Ada Village Pre-School

Ada Village Preschool, established in 1972 as a community outreach program by the First Congregational Church of Ada, has been providing high-quality early childhood education for generations of children. Still rooted in its founding principles, the preschool operates within the church today, governed by a dedicated board of parents, church members, and the Preschool Director. As a non-profit organization, Ada Village Preschool is both state licensed and accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), ensuring that we meet the highest standards of excellence in early childhood education.

Our Educational Philosophy

At Ada Village Preschool, we believe that learning should be a joyful and engaging experience for every child. Our play-based curriculum fosters curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning through hands-on exploration and discovery. We recognize that each child is unique and learn at their own pace. Our approach emphasizes individual assessment and planning, ensuring that we address the specific strengths and needs of every child in our care.

A Nurturing and Inclusive Environment

Our classrooms are designed to be safe, nurturing spaces where children feel comfortable taking risks, exploring new ideas, and developing strong social-emotional skills. We believe that all children deserve access to high-quality early education, regardless of their background or abilities. Our inclusive classrooms welcome children of all abilities and learning styles, creating a truly enriching and supportive environment for everyone.

A Whole-Child Approach

We take a holistic approach to child development, recognizing that children learn and grow best when their physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs are met. Our play-based curriculum integrates a wide range of experiences, from art and music to dramatic play and outdoor exploration.

Outdoor Exploration and Experiential Learning

An integral part of our program is our commitment to outdoor learning. Our expansive outdoor play area, featuring shade trees, playground equipment, a sandbox, and a mud kitchen, provides children with endless opportunities to strengthen their large muscles, explore the natural world, and develop a respect for the environment.

Our children's garden is a living classroom where children actively participate in planting, caring for, and harvesting a variety of plants. They learn about the entire life cycle of plants and gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of nature. The walking path gives children the opportunity to observe diverse plants, insects, and animals in their natural habitats. They even have the chance to plant bulbs and flowers, as well as feed birds and other animals in our platform feeders.

Community Engagement and Family Partnerships

We believe that strong family-school partnerships are essential for a child's success. We offer personalized tours, family orientations, and ongoing communication through various channels to build relationships and ensure families feel informed and involved. Teachers use platforms like Remind to share daily recaps, facilitate weekly chats, and distribute a monthly newsletter. We also encourage families to participate in classroom activities and share their skills, hobbies, or professions with our students.

Our commitment to community extends beyond our families. We invite local experts, such as firefighters, dentists, doctors, and musicians, to visit our classrooms, providing children with enriching experiences and expanding their understanding of the world around them.

Throughout the year, our Pre-Kindergarten and Four-Year-Old classes participate in exciting field trips within the Grand Rapids community, further enhancing their learning and enriching their experiences.