History and Educational Philosophy

At Play and Prep Preschool, children are seen as whole developing beings. All areas of development: social/emotional, cognitive, and physical, are of equal concern. We seek to help children understand and meet their own needs, while being aware of the needs of others and of the group itself.

Play and Prep Preschool offers 3-5 year old children a happy and purposeful group experience. In doing so, we act in partnership with the families in nurturing each child’s development outside the home. While our school is owned, housed and operated by Solon United Methodist Church, it welcomes families of all racial, religious and economic backgrounds.

Our teachers design their programs using Ohio Department of Education Standards, with the knowledge that children learn most and best from taking an active role in the process. Thus, much of what is provided allows the child to manipulate, discover, experience and create. The teachers serve to guide this process by planning an environment that addresses the varied developmental levels of each child in the class, and by being a source of support and information. Through observation and assessment our teachers provide feedback to parents about all aspects of their child’s development.

We realize that parents entrust their children to us at a very early age. In response to this trust, staff members endeavor to create a supportive atmosphere respectful of children’s feelings, needs and concerns. We encourage understanding of the balance between the rights and responsibilities of each member of a group. We respect the integrity of each family with its own patterns and preferences. Our hope for the children is that they will grow to be happy, relaxed, self-confident people who are eager to learn.