GLEN ROCKCommunity School

The GRCS Preschool provides an environment where children, through active learning principles, will continue to grow socially, emotionally, intellectually and physically. Children in our program will gain greater confidence and will develop positive attitudes toward school, teachers and their classmates, while they develop skills intended to prepare them for their future school environment. 

Students in our program benefit from field trips, technology, STEM, movement and outdoor play, and creativity through art and music. We have established curriculum which grows each year, in addition to emergent curriculum, which allows teachers and students additional ways to learn, explore and grow organically. 

Our teachers engage the students in stimulating and challenging activities through various teaching methods. They are supportive of all student learning styles and developmental differences. All of our teachers are certified in Elementary or Early Childhood Education and are assisted in class by at least one experienced aide. We are the only preschool affiliated with the Glen Rock School District.

Children must be 3 years old by Oct. 1st. 

Emergent Academic Skills:  Centers are a wonderful way to engage students and grow curiosity. Math, reading, art and science centers allow the children to explore various themes where they are exposed to words and numbers.

Inquisitive Learners:  This may be the first learning experience in a classroom for a child. The teacher and aide will assist the child in becoming more independent through various structured and unstructured activities. From choosing a book to working at their own pace, students will continue to develop their curiosity.

Social Growth:  Friendships are formed in the classroom. Sharing and conversation will assimilate the children to group environments. The nurturing and safe classroom create a comfortable atmosphere for children to express their evolving personalities.

Creative Expression:  Through visual and performing arts,  children have an opportunity to express and grow their creativity. Participation in drawing, painting, singing and dancing will help develop fine and gross motor skills. Special events and visitors to the class provide additional creative instruction.

Interpretation and Reasoning: Students are asked to interpret stories and scientific findings. Through drawing and verbal expression, students build the foundation for comprehension skills.  Students are encouraged to ask questions and continue exploration through experiments and technology. 

Development and Growth:  During early childhood years, growth and development are highly individual. Children are encouraged to experience the world around them at their own rate, but always in positive progression. Our caring teacher and aide are always available for questions and enjoy giving updates about student growth, as well as addressing any challenges.

Children must be 4 years old by Oct. 1st. 

Academic Foundation & Growth:  Our program follows a curriculum that covers all key learning domains in a fun and developmentally appropriate way for young learners. Language arts lessons follow a balanced literacy approach to teaching reading and writing. Math lessons incorporate hands-on learning activities with the use of manipulatives. Social studies lessons focus on the students and their world around them. Science investigations include the study of apples, pumpkins, butterflies, colors, volcanos, seeds and plants.

Social and Emotional Growth:  Our classroom is child-centered and a safe environment for students to form relationships with peers and teachers. We nurture social interactions and work with students in resolving conflicts as they arise. We practice kindness, respect for others and good manners.

Creative Exploration: Creativity is encouraged and developed through open-ended play in centers. These centers include sensory table, puzzles, games, dramatic play and writing. During the course of the day, students also paint, sing and dance. Special events and visitors to the class provide additional creative instruction.

Fine &  Gross Motor Skills: Each day begins with students building fine motor manipulatives, constructing with play doh, lacing cards, cutting with scissors, building patterns with beads and so on. Gross motor skills are fostered through outdoor play and movement activities in the classroom.

Kindergarten Readiness:  Assessments of students’ learning are taken both formally and informally throughout the year. The assessments are shared with parents during conferences in the spring. Although, parents and the teacher may request a conference at any point during the year to discuss whether a child is socially and emotionally prepared to go to kindergarten. Additional time is spent on this area for extended and full day students.

The preschool experience, is a collaborative one, which involves the parent, student, teacher and Director to make sure the student is receiving the support that they need, whether it be additional help or additional enrichment. 

Teacher Bio: Mrs. Carmela Calbi, [email protected]
Mrs. Calbi has been teaching in the Community School for over 15 years. Previous to teaching Pre-K, she taught 3rd and 5th grades in public school.  After staying home to raise her children, she then taught the Mom & Tot, 2’s, 3’s and Transitional Kindergarten classes in the Community School. She loves seeing her former students around town!  She also loves to cook and travel, especially around Italy.