At Echo Falls Preschool |
Our Program and Philosophy
Echo Falls Preschool offers a supportive and nurturing developmentally appropriate environment in which children can maximize their competence levels and growth potentials. The program has a strong emphasis on promoting children’s social/emotional development, physical development, and cognitive/language development. Creative expression is encouraged at all times. Special attention is given to each child’s developmental level, and each child is respected for his/her individuality. |
Children are considered active learners at Echo Falls Preschool and they are given many opportunities to explore through direct physical contact with the environment.
The program offers a ‘theme-based’ curriculum in which a specific theme is explored through discovery-oriented learning centers such as: the ‘everything table’, the ‘discovery’ table, the art area, the cooking area, and the reading area. Aspects of the chosen theme are also discussed and focused upon during ‘meeting time’. The weekly theme may also be reflected in the daily music and movement activities as well as in the children’s dramatic play.
Other ongoing activities are:
Words used to describe Echo Falls Preschool:
“*FUN and Friendly *a Family away from home * Caring and Kindness curriculum * a strong PRO-Social Friendship Focus,
*Nurturing and Creative Experienced teachers *"GREEN”- children learn to be every day Planet Protectors *Animal Loving Environment: (rabbits, dogs, chicks, fish, frog, butterflies) * Hands-On Science * Creative Art Exploration and Projects * Awesome Music/Singing (with Julie, a Music Together/Jumping Monkey/Flip Flop musician)* Creative Dramatic Play *Active Play in Gym and NEW playground,
*Healthy Eating Habits *Thematic Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum* Get Set for School (Handwriting without Tears) readiness approach * And a : “Love to Learn” / “Learn to Love” preschool climate!
Facilities/Environment
The environment of Echo Fall Preschool is completely set up to be child-centered and operated by the children themselves. The physical environment encourages mastery and offers many opportunities for the children to experience the successes needed to build positive self-concepts. Responsibility and cooperation are other concepts which are fostered within this unique environment.
The school is located in the Lower Falls Community Center and is leased from the City of Newton through the Parks and Recreation Department. There are two large classrooms, a gym, extra classroom space, and there is a BRAND NEW large outdoor playground (as of Fall 2013!) complete with adjacent tennis courts, basketball courts and a huge side field. There is also a “community garden” on our property - we collect and add our compost to the garden and watch things grow!
The program offers a ‘theme-based’ curriculum in which a specific theme is explored through discovery-oriented learning centers such as: the ‘everything table’, the ‘discovery’ table, the art area, the cooking area, and the reading area. Aspects of the chosen theme are also discussed and focused upon during ‘meeting time’. The weekly theme may also be reflected in the daily music and movement activities as well as in the children’s dramatic play.
Other ongoing activities are:
- block building
- playing with manipulatives
- painting
- sand and water play
Words used to describe Echo Falls Preschool:
“*FUN and Friendly *a Family away from home * Caring and Kindness curriculum * a strong PRO-Social Friendship Focus,
*Nurturing and Creative Experienced teachers *"GREEN”- children learn to be every day Planet Protectors *Animal Loving Environment: (rabbits, dogs, chicks, fish, frog, butterflies) * Hands-On Science * Creative Art Exploration and Projects * Awesome Music/Singing (with Julie, a Music Together/Jumping Monkey/Flip Flop musician)* Creative Dramatic Play *Active Play in Gym and NEW playground,
*Healthy Eating Habits *Thematic Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum* Get Set for School (Handwriting without Tears) readiness approach * And a : “Love to Learn” / “Learn to Love” preschool climate!
Facilities/Environment
The environment of Echo Fall Preschool is completely set up to be child-centered and operated by the children themselves. The physical environment encourages mastery and offers many opportunities for the children to experience the successes needed to build positive self-concepts. Responsibility and cooperation are other concepts which are fostered within this unique environment.
The school is located in the Lower Falls Community Center and is leased from the City of Newton through the Parks and Recreation Department. There are two large classrooms, a gym, extra classroom space, and there is a BRAND NEW large outdoor playground (as of Fall 2013!) complete with adjacent tennis courts, basketball courts and a huge side field. There is also a “community garden” on our property - we collect and add our compost to the garden and watch things grow!
"Echo Falls is a hidden gem of a preschool. The moment we entered the classroom, we knew we wanted to send our three children to this wonderful, nurturing, play-based program nestled in the heart of Lower Falls- beautiful new playground, large classrooms, and a gymnasium. Not a basement preschool!! The teachers are highly qualified and have been there for years- some have been there for decades! My children were exceptionally prepared to enter kindergarten after their years at Echo Falls. We moved from Newton Lower Falls to California in 2012, and are still searching for an "Echo Falls" here. It is a truly joyful place for young children."
—Submitted by a parent - See more parent testimonials at the www.greatschools.org website"
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"Dear Jennifer - I cannot believe that this year is over! We cannot thank you enough for a great experience for John for preschool. I knew the minute I walked in two years ago to look at Echo Falls that this was a great place and I knew John had to be here. You and your staff proved me right... I just want you all to know what a positive impact you had on John and our family. My older kids say they wish that they had gone to Echo Falls Preschool too! Thank you so very much!" ~The Rufo Family
