Program
WE ARE A 5-STAR QUALITY RATED PROGRAM BY THE ALAMEDA COUNTY QUALITY COUNTS!
For over 14 years, Piccolo Nido has been a safe place for families seeking quality care and excellent education for young children. Our state-licensed home-based school is relaxed yet engaging and creatively stimulating. We have an outstanding environment that supports the needs of young children. We are located in the quiet greenbelt community of Pleasanton Meadows in Pleasanton, CA — a city with award-winning schools and ranked among the top 10 best places in California to raise a family.
Our creative arts Preschool Program is accepting 2 to 5 year old children (morning only 9am-12 pm). Our AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM is accepting enrollment for FALL 2024 school year. Enrollment is open year-round depending on availability.
Research has consistently shown that high quality early childhood programs have significant and lasting impact on children’s lives. With that in mind, Piccolo Nido strives to provide a caring, nurturing, and creative atmosphere for children. Our goal is to offer dynamic learning experiences that encourage collaboration, creativity, confidence, and compassion.
Program Hours & Options
Please submit an Inquiry Form to enroll!
| PRESCHOOL SCHEDULE & TUITION AUGUST - MAY |
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| Schedule | Tuition | Hours |
| 5 days/week | ||
| 4 days/week | ||
| 3 days/week | ||
| SUMMER CAMP JUNE-JULY 2024 Children 4 years up may apply. MUSIC, ART & LITERACY CAMPS
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OUR APPROACH TO CURRICULUM PLANNING
We believe in a well-rounded approach to early childhood education. We apply the following evidence-based, best practices in planning our curriculum:
Reggio Emilia Inspired
An exemplary model in childhood education, the Reggio Emilia approach focuses on the child as an active and competent participant in his or her own learning. Teachers at Piccolo Nido are active co-learners who listen and observe what interests children. We use creative arts as a medium to help children express their ideas or develop child-initiated projects. This fosters teamwork, creativity, and in-depth study of children's own ideas and interests.
Music Curriculum
Our research-based music curriculum is based on the teachings of Kodaly, Orff, and Dalcroze. Our daily classes establish a foundation for music learning through singing, listening, movement and dance, sensory games, story telling, drama and speech, and instrumental playing. Using fun and age-appropriate approach - a child experiences musical elements such as pulse, meter, rhythm, phrasing, pitch exploration, and form. We utilize a rich repertoire of traditional, folk literature, and contemporary materials.
There is scientific evidence that music training accelerates brain development and impacts the cognitive and socio-emotional development of children. Depending on a child’s readiness— we introduce the basics of piano playing to children 4-5 years old. Exciting benefits of piano playing include development of a child’s ability to memorize, coordinate fine motor muscles, to have sensitivity to patterns and musical expression, and develop focus and self confidence.
Visual Arts
Visual arts allow children to express their thoughts and feelings that can be difficult to put in words. It is an excellent way to challenge a child's ability to think and create. Visual expression is an important step to personal development and learning. It builds confidence. At Piccolo, preschool children explore various safe, open-ended materials like clay, paint, paper, found objects, home made materials, natural objects. Guided by our talented teachers, children discover visual arts in its bi-dimensional and 3D forms. Visual art is such an amazing medium for children's communication, self-expression, and self-awareness.
STEM
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math are smoothly combined in our child-centered approach to learning. Teachers introduce materials referred to as provocations to stimulate children’s curiosity and inspire them to think and explore. Children ask questions, plan and investigate, make observations, predict, and express their ideas.
Developmental Skills
Our child-centered program is dedicated to supporting the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being of young children. Children build skills very quickly in their first five years of life. At three years old, a toddler’s brain has reached 85% volume of an adult brain, and before 6 years reaches 90%! (Kennedy and Dehay, 2001) We make an effort to support their growing skills. Take for example social skills. We believe that Music, a daily part of our program, is a tool that promotes social skills and self-esteem. In our music class, children participating in singing games builds connection and social interaction. We read books and incorporate creative activities that encourage character development and self-regulation skills. Children learn to listen, take turns, respect, cooperate, and make decisions.
Early Literacy
Preschool is a critical time for language development. Piccolo Nido offers activities that promote children's oral and written language and strategies that pave the way for reading acquisition. Research confirms that reading is a strong predictor of a child's later academic success. We utilize developmentally appropriate, interactive, fun and easy phonics program. We have games and activities that enhance a child's language skills. We have daily read-aloud times where kids are exposed to age-appropriate materials. As children paint, mold clay, and engage in creative art activities - they also develop fine motor muscles lay the foundation for writing.