Pre-K at AOSR

The Pre-K Program at the American Overseas School of Rome serves three and four–year–old children who have turned that age by October 31st of the academic year.  It is a full day program beginning at 9:00 and ending at 15:20, staffed by a highly qualified team of teachers and teacher assistants with many years of experience working with young children. 

• Lunch included
• Bus service available
• Progressive, child-centered approach
• Large, bright and colorful classrooms
• Music class and physical education 2 times/week
• Weekly visits to elementary school library
• Field trips and special events enrich the curriculum
• Child size cots available for rest time
• Appropriate size bathroom facilities 

• Children must be age 3 or age 4 by October 31^st of the school year to enter either the Pre-K 3 or Pre-K 4 group.
• Children must be potty-trained upon entering the program.

It is our belief that young children learn best in an environment where they can engage in a collaborative process of experimentation and investigation. Children are guided and encouraged to enrich their knowledge through active exploration and inquiry.  Ideas and opinions are valued and respected, thereby allowing the child to feel confident as he/she attempts new tasks and activities

Our curriculum provides for all areas of development – language and literacy, cognitive, social/emotional and physical – through an integrated, child-centered approach.

Objectives

• Offer a positive pre-kindergarten experience that both fosters self-esteem and creates an environment where children learn how to work collaboratively as members of a group.
• Stimulate logical thinking, problem-solving skills and encourage children’s articulation of ideas and theories.
• Provide differentiated instruction and opportunities for thinking at all levels.
• Encourage sharing, cooperation and respect for others.
• Provide opportunities for self-expression through language, drama, music, art, and play.
• Promote development of artistic skills, aesthetics and creativity through experience with a wide variety of media.
• Foster environmental awareness and include the use of recycled materials in projects.
• Encourage self-direction and independence.
• Foster cooperative communication between parents and teachers.

A Progressive Approach

Our method of planning and implementing curriculum throughout the year is largely inspired by the well-known Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education. We focus on creating a stimulating and welcoming educational environment that nourishes a child’s curiosity, motivation to learn, and interest in social interaction.

We believe in the diverse capabilities of each child and work daily to allow children to demonstrate their potential. This involves listening to children, reflecting on their interests and allowing the curriculum to emerge as they explore a topic. While teachers set general goals for the class, the child’s ideas are considered as a key aspect of how activities and projects proceed.

All of our staff members have had the opportunity to visit the Reggio Emilia schools in northern Italy and are continually striving to improve practice and maintain a high quality pre-kindergarten program. If you would like to learn more about Reggio Emilia, please visit www.reggiochildren.it.

For information regarding admissions please contact:  admissions@aosr.org