Pre-3s learn through playful exploration and clear, kind guidance from the teacher and parents. Our play-based curriculum promotes the development of social skills, emotional intelligence, scientific inquiry, literacy, physical capabilities (fine and gross motor skills), mathematics, and a lifelong love of learning. The majority of the class time is free choice. Children can choose from a variety of activities designed to spark curiosity and delight, inspire imaginary play, and foster creativity.

Our class is organized around weekly themes that emerge out of the children's direct experience and interests. Themes may include seasons, feelings, friendship, animals, plants, weather, vehicles, etc.

Typical Day

The first half hour of class is devoted to large motor play outside. Pre-3s can run, climb stumps, throw balls, dig in a large sandbox, paint, dance with streamers, blow bubbles, and more!

After the kids expel some energy, we gather for circle time, which includes singing, creative movement, listening to and participating in stories, and playing with rhythm and rhyme.

The second half of class is indoors open area play.  Children move freely among a variety of stations that changes from day-to-day based on the weekly theme and teacher discretion:
  • The art center encourages creativity with open-ended project such as painting, drawing, collage and print making.
  • The home center sets the scene for dramatic play with a play kitchen and dishes, dolls, dress-up, and props related to the weekly theme, plus play-dough!
  • The sensory table offers a wide variety of materials to feel and explore: water, sand, rice, flax seed, etc.
  • The building area is the place to create structures, roads, train tracks, farms, zoos,  and habitats.
  • The library loft is a quiet, cozy spot for reading books or acting them out with hand puppets.
  • The climbing room provides a wide range of possibilities for big movement, with ever-changing configurations of equipment.
  • The table toys area offers materials that challenge fine motor control such as puzzles, peg boards, rubber band boards, and small blocks.
The day ends with a quick closing circle when we say (or sing) goodbye to our friends.

Parent Participation

Wedgwood is a cooperative preschool, and parent participation is an important part of the Pre-3s program. Parents attend class with their children one day a week and act as assistant teachers. During area play, parents staff the stations and facilitate the activities, helping children learn to use materials, problem solve, and build vocabulary. As the year progresses, parents prepare and lead small group activities. Every parent is expected to perform a job (class photographer, substitute teacher, after class cleaning, etc.), complete a weekend cleaning shift two times a year, and participate in fundraising.

Wedgwood Co-op is affiliated with North Seattle College, and all parents must enroll in a 3-credit course in early childhood development. The classroom acts as the lab portion, while a mandatory parent meeting one evening per month serves as the lecture.

In exchange for this time commitment, co-op offers a rewarding, growth-filled and exciting experience for children and parents together.

For more information or to schedule a time to visit the classroom, email pre-3s@wedgwoodcoop.org.

Fast Facts

Age - 2 years old by Aug 31

Meets - Monday & Friday 9-11am

Costs - $100/mo per child + NSC tuition $53.61/quarter
​​(2022-2023 prices.  Subject to change each school year)

Teacher - Beth Graham

Questions - Email 
our registrar