WHERE THEIR JOURNEY BEGINS...
The mission of Turtle Rock Preschool is to help ensure children reach their full potential. We provide dynamic programs in which children from diverse backgrounds can develop early learning skills in a supportive and nurturing environment.
WELCOME TO
TURTLE ROCK You are embarking on an exciting journey to choose an early childhood school. In the pages that follow, you will learn about our approach, our programs and offerings, and the closeness of our community. Our approach emphasizes caring for and educating children as individuals, building on their curiosity and talents, and empowering them to succeed socially and academically. From the moment children walk through our doors, they enter a space designed for nurturing exploration and fun, building a foundation of valuing community and learning. I hope that you, too, discover the wonders of Turtle Rock as I have. Please join us for an open house or tour. We are eager to share this special place with you!
Maajed Abahusayn President & Owner
A CHILDHOOD BEYOND WHAT YOU’VE IMAGINED
TURTLE ROCK PRESCHOOL AT A GLANCE
Founded in 1979
Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children
Independent, secular, year-round, early childhood day school
u 8 weeks old thru Kindergarten 1 staff : 6 children sschoolwide ratio Flexible hours 7 AM to 6 PM
11 joyful classroomss 225 ch hildren children enrolled 55,235+ daily smiles
A COMMUNITY THAT FEELS LIKE FAMILY
Ours is a unique and vibrant community. As a family owned school, we purposely create an atmosphere of togetherness and foster close relationships between children, parents, and teachers. We are a home away from home for both you and your child. Parents are invited to join in their child’s school experiences, from participating in the classroom to volunteering at some of our schoolwide events.
Turtle Rock’s commitment to diversity is integral to the mission of the school. The different perspectives and experiences of our families define the fabric of our community. They contribute to the growth of each child and help form their vision of the world. The vibrancy and vitality we feel at Turtle Rock comes from the people who are here. At its root are the varied interests and experiences, the different
backgrounds, cultures, religions, and views that our children, staff, and families bring to the school. Each of us adds to the richness of another’s experience. Working, learning and playing together teaches us lifelong lessons about appreciating each other, knowing and understanding each other and learning from each other.
A HISTORY OF EXCELLENCE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD For over 40 years, Turtle Rock Preschool has started children off on a lifetime of learning in a nurturing educational environment where each child feels happy, respected, proud, safe, and loved. Ours was the first school in Irvine to attain elite accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Since then, we have maintained continuous accreditation by meeting all ten Early Childhood Program Standards—with over 400 individual criteria. Our rich history shines through in our longstanding school traditions and beloved annual events. We believe in always improving, updating, and evolving — but the true essence of Turtle Rock Preschool has stood the test of time. As we have done from our founding, we are always working to ensure the highest level of early education for children.
PLAYFUL CURIOUS KIND JOYFUL BRAVE OPEN-MINDED ENERGETIC TALENTED THOUGHTFUL LOYAL CHEERFUL FAIR CLEVER PROUD ASSURED DETERMINED TERRIFIC INVENTIVE ARTISTIC HUMOROUS EXTRAORDINARY WONDROUS OPTIMISTIC SPIRITED MOTIVATED INDEPENDENT COMPASSIONATE UNIQUE INCREDIBLE CAPABLE POLITE MAGICAL ADVENTUROUS COURAGEOUS SENSITIVE HONEST LOVABLE AMAZING CONFIDENT GENTLE ENTHUSIASTIC FUNNY FRIENDLY HELPFUL RESPECTFUL
C A HISTORY OF EXCELLENCE L
IN EARLY CHILDHOOD For over 40 y years, ars, Tu Turtle urtle Rock Preschool has started children off on a lifet lifetime e of learning in a nurturing educational environment where each child feels happy, respected, proud, safe, and loved. Ours was the first te accreditation a by the school in Irvine to attain elit elite ducation of Young Children Childre National Association for th the Education (NAEYC). Since then, we have maintained continuous accreditation by meeting all ten Early Childhood Program ogram Standards—with over 400 indiv in v vidual criteria. individual Our rich history shines through in our longstanding school traditions and beloved annual events. We believe in always lways improving, updating, and evolvin g — but the evolving true essence of Turtle Rock Preschool has stood s ood d the test tes of time. As we have done from our founding, we are always working to ensure the highest level of early education for children.
EHC SSA VNI TXE TPO
WHERE CHILDREN THRIVE
NURSERY PROGRAMS Our youngest program for Infants starts as early as 8 weeks of age. We have purposefully designed a nurturing and creative world for infants to help their minds and bodies develop. Every moment with an infant is precious, which we make sure to treasure. Children then move to our Toddler program at one year old. We begin to balance individual attention with group activities and ensure that your child is using all of his or her energy and excitement in productive ways. Our teachers’ tender care meets children’s emotional needs while promoting beneficial social skills.
EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS
The journey from Preschool to Kindergarten at Turtle Rock is a cohesive progression. Ideas and skills build, year upon year. We craft a curriculum specifically for each stage of development, so every year brings new challenges and new adventures. As a premier school, our goal is to provide a quality early learning experience for each child. This starts with our low student to teacher ratios. Lower ratios increase opportunities for more meaningful interactions and small-group instruction from our staff. Our Preschool program, for two year olds, is where friendships begin to develop and children gain confidence as they use their words and thoughts to interact with others. We encourage children to express their curiosity and develop their unique skills and interests.
As they enter our Junior Pre-Kindergarten program during their third year, your child’s world opens up in new ways. At this age children improve coordination, learn more complex games, begin to interact more deeply with their peers, and become even more curious. We embrace each child’s individuality while also cultivating a strong sense of connection. Our emphasis on socialization and collaboration with peers encourages our young learners to be confident and caring members of our school community.
Getting children ready for the leap to Kindergarten, our Pre-Kindergarten program is designed to enhance a child’s cognitive, social and emotional development. This environment allows children to develop skills that form the foundation for reading, writing and mathematics.
PRIVATE KINDERGARTEN In our Private Kindergarten, the academic world opens up in new ways to reveal its many wonders: literature and journal-writing, patterns in the daily calendar, the mysteries of the rainforest and depths of the ocean, as well as expressing oneself through drawing, song, and physical movement. Our full-day program is both structured and exploratory, and introduces children to a more formal education in a joyful environment. Through daily discussions and in-depth study, we nurture and stimulate student growth, while encouraging self-confidence, enthusiasm for learning, and a respect for others. Literacy, math, science, art, music, and other concepts are interwoven and thoughtfully integrated throughout the curriculum to create a year full of growth and excitement.
AFTER-SCHOOL ACADEMY
Our afternoon After-School Academy, for 1st through 3rd graders, complements their regular school program and enriches their growth and development. We include daily pick-up service from Turtle Rock Elementary and Bonita Canyon Elementary. As school-age children spend most of their day in a classroom, we strive to supplement this formal education with engaging and fun learning experiences. Group activities include hikes, structured outdoor games, creative art, cooking, and science projects.
SUMMER PROGRAMS Summertime camps are offered for children who have completed Pre-Kindergarten through 3rd grade. Camp days are filled with a variety of exciting, educational and challenging activities, and fun off-site excursions. With each themed session, children try new activities, gain independence, and make lasting friendships.
ARTS ENRICHMENT We integrate a broad selection of enrichment opportunities for children using talented musicians and artists-in-residence. Our specialty music class couples song, dance, music education, and hands-on experiences with instruments. An art instructor joins the Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten programs once a week to provide an elevated art experience, exploring different mediums and types of art such as painting and sculpture. An array of other challenging and fun enrichment classes are available to enrolled children by outside vendors. These classes offer opportunities for children to explore a particular interest.
REGGIO EMILIA
WALDORF
• Appreciation for nature-based play
• Play-based approaches
• Encourages exploration
• Structure and a routine schedule
• Project-based learning
• Warm and home-like atmosphere
• Focus on group learning
• Emphasis on cooperation
“discovering answers together”
CURIOSITY STARTS HERE Our unique blended curriculum balances developmental and traditional academic principles. We use the best pedagogical practices from multiple childhood theories that have withstood the test of time. This creates a distinctive, well-balanced approach between academics and play, as well as child-centered and teacher-directed learning opportunities. Our progressive, theme-based weekly curriculum, emphasizes hands-on learning experiences. Since the beginning, our expertise has been in meeting the developmental needs of young children while preparing them for elementary school education. We place a strong focus on the development of the whole child, with an emphasis on character building and inclusivity—shaping strong citizens.
HIGH-SCOPE
MONTESSORI
• Participatory learning
• Age-appropriate academics
• Hands-on experiences
• Developing independence
• Diverse and open-ended materials
• Organized environment
• Focus on the development of the
• Teachers play an active role
whole child
in facilitating learning
BUT FIRST, PLAY We believe in the power of play. Children's play unlocks their creativity and imagination, and provides the basic foundation for early learning.
OUR PASSION, THEIR FUTURE
An outstanding teaching faculty is one of the hallmarks of Turtle Rock. Our teachers are passionate about Early Childhood and are truly the best in the field. Each of them brings a wealth of expertise, individual talents, and unique teaching styles. Together, our teachers create a learning environment that’s stimulating, supportive, and safe. Teachers take advantage of regular staff development opportunities, and we enjoy an outstanding legacy of staff longevity. This continuity of staff is important to the child’s environment as he or she moves up through the various classrooms and programs.
SETTING THEM UP FOR SUCCESS
OUR WORLD REVOLVES AROUND THEIR WORLD
We believe the learning environment is a critical factor that can be intentionally prepared to help support healthy development. Our classrooms are full of different types of play materials, which is extremely important for the development of the whole child; cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and academic.
GRANDPARENT’S DAY • BIKE RALLY PUMPKIN PATCH • LUNAR NEW YEAR BOOK FAIR • KINDERGARTEN BUDDIES FAMILY FUN FAIR • WINTER CONCERT THANKSGIVING FEAST • OPEN HOUSE MOTHER’S DAY • SANTA CLAUS VISIT HALLOWEEN BASH • PUPPET SHOW MOVE-A-THON • SPECIAL VISITORS K I D S ’ N I G H T O U T • S I N G A LO N G S SPIRIT DAY • PRESCHOOL OLYMPICS TRUNK-OR-TREAT • FATHER’S DAY
WHEN A SCHOOL IS MORE THAN JUST A SCHOOL
A U G TRECNOC RETNIW S N H S A B N E E W OL L A H P S G N OL A G N I S • S C I P M YL O L O O H C •
S
CONNECTING WITH NATURE
OUR OUTDOOR PLAY SPACES
Our outdoor playgrounds are designed with natural materials to spark a child’s innate curiosity and encourage open-ended play. They feature sand pits, a shallow stream and water wall, sunken fort, crooked playhouse, and gardens. Children learn about the natural world in an environment that encourages cooperation, creativity, and diverse play experiences.
BEYOND TURTLE ROCK Our community partnerships help us teach children about the world around them and reinforce the character values that are a staple of our curriculum. Visits from local police officers, firefighters, physicians,
and city officials during the school year give children “real-life” experiences with our first responders, community helpers, and leaders.
Little Neighborhood Library Our book “houses” promote a literacy-friendly neighborhood, and share our love for reading. Children and adults are welcome to take a book, borrow a book or donate books for others.
CHOC Hospital Fundraiser Each year we join together to raise funds for Children’s Hospital of Orange County during our all-school Kids’ on the Move-a-Thon.
Concordia University Walking trips to Concordia University’s nearby Heritage Garden and composting area, bee apiary, and marine biology labs help to reinforce classroom learning. College students share their ongoing projects with Turtle Rock children and help to inspire a love of learning.
BECAUSE CHILDHOOD ONLY HAPPENS ONCE
One Concordia West Irvine, California 92612 (949) 854-7611 turtlerockpreschool.com
SCAN
ME