GARDEN LEVEL - PRESCHOOLERS

From the entry level, four steps lead down to the garden level. This level is our preschool area. In the preschool area we have a full child-size kitchen with stove, refrigerator, sink, appliances, and an array of pretend food. We also have play time dolls with beds and their accessories. There is a large table for eating or activities and, just as in the entry level area, this table folds up against the wall to give more space for activities. Blocks and block people are always available for use as are the rotated Montessori activities on the shelves, and the books in the bookcase.

In one corner we have a built-in L-shaped desk large enough for four children to write or draw together. This desk is also where the LCD monitor is for computer work or for viewing educational videos. Each child has their own cubby, coat hook, and place to put their shoes. Each child's space is clearly labeled with their name to help in name recognition. The turtles have their tank in the preschool area so children can watch them when the turtles are not in their outdoor enclosure. Also, on shelves around the room are over 20 Diversity Dolls. Many of these dolls are nearly life-size and are used in our Character Development Program to expose the children to ethnic and physical differences in other children.

Just off the main play area is the bathroom for the children. The entire floor of the bathroom has been raised so there is no danger of a child falling off of a stool while washing their hands or using the toilet. A soap dispenser and towel dispenser are at the children's height so they can independently wash their hands. A small shelving unit in the bathroom holds individually marked containers so the potty-training children can pick out their own pull-up.