Play is a child’s “work”. Through their play, children develop cognitive skills, language and literacy skills, social skills and physical ability. Children are constantly learning and navigating many different situations through the process of play. The intention of our teachers is to introduce the children to open and inviting environments that foster curiosity. The teachers observe carefully as the children independently explore, investigate and experiment through intentionally designed activities.

Teachers and co-oping parents supply assistance, elaboration, encouragement and enthusiasm in response to the children’s particular requirements of the moment.

At Sausalito Nursery School, peers are playmates. Children are encouraged to share, cooperate, communicate, problem solve, take turns and “make friends.”

Play encourages self-esteem. When a child is encouraged to educate and enjoy him/herself through developmentally appropriate play, the child gets to succeed on a regular basis. Each success not only brings enormous self-satisfaction, it spurs a child to eagerly embrace the next challenge as well.

At Sausalito Nursery School, students are given the necessary tools to inspire, provoke and foster curiosity as well as critical thinking. In the school’s supportive environment, the children can explore and make discoveries at their own pace and according to their individual interests.

Children’s thinking and learning are extended by adding new materials, asking open-ended questions, offering ideas or suggestions, joining in their play and providing assistance in solving problems.

Our program encourages the development of auditory and verbal skills through reading books and poems, telling stories, creative dramatics, music, and play activities.

We offer each child the opportunity to develop large muscle skills and fine motor activities through movement and manipulative toys. Children engage in sensory integration activities, tumbling, dancing and group games on a daily basis. Our teachers also bring their unique athletic interests into the physical curriculum, including yoga and tennis.

Our program provides time, space and materials for dancing, movement activities, creative dramatics, fantasy, improvisation, and role-playing. Most art activities are offered as an exploratory process rather than to produce a product.

Materials such as play dough and clay, paints, brushes, glue, fabrics, collage materials, wood, and materials of interesting colors, sizes and textures are always available. Musical activities such as singing, playing instruments and listening are encouraged and are a part of our daily curriculum.