The TOPS Preschool program focuses on the development of the whole child – social, emotional, physical and cognitive – by offering a play-based curriculum rich in creative age-appropriate activities. Through play, young children learn about themselves and their world.

Every morning each child gathers with a small bonded circle group and his/her teacher. During this time the child participates in music, movement, story time, and cognitive activities.

At TOPS, children are encouraged to be independent thinkers. The staff provides the children with a framework for problem solving and teaches conflict resolution skills.

TOPS offers a varied curriculum during the morning play period. Children may choose among the following activities:

Art
TOPS encourages free exploration of various artistic media and techniques including collage, painting, printing and drawing. The focus is on the process, not the product, of art activities.
Cooking
Using recipes, the children create their own nutritious snack, often related to a story or a seasonal theme.

Music/Movement
In this area, imaginative building with blocks, music, and dancing abound. The two story playhouse is a lively setting for dramatic play and creative expression or story time.
Language
TOPS offers opportunities for children to explore a variety of language-related activities such as dictating stories, learning new songs and finger plays, and playing language-based games. A listening center is available to the children. There are also quiet areas for enjoying our rich library of children's literature.

Science/Nature
Children are guided through a self-discovery curriculum. Live animals, nature walks, science displays, simple experiments and math games are among the varied experiences offered at TOPS.

Outdoor Play
The classroom doors are open to the expansive playground where children enjoy our climbing structures, wheel toys, sand boxes, and water play. There is a garden, workbench and opportunities to experience outdoor art activities, games and manipulatives.
Puzzles and Games
A variety of table toys are available to the children of all developmental levels. Puzzles, unifix cubes, pegboards and geo-boards are some of the favorites. Children are challenged by sequencing, matching, sorting, patterning and classification activities.

Eligibility
Children must be 3 or 4 years old by December 2 of the Fall they wish to enroll.

Parent Involvement
Parent participation is essential in a cooperative school. Regularly scheduled monthly parent participation is determined by the number of days per week the child attends school. (Maximum participation is twice a month for the four year old classes, three's parents participate approximately once per month). A limited number of reduced (50%) participation contracts are available.

In addition, all TOPS parents are required 1) to work one Saturday morning maintenance workday per year, and 2) to serve on the Executive Board or other parent committee. There are also fundraising events, parent education evenings, and a back-to-school night which parents are encouraged to attend.