Los Altos Parent Preschool is a community of parents and educators committed to providing an enriching environment for our children through parent education, parent involvement and mutual support. We are a child-centered, developmentally appropriate, anti-bias program that focuses on the whole child. We value the imagination and creativity of each child and the individuality of every family.
The teacher and children gather together. The teacher greets the children, introduces the work parents and the activities for the day. Children check the chart to see who the helpers are for the day.
Free Choice
Work parents begin their assigned duties. Children take turns to put the date on the calendar, write the number for the day for the number line, and record the weather in the meteorologist’s log. The children choose from a number of activities which change from day to day. These choices include outdoor activities – trikes, working with sand and water, climbing, painting, sensory experiences, gardening, organized games, etc., and indoor play – learning games, art, science or cooking projects, dramatic/fantasy play, puppet shows, playdough, etc.
Group Time A
Half of the children gather together to take part in the first Group Time while the rest of the children continue to play. The teacher leads varied activities such as music, movement, instrument play, songs, stories, or plays. During this time, the children have an opportunity to explore a wide range of topics/concepts while learning to take turns and participate in a group discussion.
Group Time B
The first group goes outside, and the second group comes in.
Snack
Snack is served family-style with children and adults sitting at tables together. A variety of food is presented in self-serve bowls, encouraging the children to serve themselves. Parents model conversation, table manners, and assist the children when needed.
Free Choice
Activities continue as in the first half of the day. Often new choices are presented, such as carpentry, sorting/sequencing games, dictation or other literacy activities, puzzles, etc.
Closing Circle
The teacher and children gather for one last time to share a story, sing songs, or do show and tell. Children may review the occurrences of the day and think about their experiences. The teacher dismisses the children from this group. The day ends.
Meet Our Teachers
Janet Kolstad
There is something about children that causes one’s perspective to change. Armed with a B.S. in Computer Science, and minors in Math and Music, I worked tirelessly at high tech positions in engineering and marketing for over 15 years. But having children with my husband caused me to realize that there’s much more to our wonderful world than very fancy telephones. I left the stress of a start up and consulted with a career counselor to figure out what next to try. Teaching seemed to bubble to the top. I tested this theory by training with Music For Minors to teach music in local elementary schools. I knew I had found my new passion. Fast forward to the present, and I’m very happy to be teaching the 3's and 4's class, bringing current theories and practices in the field to our staff discussions, and helping LAPP to form a strong community of caring parents and educators whose goal is to enable their children to blossom and thrive throughout their preschool years.
Kerry Moore
2006 marks my 25th year as a preschool teacher. I first took a job in a preschool while working my way through college. I was planning to be a child psychologist, but the preschool work was so much fun that I just never stopped! After finishing my undergraduate work, I did graduate work to attain an internationally recognized Montessori diploma (A.M.I.) and worked as a Montessori teacher for many years. I ran a small Montessori program out of my home in San Francisco when my daughter was a baby, then moved on to working as Director and Teacher in the Montessori school she attended as a preschooler. I had never heard of the parent participation co-op model, but after seven years at LAPP, I firmly believe that it is the best preschool approach possible. Working together, parents and teachers can truly do wonderful things! In my “spare” time, I homeschool my daughter and enjoy camping, gardening, reading, cooking, and volunteering for 4-H.
Jean Gasperini
I have always been interested in teaching and children. I started off as a mobility instructor for the blind...yes, teaching blind and visually impaired people how to navigate their environment using a cane and common sense. After having my own children and participating in LAPP with them, I found I really enjoyed young children and the developmental process. I spent time at Santa Clara University in the program Early Intervention for Children With Special Needs, and I focused my teaching career on young children (birth to 5) with special needs, working another five years exclusively with this age group. Then I had my fourth child, and found my way back to LAPP. Since then, I have participated as a parent, on the Board, as an interim director, aide, summer program teacher, substitute teacher, and now, finally, I have joined LAPP as a teacher of the young 3's class. I enjoy the unique blend of working with children and families, and being part of the LAPP community as it grows throughout each school year. It is a joy watching children as they develop their confidence and skills as well as a love for the educational process in the LAPP environment.
