(503) 493-2345 • DragonflyPreschool@gmail.com

Dragonfly Preschool, in the Irvington neighborhood, is a nurturing learning community where each child's unique abilities and interests are valued and supported. Through a play based, constructivist curriculum we help each child become a confident, joyful, lifelong learner. Our days are filled with art, music, dramatic play, dance and nature. Our schedule includes ample time for free play, as it promotes friendship, problem solving, and discovery of the world. Our structure allows for flexibility to develop according to children's interests and passions. Dragonfly Preschool teaches a love for learning and wonder for life's experiences.

Dragonfly Preschool is State Certified and Eco-Healthy.

Daily Schedule

9:00-10:00 – Arrival and Free Play
Children say goodbye to parents, greet their friends and teachers and choose an activity. Free play includes dramatic play and dress up, art, building activities, and sensory fun (play dough, sand, water, etc). The days’ activities will change according to the theme currently being explored and children’s interest.

10:00-10:20 – Clean up and Snack
Children help with snack preparation and clean up. We bake bread and muffins, make applesauce, butter, fruit salads and vegetables with produce from our garden. Our snack is made with healthy, organic ingredients.

10:20-10:40 – Morning Circle
Our morning circle time includes songs, sharing, stories, calendar time and group activities.

10:40-11:40 – Outside Time
Children play in the yard, garden and /or go on a walk, rain or shine. Our preschool is fortunate enough to be within walking distance of two parks. In extreme weather, our outside play will be supplemented by other gross motor activities.

11:45-12:15 – Lunch and Story Time
Children bring their lunches from home. As lunchtime is winding down we have quiet story time.

12:15-12:45 – Afternoon Activity
Our afternoon activity is our time for music, yoga, dance and other movement. This is also our time for seasonal activities, show and share, and projects.

12:45-1:00 - Farewell Song and Goodbyes
Children sing goodbye to their friends and teachers and end the day with a quiet activity.

Dragonfly Preschool welcomes children aged 2-1/2 to 5. Children may still be wearing diapers and we will support their transition to using the toilet. Our school day begins at 9am and ends at 1pm. Tuition is divided into ten equal payments regardless of missed days due to illness, vacations or holidays. We allow three make-ups per school year. A non-refundable annual enrollment and supply fee of $200 is due at time of enrollment. Our tuition includes a wholesome snack made with organic ingredients. Children bring lunches from home to allow for individual dietary preferences and needs.

Dragonfly Preschool does not discriminate based on race, religion, ethnic origins, or family composition.

Teachers

Anne Rinker is an experienced teacher and loves being with children. She is certified in Early Elementary and Elementary Education and has taught in both public and private schools. She has taught children everything from swimming and sailing and after-school art and cooking classes to teaching private preschool and Kindergarten in public schools. She is inspired by Waldorf, Reggio Emilia and constructivist philosophies.

Anne has a BA in Psychology with an emphasis on child development, and completed the teacher education program at San Francisco State University. After teaching Kindergarten for several years she took time off to be with her daughters and is very excited to enter the third year of Dragonfly Preschool with Lisa. In her free time she enjoys gardening, camping, and spending time with her husband and children.

Lisa Wernick has worked with youth of all ages and especially loves the energy of preschoolers. She has a BS in Psychology with an emphasis on Infant and Toddler Cognition from Ithaca College. She has worked as a camp counselor, nanny, a recreation activity coordinator and worked for many years in Ithaca, NY with at-risk youth in a school based drop-out prevention program. Her love of being in her daughters’ classrooms as much as possible inspired her to want to work with preschoolers.  She has loved her two years with the students of Dragonfly Preschool and looks forward to next year. Lisa enjoys camping, farmers’ markets, going to the beach and reading children's books.

2011-2012 Tuition

2 days per week: $295.00 per month
3 days per week: $395.00 per month
4 days per week: $495.00 per month
5 days per week: $595.00 per month