Preschool

Columbia Public Schools offers a developmentally appropriate education through which young children actively build their potential in a positive, nurturing, culturally diverse school family environment. Preschool is a federally funded program providing services to children with developmental needs, ages 3 to 5 (non-kindergarten). Services are provided at no cost to eligible children. Eligibility is determined through a developmental screening process.   The Columbia Public Schools Preschool program serves more than 600 children, with 28 classrooms located in elementary and high schools throughout the district. Half-day and full-day options are available. This program is designed to prepare children for successful school entry. Active family involvement is required to help children achieve this success. An early childhood teacher and instructional assistant plan age-appropriate learning experiences to promote development in literacy, communication, decision-making, and problem-solving. Teachers follow the High Scope curriculum and a variety of other teaching resources to meet each child's developmental needs.   Columbia Public Schools' early childhood philosophy is founded on the following principles:

• All children have the ability to become contributing members of society.
• Children learn through active involvement and engagement with materials and people in their environment.
• Children learn best when instruction is within meaningful contexts.
• Children learn and function independently when they are provided with a consistent routine.
• Children are motivated to learn when given opportunities to make choices and pursue interests.