Our Mission:

To serve the changing needs of the community and exceed expectations of our families. CLOSE TO MY HEART truly is a place where education and fun are incorporated as one based on our excellent curriculum and dedicated staff. Studies have found that children are more likely to retain information learned when they are engaged in an enjoyable and meaningful activity. And that's what CLOSE TO MY HEART is all about. Our childcare programs and preschool curriculums integrate a wealth of intriguing and engaging learning activities that stimulate brain development in children. Close To My Heart is a center based inclusive preschool program designed to meet the individual needs of children with and without disabilities. We believe that children grow into tolerant and caring citizens when provided with a supportive learning environment that values diversity and cooperation. We also believe that the support of families, educators, neighbors, health care providers and the greater community contributes to this growth. Together, our community can bring children to their full potential.

CLOSE TO MY HEART is an early childhood development center with extended before and after care available. CLOSE TO MY HEART operates to uniquely meet the needs of the community and the individual children in our care. To ensure that young children learn social and pre-academic skills necessary for success in school, CLOSE TO MY HEART has a staff of credentialed educators that develop and utilize programs and curriculums for children from 24 months of age through kindergarten age. And, CLOSE TO MY HEART also offers convenient and educational before- and after-school and vacation week programs for children up to twelve years old. You can rest assured that your child is mastering important skills at the most appropriate time by being exposed to curricular activities carefully selected by our professional team of highly qualified educators.

Our Philosophy:

Research tells us that children learn best when they are actively engaged in the activity setting. We know that children are most engaged in their surroundings when they are playing. At Close To My Heart we use this knowledge to set up a classroom environment that is rich with learning opportunities. Centers for dramatic play, reading, blocks & manipulative play, science & math, movement & music, and computer time entice the interests, preferences and abilities for all children in the classroom. Teachers assume the role as "coaches" and follow the lead of each child, identifying "natural learning" opportunities and supporting the child to be successful as he learns and explores new activities. Children with special needs require the same engagement in play in order to learn new skills.

Our unique preschool program includes children with special needs in classrooms with typically developing children.

Excellent Curriculum
Our team of Early Childhood Specialists use award-winning education programs from the most respected associations for early childhood curriculums.

Special Needs Focus
Children with special needs participate in all classroom activities with modifications made as needed. This may include adaptations and modifications to the curriculum, activities and schedules.

Related Services
Our integrated setting also allows children with special needs to receive related services like physical therapy or speech therapy during their preschool day, with a team approach to service delivery.

Preparing for Success
We provide children with the ongoing services and supports that they need to succeed. Studies show that inclusion prepares children with special needs for school and the real world, results in higher developmental outcomes, develops improved communication and social skills, and promotes relationships with peers.

Education Goal
At Close To My Heart, our education goal is simple: to help your child blossom intellectually, socially and emotionally, while having a lot of purposeful fun along the way. Call now to set up a tour and learn more.

Our unique early childhood education programs are based individually designed to match your child’s developmental level. Our classroom equipment is industry tested and carefully chosen for age appropriateness. The program curriculums for each age group of children is regularly reviewed, modified and enhanced by a team of educational experts. Our program gives all children equal opportunities to receive an enhanced curriculum and educational/therapeutic resources in a diverse social environment. The program focuses on each child’s cognitive, social, emotional and physical development through individual and small group play activities. The curriculum offers experiences designed to promote self-esteem, creativity, language development, and cognitive skills and fine and gross motor skills in an effort to encourage the development of the whole child. A healthy self-concept is nurtured through warm, supportive teacher-child relationships, individual attention and encouragement of independence.

© 2008 - Close to my Heart Preschool. See our sister site Communitas Classical Academy