The Garden Preschool
A natural and intimate preschool for children aged 2 to 5 years old
"The most precious jewels we can ever wear around our necks are the arms of our children."
Located in beautiful Vista, CA. We serve all of San Diego's North County.
We are accepting open enrollment for preschool children from 2 to 5 years old in our half-day and full-day preschool programs for the summer and fall programs.
We encourage you to check our facebook page for the the most up to date events and photos!
Welcome to the Garden Preschool
A natural environment that cultivates wonder and a love for learning
We are situated on top of a mountain with views of beautiful sprawling hills. Our preschool is situated next to the Jewish Synagogue with a garden gated entrance. We have large expanses of shaded outdoor space with a natural playground surrounded by lush green mature trees.
Principles
We foster the growth of well-rounded children, instilling a love and desire for learning through nature, academics, socializing, independence, and fun. We do all of this in the context of plant life and caring. This is where the seeds of learning, love for diversity, curiosity and relationships are planted. It is in this safe, home-like place that we nurture the intense personal, social and academic growth that is early childhood. Using NAEYC (National Association for the Education of the Young Child) guidelines, we set up our program with excellence
Plant life, large outdoor area, natural light, shoes off and home-like, self-serve snack, washing of dishes, gardening, making streams, creating art, and building friendships : are all part of what we do and who we are. Children should feel a bit like home here. Welcome, at ease and lots of time to play.
Indoor Learning
Just as in the outdoors we can learn a lot, so do we in our indoor classroom! Boasting a strong early childhood approach to learning, The Garden experiences a wide variety of academic mediums which support the commitment of learning Kindergarten readiness skills. Writing their name, word recognition, writing letters and words, shape and color recognition, patterning and basic math are reinforced in each learning center as well as taught in circle time (group). The size, pace and interests of children are designed to put them at ease by giving freedom within an environment prepared with attractive materials. Pulling elements from Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf and Developmental Philosohpies : we use many ideas and methods to keep our classroom learning.
Circle times are fun gatherings so we can all be together. We have an opening learning circle, a Judaic circle and a closing circle. We love sharing our love for music and movement with the children. Children learn basic rhythm, how to use small instruments and memorize fun songs while feeling part of a family that loves them.
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Jewish Circle Time
Our preschool is affiliated with the Chabad Jewish Center of Oceanside/Vista. We hope to instill a love and acceptance of diversity towards our human race. The children look forward to Judaic circle after they come in from the playground. This is a time where we sing cultural songs, teach Hebrew language and prepare puppet shows for their enjoyment. The teachings in these are intentionally simple and focus on kindness, giving to those in need, and caring for the earth.
The Garden Preschool serves the needs of all Jews and non-Jews, no matter their level of knowledge, observance or affiliation. All are welcome.
A natural environment that cultivates wonder and a love for learning
The sandbox outlined with tree stumps is designed for kid made small rivers to run through it. We have child-sized gardens for children to plant their own things and eat from it throughout the year. Our outdoor art area changes daily and usually involves adding something from nature. Our large covered areas for shade give children room to exercise comfortably and for long periods of time. Our tire balancing area is made from recycled tires of different sizes so that kids can practice developing their gross motor skills and use for a variety of imaginative games and nature exploring. Some tires we have out for kids to build their muscles and learn how momentum works.
The Garden outdoor environment is a work in progress as plants mature, fruit and vegetables are harvested, compost is made, and children suggest new items that we can add. A garden playground is all about seasons, ever changing but always fresh and full of life.
Located in Vista, CA and serving all of San Diego's North County.
Calendar
School Holidays 2023-2025
May 9th : Muffins with Mom
May 23rd: Donuts with Dad
May 27 th: Memorial Day – No School
June 6th : Last Day of School – End of Year Celebration 12:00 pm
June 17th : Summer Camp Begins
July 4th: Independence Day- No School
August 9th : Last Day of Camp
August 12th - 16th : Teacher In-service- No School
August 19th : First Day of School
September 2th : Labor Day - No School
October 3rd & 4th : Rosh Hashana – No School
October 17th & 18th : Sukkot – No School
October 24th & 25th : Simchat Torah – No School
November 11th : Veteran's Day- No School
November 21st : Thanksgiving Luncheon 12 pm -1 pm
November 28th & 29th : Thanksgiving – No School
December 19th : Chanukah Celebration
December 24th : Winter Break begins 12 pm dismissal
December 25th –January 1st : Winter Break - No School
February 15th : Gardening with Grandparents
February 17th : President’s Day – No School - Teacher in-service
March 14th: Purim Parade and Celebration
April 14th – 21st : Spring Break/Passover
May 8th : Muffins with Mom
May 22rd: Donuts with Dad
May 26 th: Memorial Day – No School
May 26th : Last Day of School – End of Year Celebration 12:00 pm
June 9th : Camp Begins
Preschool Program
The following are our programs for 2-5 year old preschool children
Half Day
8:30am to 12:30pm
Full Day Extended Day
8:30am to 3:30pm 7:30am to 5:30pm
*Friday till 4:00pm
Enrollment
Now accepting open enrollment for 2-5 year olds!
To register, request a private tour or register for a group tour, or for pricing please contact the preschool director using the contact information below.