Our Philosophy
At Playful Beginnings Preschool, we take a play-based and relationship-focused approach, because we know children learn best when they feel safe, loved, and respected. By supporting children’s social and emotional growth, we naturally nurture development in all areas. As a home-based preschool, we provide a warm and welcoming environment where curiosity and creativity can thrive. Our program is rooted in the latest research on child development and emphasizes compassion, creativity, and peaceful conflict resolution.
Play is the language of learning for young children. When they are exploring, creating, experimenting, and connecting with one another, their worlds open up in incredible ways. To support this, we thoughtfully set up both our indoor and outdoor spaces each day with engaging materials and opportunities for discovery. This intentional environment encourages children to follow their interests, build friendships, and develop the confidence they need to grow and succeed.
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Child Led
Children learn best through play. This includes a few key components including allowing children to choose what to play and who to play with, large blocks of time dedicated to their play, and teachers who value and facilitate their play and social interactions. Everyday children will have opportunities to experience dramatic play, art, building, music, movement, water, sand, stories, and so much more!
Process Art
The process of creating art is where magic and learning come together. Young children learn best when they are able to freely explore materials, experiment with different mediums, and gain mastery of a variety of skills. Focusing on the process of making art develops creativity, enhances the child's self-image, allows for risk-taking, and encourages problem-solving.
Social Skills
Our focus on relationships and building communication skills is designed to help children develop the social and emotional skills necessary for success in school and life. Through free play and group activities, children learn to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts peacefully, and form positive relationships with their peers.
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Connection
Feeling connected to those around us is an important part of being human. This is also the best place for children to learn and grow. When children feel connected to their teachers and peers they are better equipped to cope with big emotions, work through conflict, develop critical thinking skills, and engage in the type of deep play where the best learning happens!
Early Literacy
Building the foundation for future literacy is an important part of early education. The best way to do this is through age-appropriate introduction to stories, words of importance, and the power of the written and spoken word. We do this through reading to the children every day, writing down their words and feelings, having their names in numerous areas in the school, and so much more! Feel free to ask about more ways that we support age-appropriate early literacy.
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Joy
Happiness is at the heart of what every parent wants for their child. When children feel happy, connected, and supported, they are in the best place for learning and brain development. Joy isn’t just a wonderful feeling—it helps children build resilience, develop important skills, and confidently navigate new challenges. At Playful Beginnings Preschool, we keep this in mind every day. Our goal is to fill your child’s school days with joy, laughter, meaningful experiences, and loving support through both successes and struggles.
A Bit About Me
Hi, I’m Shona! I’ve been working with young children for over 15 years, both as a preschool teacher and as a Therapeutic Companion. I have a B.A. in Human Development with a focus on Early Childhood Education, but more than anything, I have a genuine love for helping little ones learn and grow through play.
What brings me joy each day is sitting on the floor building towers, painting at the easel, getting messy in sensory play, or supporting children as they work through friendships and big feelings. I believe childhood should be full of wonder, discovery, and connection, and I feel honored to be part of those moments with each child.
I also care deeply about supporting families, not just children. My goal is to create an early care experience where parents feel connected and supported too, because we’re all in this together.
