The preschool program includes children from 2 years, 9 months old (and toilet trained) up to 4 years old. Children in this age group are just learning to play cooperatively; some would rather play side-by-side than play together with others. The program emphasizes interpersonal skills such as sharing, turn-taking and respecting others. A visitor will hear preschool children asking each other, "How many minutes?" when they want a toy another child has or warning "Body space!" when another child is poking or jostling them (often unintentionally!). Children practice the skills they need to get what they want from others while learning to respect the needs of others.

At this age, children are beginning to learn to do things for themselves and the program supports and encourages independence in everyday tasks such as dressing, toileting, washing, and eating, under the watchful supervision of staff. Safety is emphasized in school rules about walking in hallways, holding stair railings, etc. Children are prepared in advance (foreshadowing) for the day's activities ("Five minutes till clean up time!") so they can feel competent and confident in their surroundings. The Creative Curriculum program forms the basis of staff interaction with children.

Young children need physical activity, a chance to explore and try their hand at new skills, and adequate rest time. They play outdoors on the playground each day or in the Running Room if weather precludes outdoor play. Their preschool room is full of toys arranged in play areas which change during the school year according to curricular needs and to the seasons. Supplies for art projects are always available as is a quiet corner where parents or staff can read to children. An indoor climber allows kids to be physically active in the preschool room. Dress-up clothes and dolls allow creative play. Children take turns feeding the fish and acting as safety monitors for the class. Time for group interaction as well as free play is scheduled each day. A regularly scheduled nap time takes up a large portion of the early afternoon. Each child has his own cot and may bring a blanket or "bedtime buddy" to help him feel at home. Early wakers do quiet activities in another part of the room until nap time is over.

Morning and afternoon snacks are offered and a hot lunch is provided each day in the lunchroom. Menus for snacks and lunches are posted each week outside the classroom. Children who attend preschool half time leave just after lunch, while full time children continue the day with naps, snack and more outdoor play. Teachers provide parents with a synopsis of their child's day; how he ate, slept and played, so care can be continued at home.

Preschool kids enjoy special events such as field trips in the campus/downtown area (sometimes beyond) and visits from special guests such as firefighters, dentists, and librarians.When they are ready for a more academically-challenging program and can get by with a shorter nap, preschool children generally move into the pre-Kindergarten program.

	The Buckaroos gather around the "Helper Board".