The San Anselmo Preschool Center is committed to the growth of each child in an emotionally supportive environment that encourages self-acceptance and self-exploration.
We offer a program that blends teacher directed activities and self-initiated learning in a setting that includes art, music, dramatic play, pre-reading manipulatives, large motor activities, and "hands on" natural science. Children work together in mixed-aged groupings except for a 45 minute "group time" each morning and afternoon. At "group time" children are divided by age with one teacher for activities appropriate to their age and development.

We operate on the premise that we are in a partnership with the parents of our children. Each teacher in our program does written observations of children on a regular basis. Insights from the observations are shared at the parent-teacher conferences. In addition, the observations provide valuable feedback for the staff to look at child-to-child interactions and child-to-adult interactions.

The San Anselmo Afterschool Center offers children an afternoon program that is counterpoint to the routine of the school day. A changing daily program of art, drama, cooking, "hands on" natural science and indoor and outdoor organized games engage our school age students from 12:00p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The Afterschool Staff provides activities and materials that encourage creativity and self-expression as well as free-play choices that provide opportunities for group interaction. There is space set aside for children that need to complete homework.

A major goal of the program is to nurture our children's developing abilities in resolving conflicts with their peers. The staff encourages the values of fairness and cooperation through examples and discussion as daily experiences warrant. The Afterschool teachers help our children develop a positive self image by respecting their feelings and allowing time for private talks about issues important to each child.