Tom Thumb Mini-Olympics

Junior & Senior Preschool Programs

Tom Thumb’s Junior and Senior Programs aim to develop the social and emotional skills needed for “school success”. One often hears “Kindergarten Readiness” as a goal for preschoolers. Tom Thumb raises the bar to “lifetime skills”. These skills are essential for grade school through college.

Our preschool is unique with original programs. We continuously assess and improve our programs. We address new education findings, current technological advances and changes in our society. Each of our programs is geared to a specific age group and keeps the child’s interest during the school sessions.

An important part of our job is to ensure our students are excited about learning every day and willing to participate in our program to have fun and rewarding experiences. Tom Thumb’s programs and our unique method, “The Power of Play” are time-tested, extremely well-planned to accentuate child development, and have been refined continuously over the years.

For over 50 years, we have produced confident graduates with an ongoing interest in learning, that learning is a fun experience and have grown socially, physically, and intellectually.

Highlights of Our Junior and Senior Programs Objectives are:

• Critical thinking
• Social skills
• Exposure to new interests
• Original thinking & creative thought
• Independent action to satisfy goals
• Assimilate new knowledge
• Problem-solving
• Fine and gross motor skills

Highlights of Our Academics:

• Pre-reading
• Writing (include alphabet and numbers)
• Language
• Math
• Science
• Social Studies
• Citizenship
• Music
• Dance
• Physical Education
• Drumming
• Piano / Xylophone
• Art

Finding children’s strengths and emphasizing them is a primary goal for us. When students recognize what they are good at doing, they will increase their knowledge of their strengths. This will allow them to become more confident. Our teachers assess children and create a plan to help them take a step further and encourage them on the learning path. Our staff goes to great lengths to assist in developing preschool programs with details that will encourage and stimulate the natural curiosity of young minds. Children must decide by using their free-choice time to pick playmates, free play, and activities, as well as make decisions about the objects in play, items to be included in a drawing, etc.

Specific details about our program can be found in our brochure. To request our brochure complete our Request a Brochure Form

Two Sessions to Choose from:

• 2:15 PM Dismissal Program
• 3:15 PM Dismissal Program

The Arts are Integrated into the Program at No Cost

Our program is group-oriented, as children often play and do activities with a partner or a small group. Cooperation is encouraged.  Our school activities are planned so children can participate in their chosen activities. They may take advantage of our gym and playgrounds. Specialists are brought in to enhance the educational experience.

Each new academic school year, we create our programs to include a mix of specialists that children enjoy. Some of the specialists we have engaged in the past include:

• Science lesson
• Music
• Art
• Dance
• Fun Gym
• Drumming
• Piano keyboard
• Xylophon

Further details about our program can be explained and discussed through a visit to Tom Thumb.

Before and After School Hours

Children may come to Tom Thumb as early as 6:50 AM and must be picked up no later than 5:30 PM. The After School Care is only available to those enrolled in the 3:15 PM Dismissal Program. Click on Tom Thumb Before and After School Care Flyer to learn about our Before and After School Care.

Delayed Opening Policy for Stay and Play Safely Club, ThumBelina & Tom Thumb Students

When Lakeland has delayed openings, we will delay 1 hour only. Our “Stay and Play Safely Club” program will open at 7:50 AM for those registered for this program. Our “Before School Care” Program for Tom Thumb Juniors and Seniors and ThumBelina students we will open at 9:40 am.

When Lakeland closes early due to weather, we allow working parents enough time to make arrangements for pick-up. We trust parents will come as soon as possible.

Summary of Preschool Classes:

Junior Class: Children must be 3 years old by November 30^th and toilet-trained is required. However, children are considered on an individual basis as to their readiness for preschool.
Senior Class: Children must be 4 years old by November 30^th.
Tuition: To view the tuition for the school year, click on the Tom Thumb Preschool Tuition web page

Class Schedule: (Tom Thumb will continue to follow Lakeland Central School District’s academic schedule. To access Lakeland School District Calendar, click on Lakeland School District Calendar. Tom Thumb Preschool for both the Junior and Senior programs and the ThumBelina program will follow the Lakeland School District calendar.

Hours:

• 2:15 PM Dismissal Program: – 8:45 AM – 2:15 PM
• 3:15 PM Dismissal Program: – 8:45 AM – 3:15 PM –

Sessions:

• 2 days/wk Juniors Only  (Tue and Thurs)
• 3 days/wk Juniors & Seniors (Mon, Wed and Fri)
• 3 days/wk Seniors Only (Tue, Thurs and Fri)
• 5 days /wk Juniors & Seniors (Mon – Fri)

Visit Tom Thumb

We recommend making an appointment to set up a confidential meeting with our school Directors, Nancy or Lisa. You and your child may take a guided tour to see our classrooms, gym and playgrounds. We discuss your child’s education and have all your questions answered. A Virtual Tour is available to see our students in action.

Please contact us to set up an appointment.