ABOUT SMART LOVE KINDERGARTEN
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We offer a developmentally appropriate Kindergarten program that is built around play—establishing a solid foundation for success in first grade and beyond. We emphasize project-based play in science, dramatic play, gardening, math and language arts as 5 and 6-year-olds develop socially and expand their world. This is widely considered the most effective way to incorporate the skills of Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Science, Physical Health and Development, Fine Arts, Foreign Language, and Social and Emotional Growth.
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OUR APPROACH IN ACTION
Our approach is based on an understanding of the children in the classroom and is adapted accordingly. Instead of traditional drill and memorization activities, our teachers stimulate learning with play-based activities that are both fun and meaningful. Kindergarten play activities take place over an extended period of time. Whether we’re building the solar system, exploring music and performing, creating a garden, exploring art mediums or recreating an automobile—all of a child’s cognitive skills are enhanced and refined. As a result, children learn at their own pace, work collaboratively with their peers and think more creatively, enabling them to build the necessary skills to become confident and successful learners in elementary school.
OUR CURRICULUM - PREPARATION FOR FIRST GRADE AND BEYOND
By closely aligning the Illinois Early Learning Kindergarten Standards/Benchmarks to activities that are meaningful to children, we repeatedly and extensively cover the necessary learning skills. At this stage, children are excited to know the when, what, where, how and why of their expanding world. Teachers enthusiastically join in play while stimulating thinking and learning through reflection, wonder and problem-solving. Children then absorb a concrete understanding of the subject matter in a fun and natural way, while also retaining the joy and purpose of learning.
The Happiest Preschool is Now Online !

Mark your calendars for January 9, 2025, as we unveil Dr. Martha Heineman Pieper and Kelly Perez's The Happiest Preschool in an exciting online format!
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The content of this nationally and internationally acclaimed book is now available in a convenient PDF course, complete with engaging questions to enhance your understanding of this transformative and innovative approach. Our new Online Course provides a practical toolkit for educators to create a classroom culture of caring, cooperation, creativity, learning, and emotional health.​​
COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
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Achieve 8 hours of CEUs; receive a certificate of completion
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Self-paced; No deadlines
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Learn anywhere, anytime
The Happiest Preschool is a roadmap to the future of early childhood education.
Increasingly progressive educators are focusing on play-based learning and social-emotional development, but The Happiest Preschool: A Manual for Teachers is unique in providing a comprehensive and thorough discussion of this focus and illustrating all precepts with teachable examples.. The course provides sections on understanding and helping children with the feelings underlying fantasy play; on the importance of partnering with parents; and on informed ways of helping children who are under emotional stress.
The strategies presented in this online course will increase teachers' enjoyment and effectiveness and enrich a preschool, regardless of its affiliation

