Young children learn through experiences, through imitation, and by being actively involved in their own world. At Willow Tree Preschool we nurture children’s natural sense of awe and wonderment about the world around them through art, movement, song, and story. We provide a warm, safe, and nurturing place to grow into caring human beings who are able to imbue their lives with meaning. We honor the child as an individual, embracing her in a loving environment to cultivate a child who is confident and insightful. Such a child will continue to grow and develop through life, reaching her greatest potential.

Willow Tree Preschool provides stability, rooted in the children’s need for rhythm and ritual. We meet at the beginning of each day connecting to one another through games, song, dance, and yoga. Our eclectic approach includes inspiration from the Constructivist education model and the progressive early childhood programs of Reggio Emilia, Italy. Play is at the core of everything we do, it is through playful exploration that real learning happens, creative thinking evolves, problem solving develops, and true connection and meaning is made; encouraging children to explore and build meaning through their experiences. Projects evolve based on inquiry and reflection, and can last anywhere from one day to several weeks, or months.

The idea of freedom with responsibility is an integral part of our philosophy. Children here are given the power to make choices in a loving, safe environment. They are encouraged to be strong yet flexible, to express themselves and their feelings, and to express these feelings in a safe and caring manner when solving problems with others. Together we will have a generation of loving human beings with fewer fears, less prejudice, and greater self-esteem. We are committed to the theory that respect for differences is key to a world at peace.

Willow Tree Preschool promotes the social, cognitive, physical, emotional, and spiritual development of each child, and is a wonderful preparation for both the school years and life.