Curriculum
Our nurturing environment is infused with the Spanish language! Our dedicated caregivers, who understand the benefits of early bilingualism firsthand, will speak primarily in Spanish to your child throughout the day. This immersive approach fosters a natural love of language and opens young minds to a wider world.
Please note that parents don't need to speak Spanish for their children to thrive in our program. While we offer optional support materials to use at home, your child will learn and grow through their playful interactions at Primeros Pasos.
Full Spanish Immersion
Learning by doing:
a play-based approach
We believe children learn best by doing! Inspired by the work of Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky and influenced by the renowned Stanford Bing Nursery School, we provide a stimulating environment filled with open-ended materials that spark curiosity, exploration, and discovery through play. This child-centered approach contrasts with more teacher-centered approaches where children are often shown how and what to do. We believe that by embracing a child-led learning journey, we foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and a lifelong love of learning.
We specialize in developing socio-emotional skills–what Kindergarteners need most–but our Primeros Pasos kids are also prepared with pre-math, pre-literacy, and other Kindergarten skills. Our graduates leave Primeros Pasos not only prepared for kindergarten but also equipped with essential life skills: a love of learning, self-confidence, respect for others, the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and a strong sense of self.
Kindergarten Readiness
and Beyond
Monthly Themes
We focus on learning and exploration through a curriculum of 12 monthly themes including specific songs, circle time and art projects.
Cultural Awareness
Our curriculum places intentional emphasis on cultural diversity, through celebrating world holidays, learning about cultures from around the world, and inviting parents to participate in our cultural days.
Proven Success
in Bilingualism
Each year, our Pre-K students who take the SFUSD Spanish track entrance exam consistently achieve "native" or "fluent" scores – a testament to the power of our immersion program, even without additional Spanish support at home.
Diverse Paths
After Primeros Pasos
Our graduates embark on successful journeys at a variety of excellent schools, including Alta Vista School, La Scuola Italiana, San Francisco School, St. Paul's School, and various SFUSD schools, among others.
Our Core
Values
Enhanced Learning and Cultural Awareness
Early exposure to a second language enriches children with critical intellectual skills and fosters cultural sensitivity, opening doors to a broader understanding of the world around them. Our curriculum also places intentional emphasis on cultural diversity, through celebrating world holidays, learning about cultures from around the world, and inviting parents to participate in our cultural days.
Personalized Care in a Nurturing Environment
Our approach involves caring for children in small, intimate groups, allowing for meticulous supervision and tailored care, ensuring that each child feels valued and supported.
Building Trustworthy Bonds
Our caregivers focus on establishing Healthy Attachment with each child, creating a stable and secure foundation that nurtures emotional and intellectual growth.
Attuned to Every Child’s Needs
Responsive to the unique emotional and developmental stages of each child, our caregivers adapt their approach to support individual learning journeys, allowing children to flourish at their natural pace.
Effective Communication with Families
Our caregivers maintain open and effective communication with parents, ensuring a cohesive and comprehensive approach to each child's development and well-being.
Each child is assigned a primary teacher that will provide regular written observations as well as quarterly assessments.
We provide for weekly director’s office hours
Parents are invited into the classroom during Back to School (Fall) and our Spring School Night
Parent-Teacher Conferences are offered twice a year.