Learning Tree Development Center
Learning Tree Preschool Program Overview
Welcome to the Learning Tree Preschool Classroom! While your child is with us, our goal is to provide a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children learn through play, exploration, and meaningful social interactions.
Our preschool program encourages curiosity, creativity, and confidence while supporting each child’s social, emotional, physical, and early academic development. Through hands-on experiences and guided learning opportunities, children build important foundational skills that prepare them for future school success.
We value strong partnerships with families. If you ever have questions, ideas, or concerns, please feel free to speak with your child’s teacher. We appreciate your continued support and thank you for allowing us to be part of your child’s early learning journey.
Curriculum
Our preschool curriculum is built around theme-based learning units that typically last one to two weeks. These themes allow teachers to integrate early literacy, math, science, social studies, and creative activities in ways that are meaningful and engaging for young children.
Teachers also adapt activities to reflect children’s interests, seasonal topics, and current events, helping learning feel relevant and exciting. Our approach emphasizes:
• Learning through play
• Hands-on exploration
• Social development
• Problem solving and critical thinking
• Early literacy and math foundations
Learning Centers / Interest Areas
Our classroom is organized into several learning centers, each designed to support independent exploration and positive social interaction. Children work individually and in small groups, helping them develop cooperation, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Following group time, children rotate through centers in small groups, allowing them to experience each area of the classroom.
Art & Creative Expression
Art allows children to express their creativity while strengthening fine motor skills. We provide a wide variety of materials such as paint, markers, glue, scissors, collage materials, play dough, and sensory art experiences.
Children are encouraged to focus on the creative process rather than the final product, building confidence and imagination. Because art can sometimes be messy, please dress children in clothing that can get a little dirty.
Reading & Literacy
Our classroom library encourages a love of books and storytelling. Children have access to a variety of books that connect with our classroom themes as well as classic favorites.
Teachers read aloud daily and encourage children to explore books independently or with friends, helping develop early literacy skills and a lifelong love of reading.
Science & Sensory Exploration
The science and sensory area allows children to explore the world around them through observation and hands-on discovery. Activities may include nature exploration, simple experiments, sensory tables, magnifying tools, and themed science materials.
These activities help build curiosity, observation skills, and early scientific thinking.
Writing & Pre-Writing Skills
The writing center supports the development of pre-writing and early literacy skills. Children are provided with materials such as crayons, markers, paper, tracing tools, alphabet cards, and name practice activities.
Teachers introduce skills during guided activities while also encouraging children to explore writing independently.
Math & Manipulative Toys
This area focuses on hands-on math and fine motor development. Materials may include puzzles, pattern blocks, counting games, building materials, sorting activities, and linking toys.
Children practice skills such as:
Counting
Sorting and classifying
Pattern recognition
Problem solving
Hand-eye coordination
Outdoor Play & Large Motor Development
Whenever weather allows, children enjoy outdoor play on our playground. Outdoor time provides important opportunities for physical development, cooperation, and imaginative play.
Our playground equipment and rotating materials such as balls, hoops, tunnels, and ride-on toys encourage active movement and coordination. Indoor large-motor activities are also provided when outdoor play is not possible.
Group Learning Time
Each day includes a group gathering time where we explore many important early learning concepts together. Activities may include:
• Calendar and weather discussion
• Letters and sounds
• Numbers and counting
• Colors and shapes
• Songs, stories, and movement activities
• Discussions related to our weekly theme
Group time encourages listening skills, participation, and classroom community.
After group time, children rotate through classroom learning centers in small groups guided by teachers.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parent-teacher conferences are held twice per year (Fall and Spring). Sign-up sheets will be posted in advance.
During conferences, teachers share observations about your child’s growth and development using developmentally appropriate assessment tools. Conferences provide an opportunity for teachers and families to work together to support each child’s continued learning.
If additional time is needed to discuss your child’s development, please feel free to schedule another meeting with your child’s teacher.
Meals & Snacks
Learning Tree provides morning and afternoon snacks each day.
Families provide lunch for their child. Lunches should include a fruit, vegetable, grain, and protein. Please do not send candy or soda. Milk and utensils are provided by the center.
Rest Time
Our center rest time runs from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
Minnesota licensing requires children to rest quietly on their cot for at least 30 minutes. Children who do not fall asleep after resting will be offered quiet activities while others continue to nap.
Children may bring a small blanket, travel pillow, or quiet stuffed animal for rest time. Please label all items with your child’s first name and last initial and take them home weekly to be washed.
Toileting
We understand that every child develops toileting skills at their own pace. Teachers will work closely with families to support children who are learning this skill.
Children are encouraged to use the restroom throughout the day and are given reminders as needed to help support independence and confidence.
Dressing for the Day
Preschoolers participate in many hands-on activities each day including art, sensory play, and outdoor exploration. Please dress your child in comfortable clothing that can get messy.
For safety reasons, children should wear closed-toe, secure shoes suitable for playground play. Dress shoes and costume shoes are not safe for climbing equipment.
Each child should also keep a full change of labeled clothing in their backpack.
Seasonal Clothing
Children go outside whenever possible, so please send weather-appropriate clothing:
Fall: Jacket and hat if needed
Winter: Coat, snow pants, boots, hat, and mittens
Spring: Jacket, boots, and often snow pants for muddy conditions
Summer: Hats or labeled sunglasses if desired
All items should be clearly labeled.
Conclusion
Thank you for allowing us to be part of such an important stage in your child’s life. Early childhood is a time of incredible growth, and we are honored to support your child’s social, emotional, and academic development.
If you ever have questions, concerns, or ideas, please do not hesitate to speak with your child’s teacher. Working together, we can create the best possible learning experience for your child.