Programs

The Owls class is EEC’s Preschool Pre-Kindergarten program for children who are 4 years of age by September 1st. This is where it all comes together; a rich, play-based, emergent curriculum classroom that fosters independence, cooperation, and a genuine love of learning as children prepare for kindergarten and beyond.

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Children learn at their own pace through exploration, extended free choice play, observation, and inquiry; engaging deeply with activities they are genuinely interested in. Rather than structured lessons, the Owls classroom offers children the time and space to develop skills across all areas of development naturally and meaningfully. Throughout the morning, children move between independent play, small group interactions, and large group experiences like circle time; building the social, cognitive, and academic foundation they’ll carry into kindergarten.

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With a child to teacher ratio of 1:9 and 1-2 parents cooping daily the Owls class is one of the most sought-after Pre-K programs for families in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Paradise Valley looking for a play-based alternative to academic-focused preschools.

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Skills and concepts explored throughout the year:​

Social/Emotional Skills:  Conflict resolution, choices, multi-step directions, self-help skills, friendship building and independence
 

Writing:  Name writing and recognition, hand grasp, class books, journals, dictating stories, drawing
 

Math:  Graphing, sorting, classifying, patterns, counting, one to one correspondence
 

Science:  Charting/graphing, observing, making predictions, experimenting, gardening, nature walks
 

Literacy:  Being read to, exposure to different types of print, environmental print, story comprehension, sequencing, creating class books, exposure to letter sounds & names
 

Art:  Creativity, exposure to different media & textures, process oriented art (no models to follow), Colors/color blending
 

Fine Motor:  Manipulatives, cutting, playdough, coloring, writing, beading, lacing
 

Gross Motor:  Climbing, running, riding trikes, motor planning, balancing, physical education program

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Class Details:

• Meets Monday - Friday from 9:00-12:00 

• 'Early Birds' available 8:00-9:00

• 'Lunch Bunch' available 12:00-1:00

• 'Stay & Play' extended day available from 1:00-3:00

• 2 Professional Early Educators; Child/Staff Ratio 1:9

• Weekly music plus field trips throughout the year