Preschool FAQs

What ages do you serve?

Our program will serve children ages 3–5, with our inaugural Preschool classroom serving children ages 3–4. Our program is designed to support children during these important early years through a balance of play, exploration, language development, and relationship-based learning.

What is your educational philosophy?

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.

What curriculum do you use?

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.

How do children learn through play?

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.

How do you support early literacy and language development?

Language and literacy are embedded throughout the day through conversations, storytelling, interactive read-alouds, songs, dramatic play, vocabulary development, and intentional phonological awareness activities.

How do you support social, emotional, and behavioral development?

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.

How do you prepare children for kindergarten?

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.

How do you handle discipline and challenging behavior?

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.

What qualifications do your teachers have?

Our teachers meet or exceed Washington State licensing requirements and are selected for their experience, professionalism, and commitment to high-quality early childhood education.

What is the teacher-to-child ratio and class size?

Our classrooms will have a teacher-to-child ratio of 1:10, and a maximum class size of 20.

What does a typical day look like?

Children participate in a balance of choice time, teacher-guided experiences, literacy learning, outdoor exploration, small-group activities, meals, rest, and project-based investigations.

How much time do children spend outdoors?

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.

How do you communicate with families?

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.

Is this program only for children with dyslexia or language-based learning differences?

No. Our program is designed for a wide range of learners. Children do not need a diagnosis or identified learning difference to attend.

What makes Hamlin Robinson different from other preschool programs?

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.

How do I schedule a tour?

Families can submit an inquiry through the preschool website. A member of our team will follow up with information about upcoming tour opportunities.