Preschool Forms and FAQs

Recent research and developments in early childhood education have led to curriculum innovations designed to transform the classroom into a learning environment that is more responsive to the varying learning needs and interests of young children. There is recognition of the need for memorable learning not simply memorized learning. There is also more emphasis in connecting home and school learning. Further, an emergent curriculum encourages young children to achieve a higher level of understanding by having a vested interest in their learning.

There is much about the Reggio Emilia approach that distinguishes it from other efforts to define best practices in early childhood education. Much of the worldwide attention has been on the program’s emphasis on children’s symbolic languages in the context of a project-oriented curriculum. Lovingly referred to as the Hundred Languages of Children, symbolic languages are defined as the many ways children may express their knowledge and desires through artwork, conversation, dramatic play, music, dance, and other expressive languages. The Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education is achieved through a carefully planned and collaborative process. To learn more about the Reggio Emilia Philosophy - click here.

Yes! While worksheets and a generic curriculum are not used at Pinnacle Presbyterian Preschool, the children are always learning the basics needed to build a strong foundation in early literacy. Woven through their day are activities such as group investigative projects, name recognition activities, and classroom centers with interesting materials that encourage early literacy skills. Provocations for emergent literacy might include signing in for the day or signing their name on artwork, writing throughout play such as a sign that says “Please Save” for a block tower or writing a menu order while playing restaurant in the dramatic play area. 

Our teacher/student ratios are exceptional and lower than what is informed by the NAEYC. Two to three teachers in the classroom allow for a more dynamic learning environment, which allows for small group projects, documentation, and group collaboration within the classrooms. All teachers are highly experienced and hold higher education degrees. Our ratios are 6:1 or 7:1 depending on age.

Pinnacle Presbyterian Preschool is one of a handful of schools in Arizona accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). In our recent 2012 re-accreditation, Pinnacle Presbyterian Preschool ranked in the 99th percentile of schools accredited by the NAEYC. Pinnacle Presbyterian Preschool is ranked as one of the finest preschools in the country.

The curriculum that is used at Pinnacle Presbyterian Preschool is an emergent curriculum. Learning is easy and enjoyable when we have a vested interest in the subject. Parents, teachers, and the children all contribute to that initial idea that sparks an investigating project. For example, the children of the one class were talking about the summer Olympics. They had seen the events on TV and had an interest in learning more about China. The Coyote teachers expanded their learning from the Olympics to the Chinese New Year. Using books, photos, and interviews with parents who had traveled to China, the class created Chinese lamps, learned about the Chinese alphabet, and parents helped the children create a Chinese dragon for their parade on the New Year. The project of learning about the people and customs of China drew on the AZ Standards for Early Literacy and Math concepts. Children were drawing, writing, investigating, counting, working in small groups, listening and sharing ideas, solving problems, and so on using a topic that interested them. This type of teaching is called “emergent curriculum”. It is not a canned curriculum but moves with the interests of the children. Projects may last a few days or continue for months. By carefully listening to the children and working alongside them as “researchers”, the teachers gently guide the class activities to include the AZ Standards of Early Childhood Development. When teachers teach the standards using a topic that the children are interested in, the children thrive.

We have been told by public school teachers in the nearby vicinity that they can always spot the children from Pinnacle Presbyterian Preschool. Our graduates have developed strong social, emotional, and cognitive skills that prompt them to pose questions, seek more information, listen and follow directions, and to “think outside of the box”. They leave our care ready to learn because they have the skill sets that enable them to be successful in school and throughout their life.

Learning to share, wanting to be a part of the group, making and keeping friendships, learning to negotiate what you want, and being respectful of others is all a part of the growing process. At PPP, we use the social-emotional curriculum Conscious Discipline, a comprehensive self-regulation program based on brain research facilitating the development of emotional intelligence. Click here for more info.

Conscious Discipline combines foundational skills and conflict resolution techniques. Foundational skills are woven into the rhythm of the day and not tied to moments of conflict. Examples include breathing techniques such as the pretzel or balloon are taught in playful and engaging ways and support children’s regulation; classroom jobs provide productive ways to  contribute to the classroom family; emotion stones allow children to explore and identify different emotions through play. For moments of conflict, teachers support children by modeling, co-regulation, and validating feelings while providing boundaries (ex. “You wanted the red car. You’re feeling mad your friend is using it. It is not safe to hit. Ask for a turn next instead.”).

While our preschool is a mission of the Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, there is no formal biblical teaching in the classrooms. You do not have to be a church member – all are welcome to attend. Children often speak about God and His love for them in the context of talking about their families and life experiences. Little Lambs is a monthly visit from church staff with stories and songs centered around Christian values. A small blessing is also shared during snack and lunch time when the children are joined as a group.

Yes! All children must be reliably toilet trained to attend the preschool. Our school is not licensed for diapers or pull-ups. If there are numerous “accidents” within a short period of time, you may be asked to temporarily un-enroll your child.

Priority registration opens in January and Open Registration begins in February. Additional registration information is available here. New families are encouraged to schedule a tour prior to registering. Preschool tours can be scheduled here. 

A priority registrant is one that is a returning student, a sibling of a previous student or a registered church member of six months or more.  Priority registration begins the first week in January. 

Children are placed on the waitlist according to when the application is received and the indicated 1st, 2nd or 3rd choice. As space opens up, we call the waitlist. It is not uncommon to make calls throughout the summer months to several families before all spaces are filled. While we do our best to accommodate everyone, due to our commitment to keeping class sizes down, this is not always possible.

Yes. There is a non-refundable registration fee required of $300, along with a Registration form and Policies & Procedures form.  If we are unable to secure a spot for your child, you will be placed on a waitlist and receive a full refund of the registration fee paid.  It is recommended that you tour the preschool before submitting an application.

Yes. The preschool runs weekly throughout the summer with the exception of the week of Vacation Bible School, and the week of the 4th of July, 9 am - 1 pm. The summer program runs weekly for 3 to 8 year old children, Monday through Thursday.

Our summer program is open to all priority families first and then available to the community. Space is limited and information is available about the summer program in March on our web site or through the school office.

You may always contact the Preschool Office with your questions or concerns at 480.585.9448 Ext 2.