Philosophy & Curriculum
At Castlewood Community Preschool & Kindergarten, we believe children learn best through play, connection, and meaningful experiences. Our classrooms are designed to nurture curiosity, independence, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning — whether a child is beginning preschool or preparing for elementary school.
Play-Based Learning
Play is the foundation of learning in both our Preschool and Kindergarten programs. Children learn by doing — getting messy, asking questions, investigating ideas, and problem-solving alongside their peers. Our teachers thoughtfully design engaging environments and intentional play experiences that support each child’s developmental stage.
Through play, children grow in:
Social & emotional development
Language & early literacy
Math & problem-solving
Science & inquiry
Creative arts
Fine & gross motor skills
Teachers observe closely, ask thoughtful questions, and extend children’s thinking to deepen learning in natural and meaningful ways.
The Creative Curriculum®
Play is the foundation of learning in both our Preschool and Kindergarten programs. Children learn by doing — getting messy, asking questions, investigating ideas, and problem-solving alongside their peers. Our teachers thoughtfully design engaging environments and intentional play experiences that support each child’s developmental stage.
Through play, children grow in:
Social & emotional development
Language & early literacy
Math & problem-solving
Science & inquiry
Creative arts
Fine & gross motor skills
The Creative Curriculum is a comprehensive, research-based program that nurtures social-emotional growth, language, literacy, math, and critical thinking through hands-on exploration.
Process-Focused Art
Creativity is central to how children express themselves and understand the world.
In process-focused art, children are given open-ended materials and the freedom to explore. The focus is on discovery, experimentation, and creative confidence — not a predetermined final product.
Through art, children:
Strengthen fine motor skills
Practice problem-solving
Explore different materials and techniques
Build independence and self-expression
Both guided and open-ended art experiences are part of daily life in our classrooms.
Kindergarten Readiness & Beyond
Our goal is not only readiness for the next grade — but readiness for life. Our Preschool program lays the groundwork. Our Kindergarten program strengthens and extends those skills while preserving the joy and curiosity of childhood.
Children leave Castlewood with:
Confidence in their abilities
Strong social-emotional skills
Emerging literacy and math foundations
Independence and responsibility
A love of learning
Family Partnership & Support
As a parent cooperative, we value strong partnerships with families. Our staff works closely with parents to support each child’s growth. We also connect families with community resources when additional support is needed, including services for children with special needs or guidance on early childhood development. We believe that when families and teachers work together, children thrive.
