Program Overview

At Windmill Creek Academy, we follow a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach, where children are encouraged to explore, create, and learn through hands-on experiences. We believe that every child is naturally curious and capable, and when placed in a well-prepared environment, they have limitless potential for joy and discovery. As Reggio-Emilia advocate Louise Boyd Cadwell explains in Bringing Learning to Life,

“We strive to promote an atmosphere of excitement and adventure and journeying. We want to set a tone that pulses with the pursuit of knowledge.”

Our programs are designed to cultivate a love of learning from infancy through pre-kindergarten, ensuring that every stage of development is nurtured in a stimulating, engaging, and supportive setting.

Infant Program (6 Weeks – 12 Months)

As your baby’s journey begins at Windmill Creek Academy, we provide a warm, nurturing environment that fosters early development. Our infant teachers are trained to respond to each child’s unique needs while encouraging growth in:

  • Language Development: Listening to stories and early communication.
  • Motor Skills: Sensory exploration, movement activities, and hand-eye coordination.
  • Social and Emotional Growth: Responsive caregiving, interaction, and bonding.

Through age-appropriate activities, our infants engage in music, art, and sensory play, all designed to stimulate their natural curiosity.

Toddler Program (12 Months – 2 Years)

Our Toddler Program introduces structured yet flexible learning experiences that encourage both independent exploration and teacher-guided activities.

  • Early Language Development: Basic sign language and vocabulary-building exercises.
  • Music & Movement: Daily music exposure, fingerplays, dancing, and “baby yoga.”
  • Cognitive and Social Skills: Hands-on phonics, early math concepts, and social-emotional learning.

Our goal is to foster confidence, engagement, and a love for learning while laying the foundation for future academic and personal growth.

Preschool & VPK Program (Ages 2-5)

As children grow, so does their enthusiasm for learning. Our Preschool & VPK Program builds upon their natural curiosity through imaginative play, creative projects, and interactive academic activities.

We incorporate a theme-based curriculum that introduces a wide range of topics while nurturing development in seven key domains:

  • Cognitive Skills
  • Social-Emotional Learning
  • Physical Development
  • Language & Communication
  • Self-Help & Independence
  • Literacy & Early Reading
  • Understanding the World

Every aspect of our preschool environment is carefully designed to support both academic and character development, preparing students for a successful transition into Kindergarten.

Our Learning Environment

Outdoor Exploration & Play

  • Nature-Focused Playground: Age-divided play structures that promote physical activity, motor skill development, and cooperative play.
  • Creation Station: An outdoor "living classroom" featuring:
    • Water and sensory play
    • Free-art easels
    • Engineering-inspired "Ramps Exploration"
    • Jumbo Log Builders for hands-on construction
    • Quiet spaces for socialization and creative thinking
  • Growing Garden: A seasonal garden where students learn about planting, growing cycles, and caring for nature.

Indoor Learning Spaces

  • Interactive Resource Centers: Engage students in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) concepts through hands-on activities.

  • Creative Play Areas: Housekeeping stations, dramatic play, art and coloring stations, puzzles, and more.

  • Student-Led Learning: Encouraging collaboration through Show and Tell, group discussions, and themed projects.

  • Music & Movement Classes: Weekly sessions led by Director Janine, featuring:

    • Live piano music
    • Dancing and rhythm exercises
    • Puppetry and storytelling
    • Introduction to percussion, string, and woodwind instruments
    • Yoga and breathing exercises

  • School Library: A well-stocked collection of over 1,500 children’s books, organized by theme.

Academic Foundations

Throughout our curriculum, students engage in age-appropriate academic activities that build essential skills for future success:

  • Literacy & Language Development

    • Letter, number, shape, and color recognition
    • Phonics-based pre-reading and reading skills
    • Writing and communication exercises

  • Math Readiness

    • Number sense and pre-math concepts
    • Hands-on learning with manipulatives
    • Early problem-solving activities

  • Science & Nature Exploration

    • In-class experiments and outdoor discovery
    • Life sciences, weather patterns, and environmental awareness

  • Creative Arts & Dramatic Play

    • Painting, collage, and multimedia projects
    • Storytelling and role-playing activities

  • Engineering & Design Thinking

    • Building and construction with blocks, Magna-Tiles, and manipulatives
    • Exploring engineering concepts through creative play

  • Special Events & Guest Visits

    • Hands-on experiences with community specialists
    • Themed events that align with curriculum topics