ALG Philosophy

Imagine the ideal preschool for your 2 1/2 to 5 year-old child

It would:

• Have a stimulating yet comfortable environment where children can freely interact and learn
• Promote healthy independence and challenge the imagination and intellect of your child
• Be led by talented teachers who have had long term involvement with the school
• Have two outdoor spaces to allow for plenty of outdoor time, bike riding, gardening, and physical activity.
• Expose your child to theater, dance, music, and movement with field trips and weekly professional guest teachers
• Encourage parent involvement and participation throughout the school year
• Actively seek a diverse cultural and ethnic mix of children

Structure + Freedom = Creativity

There is structure to the day at ALG, but children are not forced to participate at the expense of something else in which they might be involved. All children are encouraged to join structured activities, but if a child would rather watch the singing instead of joining in, or wants to finish solving a puzzle game, this is respected at ALG.

An important aspect of ALG is the way the staff handles everyday issues involved in learning basic social values. When individual conflicts arise, children are encouraged to tell one another what they want and to describe their feelings, and then they are guided in arriving at their own solution. Broader issues that affect the whole group are handled in large-circle discussions. All of the staff members are gentle, but firm, and respectful in assisting children with problem solving.

The children at ALG quickly learn basic independence in daily self-care routines. Within a short time, the children routinely wash their hands before eating and after playing or using the toilet (although, unlike many preschools, children need not be potty trained to attend ALG). They learn to handle their lunch, gather their belongings, and put on their coats with minimal assistance.

More Than a Preschool: An Introduction to Life

Every day at ALG begins with an art project, often with emphasis on a monthly focus, such as black history, fire safety, or holidays. Through imaginative play, children learn to be part of a loose team and begin to relate to one another as individuals. Academic concepts, such as letters, numbers, and colors, are incorporated into daily play. Singing, movement, and improvisation classes provide opportunities for self-expression. There are also frequent field trips to museums, the Smithsonian's Discovery Theater, a fire station, and other interesting places.