Preschool in Concord
Programs
Our Academic Approach
At The Garden Community Preschool, our academic approach blends a play-based, Reggio Emilia–inspired philosophy with The Project Approach to support deep, meaningful learning. Teachers follow children’s interests to guide project-based exploration, helping develop critical thinking, language, and social-emotional skills. This child-led, hands-on approach builds a strong foundation for success in TK, kindergarten, and beyond.
Cherry Blossoms
Ages 2 - 3.5 Years Old
In the Cherry Blossoms classroom, children begin building independence, confidence, and social-emotional skills through play-based exploration. Teachers create responsive environments that encourage curiosity, language development, and meaningful interactions, allowing children to learn at their own pace.
Transitioning to the Sunflowers
At The Garden Community Preschool, we approach classroom transitions with intention and care. As children grow and prepare to move from our Cherry Blossoms classroom (ages 2–3.5) into the Sunflowers classroom (ages 3.5–5), we provide a gradual transition process designed to support confidence and emotional security.
Children begin by spending a few days each week with the older group, allowing them to become familiar with the new environment, teachers, and daily routines. This gentle, relationship-based approach helps children build comfort and connection at their own pace, making the transition into our pre-kindergarten program feel natural and supportive.
Sunflowers
Ages 3.5 - 5 Years Old
The Sunflowers classroom builds on these early foundations while gently introducing more structured learning experiences. Children engage in early writing, phonics, and problem-solving activities, while also becoming familiar with routines similar to a transitional kindergarten or kindergarten setting, such as group lessons, raising hands, and participating in scheduled curriculum time. Throughout it all, learning remains hands-on, collaborative, and rooted in children’s interests.
Preparing for TK and Kindergarten
Our Sunflowers classroom is designed to thoughtfully prepare children for a successful transition into TK and kindergarten. Through a balance of play-based learning and structured experiences, children build foundational skills in early literacy, social-emotional development, and classroom routines.
We also support families through the transition process by offering guidance with kindergarten readiness, including assistance with assessments when needed. Our teachers can provide letters of recommendation and individualized insight into each child’s development, helping families feel confident as they take the next step into elementary school.
By combining a nurturing, Reggio-inspired environment with intentional kindergarten preparation, we ensure children leave our preschool program feeling confident, capable, and ready for what comes next.
Schedules and Routines
Here is an sample daily schedule for our classrooms:
7:00 — Drop off and free play
8:00 — Outdoor play
9:00 — Morning meeting
9:15 — Morning snack
9:30 — Indoor free play
10:30 — Curriculum activity
11:00 — Outdoor play
12:00 — Lunch
12:30 — Rest time
3:00 — Afternoon meeting
3:15 — Afternoon snack
3:30 — Outdoor play
4:45 — Late snack
5:30 — Pick up
Meals & Snacks
School Provided Snacks + Parent Provided Meals
At The Garden Community Preschool, we support healthy eating habits as an important part of early childhood development. We provide vegetarian morning and afternoon snacks, with a focus on organic ingredients whenever possible. Milk is also offered on occasion.
Snack time is designed to be a meaningful, hands-on experience. Children are often involved in preparing simple snacks and are encouraged to serve themselves through a family-style dining approach. This helps build independence, confidence, and social skills while fostering a positive relationship with food.
Please note that we are a nut-free facility.*
Sample Snacks Include:
Yogurt with berries
Pancakes
Cereal with milk
Sunflower butter and jelly sandwiches
Quesadillas
Fruit smoothies
Diversity
Anti-Bias Education Work
The Garden Community Preschool is shaped by a deep-seated belief in the importance of justice, the dream of each child being able to achieve all they are capable of. As such we weave anti-bias work into all parts of our curriculum, enrollment, and structures.
Cultural Infusion
In accordance with the above philosophy, we have implemented specific programs to infuse our curriculum with different cultures. We offer a Spanish-immersion cooking class where children cook foods of various cultures, as well as multilingual immersion through books, songs, and daily interaction.
To get more information on how we provide safe, inclusive, and diverse environments, click here!
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