Inside Local Preschools
BY AMELIA ROESSLER C hoosing a preschool is one of the first big educational decisions families make, and it can come with just as many questions as excitement. From teaching philosophies to classroom routines and social-emotional growth, parents want to know what really happens once the school day begins. To help, Colorado Parent Magazine sat down with local preschool leaders to ask the questions families care most about.
throughout their tenure at BCD and beyond.
Boulder Country Day School
What does a typical day look like for a child in your program? Boulder Country Day successfully balances social-emotional and academic learning. Our schedules are routine and predictable, rotating between active and quiet learning blocks. We encourage exploration and inquisitiveness, and our teachers intentionally plan learning experiences for math, science, art, literature, and the development of gross and fine motor skills. We also integrate a monthly DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) curriculum to support growth in empathy and global awareness. BCD preschoolers benefit from daily “specials,” including art, library, movement, innovation lab, world language, and music. Additionally, children enjoy scheduled “buddy time” with teachers to foster genuine, authentic relationships and a positive classroom culture. How would you describe your educational philosophy for preschool-age children? Research shows that early learning is most successful when presented through play. BCD’s Preschool is an intentional, play-based program that utilizes a gentle, nurturing, and engaging environment to facilitate growth. We use positive discipline to help children develop the skills they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom.
How do you support children with different learning styles or developmental needs? BCD is fortunate to have a dedicated
Learning Center. Students’ social, emotional, and academic goals are supported by a team that includes both classroom teachers and Learning Center professionals. Every child is observed and assessed through playful scenarios. These insights allow teachers to create experiences that support children at all developmental levels. In the event that a teacher identifies a specific learning need, our Learning Center specialists perform additional observations to determine the best support strategies to ensure the child’s success. Information regarding a child’s strengths and tools for success follows them throughout their entire career at BCD. How do you help children prepare for the transition to kindergarten? BCD preschoolers are well-prepared for Kindergarten. Academically, they typically exceed beginning levels in reading, numeracy, and writing. More importantly, they learn how to self-advocate, problem- solve, care for their own needs, and balance their own rights with the needs of others. Are there 1-3 events you have every year that families and children look forward to? The Fall Festival, Celebration of Cultures, Preschool Olympics, and the Preschool Sweethearts Dance.
How do teachers partner with parents throughout the years?
Our teachers partner with parents with an emphasis on communication and community building. At the start of each year, we schedule “Hopes and Dreams” conferences, where parents share their child’s specific goals and challenges. These meetings also allow us to learn about each family’s culture, which we use to honor unique customs and traditions within our curriculum. Throughout the year, BCD holds formal parent-teacher conferences, with additional meetings available upon request. Because of our tight-knit environment, teachers from Preschool through 8th grade develop lasting bonds with families that continue
Little Sunshine’s Playhouse
What does a typical day look like for a child in your program? The daily routines in our classrooms vary based on age and developmental needs. In our infant and young toddler classrooms, we spend a significant amount of time on the floor, singing songs, reading books, and exploring new materials based on daily lesson plans, all while engaging in essential caregiving routines, such as diaper changes,
14 COLORADO PARENT FEBRUARY 2026
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