Our Philosophy

Active learning is the key to education in the preschool years.  Children learn by doing, interacting with their environment, and interacting with schoolmates and staff.  Play is the way in which children gain knowledge about their world.  Adults encourage play and independence through a child-centered environment that extends and enriches the child’s life experience.

In our preschool at Cherry Brook Primary School, active experimentation, active thinking, and independence are promoted during play.  Exploration through the use of all five senses (touching, tasting, smelling, listening, and seeing) is encouraged whenever possible.

The emotional and physical comfort and safety of the children in our program is primary.  Optimum learning takes place when a child feels safe, comfortable, and secure in their environment.  All staff is committed to the program that is child-focused with positive discipline and positive language.  The classroom is set up to enrich a child’s learning at the level in which that child will grow and develop best.

Schools cannot educate alone.  Teachers and staff work with parents to ensure optimal development and collaboration between school and home.

Learning at Cherry Brook Primary School Integrated Preschool Program is always FUN!

Curriculum

The curriculum in the preschool program is a center based interactive model with a strong language base.  Centers within the room are designed to encourage independence, organizational skills and active participation.  Activities are designed for individuals, small groups and large group participation.  The adult’s act as facilitators, guiding the children through their day.  Direct instruction for school readiness skills is woven into the day. 

Student Selection

The Preschool Integrated Program is based on the reverse mainstream model as defined by the State of Connecticut.  This program includes children with special needs as well as typical community peers.

Community peers are selected by lottery.  Families wishing to be considered for selection are asked to complete a developmental questionnaire that is available in the office at Cherry Brook Primary School.  Once the selection process is complete, families are notified by mail. 

Children with special needs participate in the Preschool Integrated Program based on recommendation of the Planning and Placement Team at Cherry Brook Primary School. 

For questions regarding selection, call Cherry Brook Primary School.

Schedule

Children in the morning program attend school on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings.  Their class time is from 9:00-11:30.

Children in the afternoon program attend school on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.  Their class time is from 12:30-3:00.

When there are early dismissals from school, the preschool hours are:

• Morning-9:00-10:50
• Afternoon-11:00-12:50

Staff

A preschool teacher and paraeducators staff the Preschool Integrated Program.  In addition, the students attend music and physical education.  The speech language pathologist, occupational therapist, and physical therapist work in the classroom each week as well.

A full time nurse is at Cherry Brook Primary School at all times.