Hamlin Robinson School is excited to launch a new Early Childhood Education program in Fall 2026, with an anticipated opening on September 9, 2026. Designed for children ages 3 and 4, this language-rich, play-based preschool program reflects the mission and philosophy that have guided HRS for more than 40 years.
Our inaugural Preschool classroom will serve children ages 3–4. Our hope is to eventually expand this to ages 3-5 and perhaps even add a kindergarten classroom.
Our program is designed to support children during these important early years through a balance of play, exploration, language development, and relationship-based learning
We believe young children learn best through relationships, play, movement, exploration, and authentic experiences. Our program combines developmentally appropriate practice with intentional language and literacy support while preserving the joy and wonder of childhood.
Our program combines Creative Curriculum, Heggerty Early Literacy, and language-rich teaching practices. Learning experiences are designed to support the whole child while building strong foundations in language, literacy, social-emotional development, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Play is one of the primary ways young children learn. Through hands-on exploration, dramatic play, art, movement, building, outdoor experiences, and collaborative projects, children develop language, social skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.
Language and literacy are embedded throughout the day through conversations, storytelling, interactive read-alouds, songs, dramatic play, vocabulary development, and intentional phonological awareness activities.
Social-emotional learning is a foundational part of our program and is embedded throughout the day. Children learn to recognize and express emotions, build friendships, solve problems, take turns, develop empathy, and navigate social situations with increasing independence. Teachers intentionally support these skills through classroom routines, play experiences, conversations, literature, and guided interactions. Our goal is to help children develop confidence, self-awareness, resilience, and the skills needed to become successful members of a classroom community.
Kindergarten readiness includes much more than letters and numbers. We help children develop confidence, independence, communication skills, self-regulation, social-emotional skills, early literacy, mathematical thinking, and a love of learning.
We view behavior as communication, and an important part of children's learning and development. Teachers help children develop the social-emotional skills needed to navigate challenges, build relationships, communicate their needs, and solve problems effectively. When challenges arise, teachers work to understand what a child may be communicating and provide support through coaching, redirection, problem-solving, and skill-building. Children are guided in learning how to recognize emotions, manage frustration, resolve conflicts, and make positive choices within the classroom community. Our approach is proactive, relationship-based, and developmentally appropriate. We partner closely with families to support each child's growth and help them develop the confidence, self-regulation, and social skills needed for success both in school and beyond.
Our teachers meet or exceed Washington State licensing requirements and are selected for their experience, professionalism, and commitment to high-quality early childhood education.
Our classrooms will have a teacher-to-child ratio of 1:10, and a maximum class size of 20
Children participate in a balance of choice time, teacher-guided experiences, literacy learning, outdoor exploration, small-group activities, meals, rest, and project-based investigations.
Outdoor learning and physical activity are important parts of every day. Children have two opportunities each day to explore, play, move, and connect with nature in developmentally appropriate ways
Families receive daily communication, updates, photos, and information about classroom learning experiences through the Teaching Strategies family app, as well as regular newsletters, conferences, and other opportunities for ongoing conversations with teachers
No. Our program is designed for a wide range of learners. Children do not need a diagnosis or identified learning difference to attend
Our program combines developmentally appropriate, play-based learning with intentional language and literacy support. Our program emphasizes strong relationships, early communication skills, family partnerships, and a whole-child approach to learning
Families can submit an inquiry through the preschool website. A member of our team will follow up with information about upcoming tour opportunities
