PRESCHOOL (18 MONTHS–4 YEARS)

The NSU University School Preschool provides early care and education for children 18 months through four years in a safe, structured, and supportive environment. Teachers use the 5C Curriculum Framework to help children reach challenging but achievable goals in the domains of critical thinking, concept development, communication, cooperation, and creativity.

Curriculum Highlights

Teachers plan age-appropriate experiences that focus on language development, math concepts, letter recognition, phonemic awareness, and handwriting.
Children’s inventive ideas and interests inspire in-depth projects and investigations that engage their critical thinking and curiosity.
Open-ended questions are used to invite children’s participation in rich discussion with peers and adults.
Indoor and outdoor materials and equipment support the development of fine- and gross-motor skills.
Children participate in activities that foster independence and encourage positive social interactions with others.
A range of assessment tools are used for planning, decision-making, and communicating with families.

Teaching Staff

All teachers have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and participate in ongoing, targeted professional development throughout the academic year where they are supported, challenged and inspired to design and introduce intellectually stimulating curriculum experiences. Teachers also develop respectful relationships with families and encourage two-way communication using interactive applications such as Class Dojo.

Accreditation

NSU University School is accredited by Cognia and the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS). NSU University School’s Preschool programs are also accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Our programs are among less than six percent of early childhood programs nationally that have achieved NAEYC accreditation, which represents the mark of quality in education. As the only university-based NAEYC accredited early learning center in Broward County, the faculty and staff of NSU University School Preschool continually work to ensure all children receive the highest quality early care and education.

NSU University School is also a member of the National Association of Independent Schools, the Educational Records Bureau, The College Board, the National Association for College Admission Counseling, the Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools, the National Association of Laboratory Schools, the Independent School Experiential Educational Network, the National Coalition of Campus Children’s Centers, and the American Camp Association.

NSU Connection and Visionary Founder

NSU University School’s Preschool, located on the campus of Nova Southeastern University, provides our students and teachers with a wide range of resources and opportunities. Preschool staff work closely with the NSU School of Psychology who offer occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech and language therapy to children who may benefit from these services. Our administrative staff is continually researching best practices in the area of child development and early education in an effort to bring those ideas to the forefront in the Preschool classrooms. Our connection to NSU also provides a number of hands-on learning experiences for students and as they move on to the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools. There’s much for them to look forward to including visits to the Alvin Sherman Library, hearing from guest speakers, and taking virtual field trips to places on campus like the Oceanography Center and campus gardens, internships and fellowships with NSU experts, mock trials in the NSU courtroom, and more. As parents, you will have access to NSU experts in a variety of early childhood fields. Our connection to NSU and the experiential learning opportunities that are made possible through this partnership are all part of the USchool experience.

The Preschool preserves the legacy and spirit of Dr. Marilyn “Mickey” Segal who was a visionary and advocate for young children. Over her 30-year tenure, Mickey created the first Broward County Head Start, the NSU University School K–12 Program, and the Family Center at NSU (which is now known as the Preschool) where she served as dean, educating children and families, mentoring future professionals and serving the community.

Take the Next Step

We encourage you to peruse through our website to learn more about the USchool difference. If you have any questions, please contact our admissions team at uschooladmissions@nova.edu or 954-262-4506. To submit an online application, click here today.

NSU University School on Facebook

Junior Kindergarten Classroom Rotations

In addition to our college preparatory curriculum, students in Junior Kindergarten will also have an opportunity to take a more in-depth look at the topics below on a weekly, rotating schedule:

Science and Research

Students are introduced to the scientific method as they engage in a wide range of focused explorations, tasks, and challenges. They learn how to observe, question, hypothesize, predict, test, and, based on evidence, draw conclusions. The goal is to nurture a sense of inquiry and wonder in students and to support the development of critical and analytical skills.

Environmental Science

Students develop an appreciation and understanding of the natural world through hands-on explorations in our living labs that include observing, identifying, and tracking weather patterns; planting and caring for the school garden; creating a butterfly/wildlife habitat; and, importantly, investigating the critical role they play in making informed and responsible decisions about environmental issues such as sustainability.

Fine Arts

Drawing on inspiration from famous and not-so-famous artists such as Picasso, Matisse, and Klee, students investigate the elements, techniques, and media of art. Diverse materials and media are explored and manipulated in structured and unstructured ways to help students expand their creative horizons and question assumptions about what constitutes art.

Digital Arts

Open the world of digital possibilities. In Digital Art, students explore their inner artist while interacting with contemporary technologies such as photography, digital drawing and painting, and stop-motion animation. Students learn about tones, colors, and details using software and basic digital tools. Creative thinking skills are nurtured as unique, technology-inspired artwork is produced.

Create and Construct

Students develop engineering habits of mind as they examine human-made inventions and design their own using the Think It, Draw It, Build It process. Hands-on design challenges that invite novel solutions to real-world problems are introduced and explored. Ethical factors are also considered as students reflect on how their work will benefit, rather than harm their world.

Innovation Lab

The Innovation Lab brings learning to life, sparking interest and excitement in STEAM-related fields. Through hands-on, interactive activities and experiential methods, students explore the concepts of engineering, programming, robotics, and technology. Collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking skills are enhanced with project-based, innovative learning. It is designed to stimulate curiosity and drive learning through inquiry and observation.

5C Curriculum Framework

Starting at 18 months through age four, children are provided with key experiences in the areas of:

Critical Thinking: children use mathematical and scientific reasoning to classify, compare, experiment, and infer.
Concept Development: children add to their knowledge base about biological science, life science, and social studies through active exploration of their world.
Communication: children are encouraged to use language to investigate and explore, and to reflect on their experiences.
Cooperation: children develop empathy, share ideas, forge friendships, and accomplish things together.
Creativity: children engage in creative learning experiences designed to support inventiveness, imagination, and innovation.

The constructivist approach guides the implementation of the 5C framework. Constructivism is the theory that underlies the choices and decisions of teachers as they intentionally and purposefully plan curriculum. The approach acknowledges that all learners come to the classroom with life experiences that shape their view of the world and that learning is achieved through a process of active exploration and experimentation.

Program Options

PK1 (18–23 months)

5 days per week

8:30 am–12:45 pm (half day)

8:30 am–3:00 pm (full day)

7:30 am–5:45 pm (full day plus before and after care)

PK2 (age 2 by September 1)

5 days per week

8:30 am–12:45 pm (half day)

8:30 am–3:00 pm (full day)

7:30 am–5:45 pm (full day plus before and after care)

PK3 (age 3 by September 1)

5 days per week

8:30 am–3:00 pm (full day)

7:30 am–5:45 pm (full day plus before and after care)

Junior Kindergarten (age 4 by September 1)

5 days per week

7:30 am–5:45 pm (full day plus before and after care)

Specials Classes

Spanish

Learning a second language at an early age provides students with many benefits that will last a lifetime, putting them at a significant advantage. It supports academic achievement, helps improve memory and cognitive function, and helps to develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. During their Spanish class, students are immersed in the Spanish language and culture and they learn through the use of interactive activities, games, and songs.

Music and Movement

Our music and movement class is designed to get students up and moving while learning important foundational skills. The program fosters a love of music and offers an engaging environment where students are introduced to and explore musical instruments, discover new sounds and rhythms, and express themselves and energize their mind and body. Teachers expose students to music, dances, and cultures and help them develop their social-emotional, sensory motor, and cognitive skills, such as self-regulation, self-esteem, patterning and sequencing, receptive language, phonemic awareness, and more.

Fitness and Health

Preschool students taking Fitness and Health develop an understanding and appreciation of physical exercise and nutrition through classroom activities that engage their bodies, minds, and spirits. In this class, students learn about healthy foods and will participate in activities that promote fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

After School Programs

Classroom Layout

Faculty Highlight

No post to display.