Earle Street Academy believes that children learn best through play and hands on activities. We believe that by engaging each child’s own natural curiosity, we are able to help build self-confidence, respect for one another and independence. Our classrooms are structured to allow learning through group time, outdoor play, project-based learning and centers. Our centers such as home living, sensory exploration, art, books and music are all designed to ignite imaginative play and enhance a child’s learning experience.
Curriculum
Earle Street Academy uses “Weekday Early Education Curriculum” (WEE Learning), a Christian curriculum published by Lifeway, as a primary source. Teachers supplement this curriculum with other resources including (but not limited to) Growing Up Wild, Project Learning Tree, and Projects of Chicagoland. Our K4 program integrates the Handwriting Without Tears curriculum to help prepare children for kindergarten. All supplemental curriculum is developmentally appropriate and compatible with the WEE Learn curriculum.
Related Arts
Earle Street Academy also offers art and PE as part of the weekly curriculum during the morning preschool program. Once a week, each child's class will have a 30-minute art class and a 30-minute PE class. We believe that both physical education and the arts play an important role in developing each child's fine and gross motor skills.
Chapel
Once a month, the children will participate in chapel with Ms. Karli, Earle Street Baptist Church’s Minister to Preschoolers and Children. Chapel sessions will include music and age appropriate Bible lessons. It is our hope that these monthly chapel sessions will help build a spiritual foundation for each child.
Library Partnership
This year we are excited to announce our partnership with Mrs. Vanessa from Greenville County Library’s outreach program. Once a month Mrs. Vanessa will visit to have story time with our two, three and four year old classes. During her visit she will help bring stories to life with books, music and puppets! Mrs. Vanessa has worked with the Greenville County Library for over 30 years, and truly loves working with all of the schools in the Upstate.
Our Approach
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you are a new friend or an old friend returning to our preschool, there is a lot of information to remember for the start of each year. We have created a list of the frequently asked questions about how our program at Earle Street Academy operates. We strive to make the transition into preschool an easy transition!
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What do I need send with my child?Please send in a lunch, drink, change of clothes, and diapers (if needed). Everything must be labeled with the child's name.
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What does a day in our classroom look like?We believe that children learn best through play and hands on activities. We do this by teaching through a creative and project based curriculum. Each month will have a different theme, that allows students to explore their environment, and challenges them as they progress through our program each year. Every week we will also have creative Bible teachings, science projects, music and art that center around the theme for that month.
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What are the hours of our program?Our regular preschool hours are from 8:30 am -12:30 pm. For students who have pre-registered, we have early bird drop off beginning at 8:00 am, and late stay options of 2:30pm and 5:30 pm.
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What should my child wear?Please send your child in comfortable play clothes and appropriate play shoes! We make sure to use smocks and take extra care when doing arts and crafts. However, we still can get a little messy. Please make sure to send in a jacket/coat during cooler weather.
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When are we open and closed?Earle Street Academy school year runs from August – May, with 8 weeks of summer camp during the months of June and July. Our school year calendar is updated yearly and posted to our website. In case of school closing due to inclement weather, we will notify parents through WYFF 4, our Facebook page and email.
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What are the training requirements for our staff?Earle Street Academy is a DSS registered child care facility that follows state requirements for training. All employees must complete 15 hours of continuing education in Early Childhood each year. These hours include: Blood Borne Pathogens, Curriculum, and Child Growth and Development training. The Director must complete 20 hours of training that also includes the classes above, as well as Program Administration.