Children's Museum of Tacoma Launches Onsite Preschool

TACOMA, WA — June 13, 2012 — On September 11, 2012 the Children’s Museum of Tacoma will launch a new preschool at its facility located at 1501 Pacific Avenue in downtown Tacoma. Inspired by the best in early learning childhood education, the preschool will honor the mission of the museum and celebrate the power of play in the lifelong journey of learning. Serving children ages 3-5 years old and their adults, the preschool will provide a nurturing, creative and one-of-a-kind museum-inspired environment that harnesses the power of play.

The Children’s Museum of Tacoma’s preschool believes in the innate capacity of children to wonder, hypothesize, investigate and direct their own learning.  Facilitators listen, observe, and provoke thoughtful investigations to follow the emergent interests of children within the Museum and carefully designed play-based classroom. Each learner and the collection of learners create an invested, collaborative and compassionate community that celebrates each person’s unique spark, gifts, and talents. 

This relationship-based program supports parental engagement in and encouragement of the natural, playful discovery process, helping prepare children to be confident and eager learners who are ready for school and their life journey.

Additionally, a blend of cooperative options and family celebrations allow a child’s first and most important teacher, their parent or significant adults, to participate in building a strong foundation for our students.

The museum is now enrolling students for the September 2012-May 2013 preschool year.  Class sizes are limited. For information about enrollment, visit PlayTacoma.org/preschool or call Deean Marsh, program manager, at (253) 627-6031 ext. 228.

Features of the Children’s Museum of Tacoma Preschool

• Weekly engagement in a creative classroom and use of full museum environment
• 1:6 adult to child ratio, plus inclusion of parents in cooperative options and celebrations
• Documentation of child’s growth and development over academic year
• Commitment to whole family learning, including resources for the adults and parents.
• Classes are facilitated by experienced Museum program staff.
• Museum membership included with enrollment
• Curbside drop-off and pick-up options

Additional Information

Ages: All classes are designed for cooperative learning of children ages 3-5 years old.  Three year old children must be three by September 1 and be able to use the toilet independently.

Dates & Times

• Morning Session – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:15 – 11:45 a.m.
• Afternoon Session – Tuesday and Thursday from 1:30 – 4 p.m.

Calendar:  Preschool begins on September 11, 2012 and runs until May 23; holiday breaks and special events will be shared with registered families.

Parent Involvement:  Parents are welcomed to participate in education sessions and assist and volunteer anytime in the classroom.  Cooperative Parents are required to volunteer two to three classes each month.

Registration:  The school year is nine months and participants are encouraged to make a nine-month commitment; if space is available there is an opportunity to join on a rolling basis.  A $50 non-refundable registration fee and application form are required to begin the enrollment process.  Once the application is approved, a deposit of one month’s tuition is required to reserve a classroom seat.  Deposit will be held and applied as student’s last monthly tuition payment and is non-refundable after September 1, 2012. Application forms can be downloaded at www.PlayTacoma.org/preschool.

Cost:
$250 – $375 in nine installments for total of $2,250 – $3,375, or Co-op option of $150 – $225 in nine installments for total of $1,350-$2,250.

Children’s Museum of Tacoma

The Children’s Museum of Tacoma celebrates the power of play in the life-long journey of learning. The Museum’s imaginative environment reaches beyond home and school experiences to nurture young children ages 1 – 8. The museum’s stimulating programming and hands-on playscapes allow children to test their independence and gain self-confidence through the arts, sciences and creative play while presenting adults and parents with the tools to understand and support them. Since its establishment in 1986, by local parents, teachers and community leaders, the museum has become a cornerstone of early education in the South Puget Sound region.

Museum hours: Wednesday- Sunday 10 am – 5 pm, open until 7 pm the third Thursday of each month. Member-only Mondays 10 am – 5 pm.
Museum admission: Pay As You Will
Museum address: 1501 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma WA 98402
More information: 253.627.6031 or www.PlayTacoma.org