Never at a loss for words (much to the chagrine of many on occasion, I'm sure:), I love chatting with you all whenever the chance happens, and about any number of topics! From darling babies and your precious preschoolers, to the weather, even to where to shop!!! Such a joy and blessing!

But since I can't catch all of you on the sidewalk, allow me to expand here (and maybe toot our own horn a bit) on the recurring theme of my Notes these days as registration approaches. It bears repeating that early academic expectations look a bit different than when you started school and the importance of a child's emotional preparedness has never been greater, especially when it is time to move on to Kindergarten.  It is obvious then, given the pace and scope of what is expected as our children move ahead, the piece of the puzzle that comprises "the whole child" should be firmly intact!  Not surprisingly, the kindergarten teachers in the surrounding schools can attest to the preparedness of our kiddos. They can consistently recognize the students in their class that came from La Casa, and conversely, those that did not. They applaud our efforts and results. To that end, everything we do here at La Casa, from Mini 3's to the Kindergarten Prep 5's and all classes in between , is filled with play and learning!!!!  You may have once thought....all they do is play? Or heard that statement expressed by others when questioning the validity of that very important component in a child's education.  That is a misconception that must be dispelled.

PLAY is fundamental to a child's learning. It allows them to explore concepts and see the world in a way that is meaningful to them.  Developmentally appropriate materials and challenges set forth in a play based manner effectively give the child the ability to succeed AND fail and to accept both outcomes: success with confidence and pride, as well as failure without distress or frustration or judgment.  Both attributes are so necessary. And be assured, to love school is the only mastery we seek from them.

Through play children increase their language skills and vocabulary. Through play imagination and creative thinking skills emerge and begin to demonstrate themselves in their art and role play activities. Through play a child manipulates objects and materials to discover their use, function, potential and tap into critical thinking processes. If "it" is in their hands, "it" is in their minds, meaning they see and do and retain knowledge. Through play children learn negotiation skills, and conversely, conflict resolution skills, team building, time management. Sounds like what you need at YOUR job, doesn't it? School IS a child's job.....we are just here to provide them the support to do their job.....towards that goal our philosophy of teaching is simple....why not make it fun and let them play while they do it?????

You are all amazing parents and make such good decisions on behalf of your children. Thanks for trusting us to assure your decision about the choice of a great preschool remains the right one!