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Friendship. Scholarship. Sportsmanship.

Academics

Early Childhood Program (Ages 2-5)

Welcome to Early Childhood!

Our youngest students are nurtured through developmentally appropriate projects, play time, and pro-social behavior. We believe that children learn through active engagement in their environment with the support and encouragement of dedicated and passionate teachers. We know that every child's learning style is unique, and as educators, it is our responsibility to understand children's strengths and challenges to help them grow. Using purposeful and meaningful play, we build on natural curiosity, enabling children to interact, question, connect, problem-solve, communicate, reflect, and more.

With unsurpassed resources and facilities, expert teachers who model lifelong learning and a dedication to developing the character, ethics, and academic foundations, there is no better place than Greensboro Day School to discover the joy of learning!

Warmly,
Emilee B. Transou, M.Ed.
Early Childhood Department Chair

Highly skilled educators design child-centered, motivational play-based activities. Children are encouraged to ask and answer questions as they engage in hands-on projects. Classroom experiences are enhanced by opportunities to explore art, music, science, PE, technology, library and more.
Caring teachers guide children through self-help and problem solving experiences which help children understand their emotions and feelings. Support for each child's presence, voice, ideas and opinions is integral to Early Childhood programming. School should be a place where children feel safe and secure.
Some things about child development cannot be rushed. Children are capable of pro-social behaviors at different rates in their early years. If a student in Early Childhood would benefit from the gift of time, our team will work with the family to ensure that he or she has the appropriate class placement sequence to set the stage for future academic and social success.
Expert teachers and specialists collaborate to develop academic and social learning experiences that are authentic and engaging. Through skilled observation and questioning, student interests are incorporated into curriculum which helps learners understand how school connects to the real world. There are never too many questions in Early Childhood!
Opportunities to develop leadership skills begin early at Greensboro Day School. Our youngest bengals participate in musical performances and present to peers in the classroom and at Lower School assemblies. Children are encouraged to demonstrate leadership by sharing prior knowledge during class discussions, completing weekly job responsibilies and demonstrating compassion for classmates.
Early Childhood classrooms commit to an environment which reflects the social and cultural contexts of our families. Meaningful school connections are developed through monthly family group meetings, intentional visits with older students and attendance at school events, concerts and plays.

Learn More About Early Childhood

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Early Childhood Classrooms

Bengal Tots (2-year olds)
Our 2-year-old classroom operates Monday-Friday. Families can choose from a half-day schedule (8 a.m.-12 p.m., with an optional "lunch bunch" until 12:30 p.m), or a full-day schedule (8 a.m.-3 p.m.). Children must be 2 years old by August 31 and steady on their feet. Please note that early morning drop-off and/or after school care is not available for our 2 year olds.

Bitty Bengals (3-4-year olds)
Bitty Bengals are traditionally 2 years out from Kindergarten and must be 3 years old and fully potty-trained prior to the first day of school. Bitty Bengals attend Monday-Friday and can choose from a half-day (8 a.m. -1 p.m.) or a full-day (8 a.m.-3 p.m.) program.

Junior Kindergarten (4-5-year olds)
Junior Kindergarten students are typically one year out from starting Kindergarten. This is a full-day classroom, operating from 8 a.m.-3 p.m, Monday-Friday.
Investing in the Early Years

Who benefits from early childhood education?

We all do.

Studies show that high-quality early childhood education not only improves a child’s overall health development, but it also prepares them to be life-long learners and positive contributors to society. Young children have a natural curiosity that needs to be nurtured and embraced during these formative years. Improved attention span, self-help skills, empathy, and self-regulation are just a few benefits seen in children who spend time in high-quality programs.

According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, parents who invest in a superior early child program see an average ROI of $9 for every dollar spent.

Tuition for the Early Childhood Program is as follows:

Bengal Tots (monthly rate):
3 day (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) $406
4 day (Monday - Thursday) $510
5 day (Monday - Friday) $580

Bitty Bengals (yearly tuition):
Half Day (8 a.m. - 1 p.m.) $7,415
Full Day (8 a.m. - 3 p.m.) $9,785

Junior Kindergarten (yearly tuition)
Full Day (8 a.m. - 3 p.m.) $10,560

It is important to note that Financial Assistance is NOT available for our Early Childhood Program.
Beyond the Early Years

The Early Childhood years are memorable for parents and students alike! GDS considers each child's unique gifts as we work in partnership with families to create an unsurpassed educational path for the future.

Current Early Childhood families interested in Kindergarten for the following year will begin the Admission process in the fall. Please learn more about the Application Process here.

It is important to note that financial assistance is not available for our Early Childhood students. For families moving from Early Childhood into Kindergarten, there is a very limited amount of aid available. If you plan to apply for financial aid for the Kindergarten year, please understand that aid may not be available at the level you request. Should you anticipate needing financial aid for Kindergarten and beyond, please contact Vivian Wilder (336) 288-8590 or vivianwilder@greensboroday.org) during the first trimester of enrollment to determine whether or not a level of aid may be forthcoming.

Please note that acceptance to the Early Childhood Program does not guarantee space or acceptance in Kindergarten.

Greensboro Day School develops the intellectual, ethical, and interpersonal foundations students need to become constructive contributors to the world.