Benefits of Half-Day Preschool for Families in Westerville
At Ivybrook Academy, we recognize the transformative impact of early education and the importance of a balanced schedule for young learners and their families.
Our half-day preschool programs offer:
- Enhanced Focus & Engagement: Our half-day schedule ensures deeper engagement and joy in education by aligning learning activities with children's natural attention spans.
- Smooth Transition to Structured Learning: Our private preschool provides a gentle introduction to classroom environments, helping children adjust to structured learning settings without feeling overwhelmed.
- Flexible Family Time: Families enjoy the freedom to spend afternoons together, fostering bonds and supporting a child's emotional well-being.
- Maximized Learning Opportunities: Research supports that young children thrive in short, interactive intervals. Our half-day programs optimize these moments for effective and enjoyable learning.
In addition to these benefits, our half-day preschool promotes autonomy in young learners. By allowing children ample opportunities to choose activities and direct their learning experiences, we instill a sense of independence and self-motivation that serves them well as they grow. We also provide consistent routines that support children in developing time-management skills and understanding the importance of making choices.
By choosing Ivybrook Academy, families ensure their children receive a rich and comprehensive early education while enjoying the flexibility and family time essential during these critical early years.
Ready to give your child a head start on a lifetime of learning? Get started with touring Ivybrook Academy Gahanna! Schedule a tour by calling (614) 953-5930 or contact us online.
Local Community Integration & Ivybrook's Commitment
At Ivybrook Academy, we are proud to be a part of the vibrant Westerville community. Our commitment to early childhood education extends beyond the classroom through local initiatives and partnerships that enrich our students' experiences and support community growth. We engage with local libraries, parks, and cultural centers, providing opportunities for children to explore and learn outside the school environment. Such integration helps children understand their community, fostering a sense of belonging and responsibility.
Meeting Educational Standards for Preschools in Ohio
Ivybrook Academy is dedicated to meeting and exceeding Ohio's educational standards for early childhood education. Our curriculum is designed in alignment with state guidelines, ensuring that all learning goals are met while maintaining our unique approach of blending Montessori and Reggio Emilia philosophies. With a focus on holistic development, we provide children with a comprehensive education that prepares them for the future.
Our educators are well-versed in Ohio’s Early Learning and Development Standards, which guide our teaching practices and assessment methods. These standards cover a range of domains, including social-emotional development, language acquisition, and cognitive growth. By adhering to these rigorous standards, Ivybrook Academy ensures that every child is supported in their individual learning journey, equipping them with the skills necessary to succeed in kindergarten and beyond.
The Importance of Play-Based Learning
Play is an essential component of our educational philosophy at Ivybrook Academy. We recognize that play-based learning is crucial for young children, as it contributes to their cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development. Through play, children can explore the world around them, develop problem-solving skills, and engage in social activities that promote cooperation and communication.
Our play-based curriculum includes structured and unstructured activities designed to spark curiosity and encourage self-expression. Children participate in creative arts, science experiments, and outdoor exploration, where they can learn at their own pace. This approach not only supports academic growth but also instills a love of learning and resilience. By valuing play as a crucial element of our curriculum, Ivybrook Academy helps children build a solid foundation for lifelong learning.
Call (614) 953-5930 or contact us online to schedule a tour. We're excited to welcome your family to the Ivybrook community!
Frequently Asked Questions About Ivybrook Academy Preschool
What Is the Ideal Age to Start Preschool?
Starting preschool is a significant milestone for young children, and the right age can vary depending on a child’s individual development and needs. Generally, children enter preschool between the ages of 2 and 4 years. At Ivybrook Academy, we understand that each child is unique, and we offer tailored programs to suit different age groups. Our toddler program, starting as early as 18 months, focuses on building foundational social and emotional skills, while our programs for older preschoolers emphasize academic readiness and cognitive development.
We encourage parents to consider their child’s readiness, including social skills, communication abilities, and desire for independence, when deciding the best time to enroll in preschool. We are committed to providing a nurturing environment that caters to children’s individual needs, ensuring a positive and enriching first school experience.
What Are the Key Components of Ivybrook Academy's Curriculum?
Our curriculum at Ivybrook Academy is a unique blend of the Montessori and Reggio Emilia educational philosophies, emphasizing a child-centered approach. Key components include multi-sensory discovery, hands-on learning, and individualized educational plans. We focus on developing critical thinking, creativity, and a love for learning, which are essential for young learners.
Activities in our curriculum are designed to support different developmental areas, including social-emotional growth, fine motor skills, language development, and problem-solving abilities. By offering a balanced curriculum that integrates structured learning with opportunities for spontaneous exploration, Ivybrook Academy ensures that each child can fully engage in their educational journey.
How Do the Montessori & Reggio Emilia Approaches Differ?
The Montessori Method and the Reggio Emilia Approach are both child-centered educational philosophies but differ in focus and implementation. Montessori emphasizes independence and self-directed learning in a structured environment, where children choose activities guided by a prepared teacher and environment. This method encourages autonomy and practical life skills development.
Conversely, the Reggio Emilia Approach emphasizes collaborative learning and uses the environment as a third teacher. It promotes project-based learning where children explore topics of interest in depth, often driving their own learning process through discovery. Ivybrook Academy combines these approaches to maximize each child's potential, offering a diverse and rich learning experience tailored to their interests and developmental stage.
How Does Ivybrook Academy Support Transition to Kindergarten?
Transitioning to kindergarten is a key step in a child's educational journey, and Ivybrook Academy is dedicated to making this transition as smooth and seamless as possible. Our preschool programs gradually introduce children to the skills and routines they will encounter in kindergarten. By focusing on areas such as literacy, numeracy, and social skills, we ensure that children are well-prepared for the challenges of formal schooling.
We conduct regular assessments to monitor each child's progress and tailor our teaching methods to address any areas that need reinforcement. Our educators collaborate with families to provide support and guidance, making sure that every child leaves Ivybrook Academy with the confidence and ability to succeed in kindergarten and beyond.
