If you live in the Dayton area and have small kids, you’ve no doubt been to the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery many times. If not, you should go often! It’s a wonderful place for kids to learn and play, and has been since I was a child. My two kiddos both love it there – Joshua recently had a special day there with my mom and came home all excited! Their zoo also just re-opened after a massive renovation and it is spectacular! I love taking the kids there myself, but since I am a million months pregnant, my mom also has a special day at the Boonshoft planned with my kids next week when they are on break from school (don’t tell them yet, though!)
So when I heard that the Boonshoft had opened a preschool, my immediate thought was “what a great idea!” It’s always been such a fun environment for kids to learn in, and having a classroom setting there just seems so natural. Plus, the students at the Boonshoft’s Kaleidoscope Preschool have full access to the museum’s zoo, science exhibits, and experts. I can’t imagine a better learning environment. Just a couple days after I heard about Kaleidoscope Preschool, a friend mentioned she was thinking about sending her son there! So, I guess the word is spreading!
If you’re looking into preschool options for your child, here are some things to consider about Kaleidoscope. It is a Montessori school, and offers a mixed-age classroom, with children age three through kindergarten learning together. They offer options for full-day programs five and three days a week, or a half-day program three days a week. In this encouraging and creative classroom environment, kids learn not just language, math, and science concepts, but they work on practical life skills and becoming independent, too. (Those latter two are thing I personally wish I’d worked more on with my kiddos!)
The teacher at Kaleidoscope has a M.S. in child development and as I’ve mentioned, can utilize the museum’s resources fully to teach her students through an active circle time as well as small group lessons. One thing that really appeals to me about the typical day setup at Kaleidoscope is that the schedule involves large group, small group, independent play, and play time with others. So there’s time for structure and time for kids to explore the classroom and interact with each other as well. The full-day program also incorporates a rest time for the younger kids while the kindergarteners continue their learning time.
Other important facts to know about Kaleidoscope Preschool: It’s licensed by the Ohio Department of Education and the faculty is Montessori trained and certified. You can also visit the school to observe Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday from 9:15-10:15 or take a tour by appointment.
So what do you think about a preschool at the Boonshoft? For more info, visit their website, where you can find contact information for Kaleidoscope preschool as well as download an application form.
