Pre-K Curriculum
Play-based Curriculum at First Congregational Preschool
At First Congregational Preschool, Inc., play is at the heart of everything we do. Our teachers use playful activities to explore all areas of learning, helping children develop skills naturally while having fun. We follow The Creative Curriculum and the Connecticut Early Learning Development Standards, both of which are play-based and designed to support each child’s growth in ways that feel engaging, meaningful, and developmentally appropriate.
“Play is the highest form of research.”
Albert Einstein
Learning Through Play
- Children learn best through play. It sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and strengthens social, emotional, physical, and cognitive skills.
- Our curriculum is child-interest based and intentional. Activities honor each child’s pace, needs, and background in welcoming, thoughtfully organized classrooms.
- STEAM—Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math—is part of daily learning.
- Science: watching seeds grow builds observation and inquiry.
- Technology: simple tools and coding toys introduce cause-and-effect and experimentation.
- Engineering: building structures supports testing, redesigning, and creative problem-solving.
- Art: open-ended projects nurture creativity and self-expression.
- Math: counting, measuring, and pattern-finding reveal numbers in everyday life.
- Enrichment activities—including musicians, creative dance, yoga, karate, animal educational visits, music therapy, storytellers, Bookmobile visits, and field trips—bring classroom learning to life.
- Families are our partners. Teachers guide thoughtful conversations and tailor experiences to each child’s skills and interests, building confidence, independence, and a lasting love of learning.
