Preschool

Home Academics Preschool

Waterford’s Early Childhood Program is child-centered, developmentally responsive, and incorporates an emergent curriculum through which child-led questions shape ideas and learning. Our rich preschool curriculum ignites a passion for the arts through engagement in music, visual art, movement, and dance. Students become young mathematicians, readers, musicians, artists, dancers, and scientists. Friendships are strengthened through cooperation, play, and communication with peers and teachers.

During this critical window of opportunity, we help students develop habits of mind, including the ability to regulate emotions, sustain attention, plan, recall information, and to be flexible and adaptable. We view strong parent/teacher partnerships as essential, and value collaboration so that parents feel at ease and informed about their child’s learning.

Cultivating the Curious Mind

Explore
Preschool Approaches

Take a closer look at leading preschool curriculums and discover how Waterford brings them together.

16 play areas

in the research-based and nationally recognized PreSchool Outdoor Classroom

3 & 5
day weekly options

7:1 PreK-3
student:teacher
ratio

(8:1 PreK-4)

Cultivating the Curious Mind

Beginning in our early childhood program, Waterford’s mission is to stimulate intellect, ignite passion, and shape character. Our preschool is informed by the foundational belief that children enter the world with the tremendous capacity to care, learn, and grow. They are strong, curious, and able to construct meaning when provided with a rich learning environment. Each day, our inquiry-based, hands-on and shared learning approach allows our young learners find greater voice, choice, and engagement, and able to begin the serious work of play. Always valuing the whole child—cognitive, emotional, physical, and social—we delight in providing a program that inspires learning, cultivates responsibility and caring, and sparks curiosity.

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Engaging the Whole Child

Cognitive

  • Discovery
  • Creativity
  • Literacy
  • Curiosity
  • Numeracy
  • Inquiry
  • Problem Solving
  • Engagement

Emotional

  • Joy
  • Compassion
  • Confidence
  • Passion
  • Love for Learning

Physical

  • Interactive Learning
  • Play
  • Hands-on Experience
  • Exploration
  • Practical Application

Social

  • Sense of Community
  • Caring
  • Communication
  • Cooperation
  • Collaboration
  • Respect
  • Friendships
  • Empathy
  • Parternship
  • Kindness
Mountains with clouds illustration

Readiness for Pre-K
at Waterford

The first several years of a child’s life have a significant impact on their physical, social and emotional trajectory, so choosing the right educational environment is a big decision. How do you know if your child is ready for preschool?

View the Article

Preschool Highlights

PreK Math

Hands-on experiences with manipulatives help our youngest learners identify attributes, sort, match, and label groups for counting, graphing, and patterning. Children apply math concepts to everyday life—estimating quantities, adding and subtracting, measuring, using position words, and exploring symmetrical design.

PreK Literacy

The Preschool learning environment provides a balanced approach to literacy, helping children see themselves as readers, writers, listeners, and speakers. Rich literature, environmental print, oral language with explicit instruction focused on phonological and phonemic awareness skills, and opportunities to draw and write are implemented within the daily routines.

PreK Music

Musical growth is experienced by Preschool children as they sing and move. Waterford’s program provides opportunities and experiences to promote the singing voice and a sense of steady beat. A repeating core of songs and rhymes help facilitate their vocal development.

Core Program Elements

Small Group Instruction

  • Literacy
  • Math
  • Writing 
  • Dramatic Play

Whole Group Instruction & Centers

  • Calendar 
  • Art Center
  • Sensory Center
  • Science Center
  • Outdoor Play
  • Rhyming and Singing

Specialists

  • Library 
  • Movement & Dance
  • Music  

Age

PreK-3: Three years old on or before September 1
PreK-4: Four years old on or before September 1

Class Size

PreK-3:  14 Students/2 Teachers
PreK-4:  16 Students/ 2 Teachers

Program Schedule

3-Day Program (M,W,F)
Half Day: 8:30 – 11:30 am
Full Day: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm

5-Day Program
Half Day: 8:30 – 11:30 am
Full Day: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm

2026-27 Tuition

3 Half Days           $10,730
5 Half Days          $14,050
3 Full Days           $15,525
5 Full Days           $21,140

Extended Day Care

After school care is available to PreK students daily, for more information, please click here. 

Plan A Visit

or inquire about
Waterford’s Preschool & Early Childhood Program
​​​​​​​at (801) 816-2203

Request a Day/Time

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