language development, pre-reading skills, basic math concepts, and problem-solving abilities.

Socialization: The Kidspace two-year kindergarten program provides ample opportunities for students to interact with their peers, teachers, and other adults. They learn important social skills such as cooperation, communication, sharing, and conflict resolution, which are essential for success in school and beyond.

Emergent Curriculum: Our curriculum is carefully designed to meet the developmental guidelines for four-year-olds and the Washington State kindergarten standards. We prioritize child-centered, emergent curriculum that encourages curiosity, exploration, and play-based learning. This approach ensures that each child’s unique interests and abilities are taken into account, fostering a love for learning.

Reggio Emilia-inspired Atelier: Our program includes small group projects and creative work in our Atelier, guided by our skilled Atelierista. This inspiring space encourages children to express themselves through a variety of artistic mediums, harnessing their creativity, imagination, and critical thinking skills.

Nature School: We believe in the importance of connection children with nature. Our program includes weekly visits to our Nature School, giving students the opportunity to explore, appreciate, and learn from the natural world. The hands-on experiences develop environmental awareness, problem-solving skills, and a sense of wonder.

Daily Physical Education: Physical activity is an integral part of our program. Our daily P.E. program promotes healthy living, gross motor development, and teamwork. Through structured games and activities, children grow their motor skills, coordination, and social skills.

Parental Involvement: Parents are often encouraged to be actively involved! We invite you to participate in parent-teacher conferences, open houses, curriculum nights, volunteer opportunities, and other events designed to support your child’s learning and development.

Transition to Elementary School: One of the goals is to prepare our students for a smooth transition to elementary school. By spending an extended period in a structured learning environment, they become more familiar with school routines, expectations, and academic concepts, which can ease their transition to the next level of education. Our students graduate from our program prepared for the academic rigor of first grade.