3-Year-Old Program

Mountain Hill School

3-Year-Old Program

In our 3-Year-Old Preschool Program, our goal is for every child to feel secure, grow as an individual, love school, and most importantly, have fun! We offer a hands-on, age-appropriate learning environment that builds independence, imagination, creativity, and social skills. Three-year-olds are naturally curious and energetic, and our program is designed to nurture these qualities while helping each child feel confident and excited to learn.

Arrival & Morning Start

Each session begins with familiar, calming activities to help children ease into the school day. They may explore manipulative toys that support fine motor development or engage in a “brain starter” tied to the week’s featured letter or number.

Circle Time

Circle Time brings the class together for music, movement, group games, and interactive learning. Children practice language and motor skills through alphabet matching, finger plays, number lines, calendar and weather routines, and story sharing.

This time also supports social-emotional growth. Through our Peace Builder program, children recite the Peace Builder Pledge, explore what it means to be a positive member of the classroom community, and participate in monthly school-wide Peace Builder activities.

Projects & Hands-On Learning

A letter of the week is introduced through meaningful, hands-on, age-appropriate activities and our “Handwriting Without Tears” program, which helps children form letters through play and prepares their hands for writing.

Teachers work one-on-one with students during project time to support individual growth. All projects are the children’s own work, designed to nurture independence and creativity while meeting each child where they are developing. Projects may be connected to letters, monthly themes, or special topics, but they always serve a learning purpose - whether practicing scissor skills, building early math concepts, engaging in exciting science experiments like constructing a volcano or making “dancing raisins,” or engaging in many other hands-on experiences.

Dramatic Play & Learning Centers

Each month brings new themes and dramatic play centers that spark imagination and role-playing. A favorite is the grocery store, where children take on roles such as grocer, customer, or cashier while practicing math, literacy, cooperation, and problem-solving skills.

Other centers include the library, literacy area, art and drawing, blocks, science exploration, kitchen, dress-up, sand/water table, transportation, and more - each offering opportunities for children to build independence and explore at their own pace.

Outdoor Exploration

Outdoor play is an essential part of our curriculum. Children enjoy time on the playground, dig for “treasures,” and immerse themselves in the natural spaces around our property. We often venture beyond the playground to explore the hills and trails, giving children opportunities to connect with nature in meaningful ways.

An example of a favorite outdoor adventure is tied directly to reading The Three Billy Goats Gruff. After enjoying the story, we walk down the hill to our own trail bridge, where the children can reenact the tale and bring the story to life through imaginative play.

Once a month, “barn week” gives children a chance to enjoy the outdoors in a hands-on way. The barn is set up with themed activities, projects, and new experiences that invite exploration. Children enjoy creating, building, pretending, and investigating, making it a fun extension of the classroom that encourages curiosity and engagement.

Family Involvement & Communication

Parents are an important part of our school community. Throughout the year, families are invited to events such as the Fall Festival, Parent-Teacher Social, Halloween Parade, Spring Fun Day, and our Mother’s Day celebration.

Formal parent-teacher conferences are held in the fall and spring, and daily messages via the Seesaw app, along with a monthly calendar, help keep families connected to classroom life. We value a strong home-school connection and collaborate with families to help children feel supported and successful.

Program Options

Our 3-Year-Old Program is available in the morning, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days per week. The 4- and 5-day options follow the same core curriculum as the shorter programs but include extra time for expanded themes and enrichment. In the afternoon, the class is offered 3 or 4 days per week, with the 4th day serving as a dedicated enrichment day.

Our Commitment

We are proud to partner with families to create a positive, joyful, and memorable preschool experience. Our hope is that every child leaves our program with newfound confidence, strong preschool skills, and a lifelong love of learning.