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Jan Howard, M.S.
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Jan Howard, M.S.
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Selecting a preschool for your child can be very stressful. We hope to ease that stress. This website contains answers to the most commonly asked questions. However, if you have any other questions, please feel free to ask. We take extra care to be sensitive to your needs and the needs of your child.
Our Philosophy
Our program reflects the philosophy that the preschool years are for FUN and for a great deal of LEARNING and DISCOVERY. Growth is a sequential and orderly process through predictable stages of development. We understand these developmental stages and offer a program that will nurture and facilitate the growth of each child to his and her highest potential.
At Peek-A-Boo Preschool we lay a foundation for your child's feeling of self-confidence. We provide an atmosphere encouraging an excitement for learning.
Our Program
Arts and Crafts
This is the time of when creativity is at its peak. This is also a time to develop small motor skills. This is very important for the development of writing skills.
Mediums used:
| Paint | Clay |
Scissors |
Tracing | Storytelling and illustration |
Circle time is a magical time of the day. Stories are read and discussed. Creative stories are told by everyone, adding to the story. Singing, dancing, and musical instruments are favorite activities of the children. On Friday, the children bring an item from home for ""show and tell". They look forward to Friday all week long. There is a lot of language happening. The children develop their listening as well as their language skills.
We also teach sign language during circle time. We have found that sign language helps children learn the alphabet. This approach is especially helpful to children who need to move their bodies when learning. Throughout the day we use this kinesthetic approach as well as auditory and visual approaches to learning.
We are a "developmental" preschool program. This means that your child will begin working on letters, numbers, and writing at the exact level of his or her development. The children are not working on the same skill at the same time. Your child will have an individualized plan for mastering the skills necessary for reading, math, and writing.
The preschool academic program begins with singing songs, sign language, and playing games in order to learn the letters of the alphabet. The children are mastering how to recognize the letter, say the phonetic sound of each letter and the sign language for each.
The pre-kindergarten academic program begins with putting letters together to form words. They use phonetic skills to sound out those words. They then progress to reading books.
Some children are reading at the age of 3. However, the majority of our students are reading at age 4 and 5. This gives the children a good foundation for kindergarten and 1st grade.
We use the same approach when teaching math and writing. Each child is developing at their own pace.
We do not pressure the children. We use a "stair step" approach to teaching. Each child is introduced to one concept at a time. Many of the concepts are introduced by using games and songs. We believe that learning should be fun.
Each child progresses according to their own unique developmental level and their own rate.
Some parents wonder if their child will be bored in kindergarten. Our experience shows us that our children leave for kindergarten being confident in themselves. They are at the top of their class. This raises their self esteem. This is what we all want for our children.
The expectations for Kindergarten and 1st grade have increased over the past few years. We will make sure your child is ready.
Outside time is everyone's favorite time of the day. We have many fun activities for the children. Many of the activities are designed for the children to develop their large motor skills.
| Water Play | Basketball |
Soccer |
Trampoline | Kickball |
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Wall Ball |
2 square |
Building Blocks | ||
| Dinosaurs | Tool Bench | Trucks |
Cars |
House |
| Camping |
Grocery Store |
And much more... | ||
Specific activities that develop large motor skills;
| Throwing | Catching |
Skipping |
Hopping |
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Jumping |
Running |
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Free play time is a very important and fun time of day for the children. They develop their imaginations, language, and social skills.
| Computer | Building Blocks | Babies | Coloring | Audio Books and tapes |
| Puzzles |
Farm Animals |
Books | ||
| Board Games | Dress up |
Dinosaurs |
Tinker Toys | Insects |
| Puppets Theater | And much more... | |||
We provide delicious fruits, vegetables, snacks & beverages. You provide your child's favorite sandwich.
After a morning packed with fun activities, it is time to rest. The children's bodies and brains are developing at such a rapid rate that they need to rest in order to recharge themselves. They wake up refreshed and in such a happy mood. Without a rest, children often become irritable in the afternoon and early evening. Therefore an afternoon rest is most important for their well being.
Our Students and Staff
Our students are beautiful, bright, kind, thoughtful and always willing to share. (Well most of the time). They have respect for themselves and others. They pride themselves on becoming more independent each day. They play in a peaceful, non-violent manner. They strive to be honest and courteous. Your child will fit right in!
We enroll a maximum of 12 children. The children range in age from 2 years to 5 years of age, and do not have to be potty-trained. In this way we function much like a family. The older children are helpful to the younger children. The younger children learn from the older child's example.
We have very small group sizes so that your child will receive individual attention. Our small group has a ratio of 6 children to 1 adult. Our large group has a ratio of 7-12 children to 2 adults.
Our STAFF at Peek-A-Boo Preschool are chosen for their love of children and their ability to relate well with young children.
Our staff is extremely talented, nurturing and patient. They receive hundreds of hours of on the job training during the course of a year. They guide the children through a fun filled day and have a lot of fun in the process.
About Jan Howard
A native of Alameda, Jan Howard has been the Master Teacher and owner of Peek-A-Boo Preschool since 1977. She received her Bachelor of Science, Standard Teaching Credential and Masters Degree in Child Development. She has also taught in the Alameda Unified Public School System.
Since 1977 Jan Howard has been issued a Child Care license from the State of California. She has passed an FBI clearance, CPR and First Aid training.
Ms. Howard is a member of the Child Care Association of Alameda and California. She is the past President of the Alameda Association. She is an educational consultant and the author of How To Start A Preschool In Your Home.
"Miss Jan", as she is called, has a genuine love of children. She provides children with a FUN filled day and parents with PEACE OF MIND.
We would love to have you visit Peek-A-Boo Preschool
to see what families have loved for years.
Just give us a call to set up a time.
3112 Windsor Drive
Alameda, CA 94501
510-522-5539
