Is Larks Right for Your Child?

We believe that children thrive in an environment which values their own uniqueness, while providing support and opportunities to grow emotionally, socially and creatively. By building on each child’s strengths, interests and curiosities, we guide each child to explore the world around them as well as develop new abilities and form close relationships.

Larks play-based philosophy stems from our own beliefs about early childhood education and is inspired by Reggio-Emilia based principles. While playing, children learn about themselves and their world. As a Reggio-inspired program, we also emphasize documentation, communication and “setting the child up for success.” At Larks, the child is viewed as strong and capable and we create an environment that supports this belief by gently leading the child to explore the classroom freely and discover within themselves their own strengths and abilities.

Why Your Child Will Thrive at Larks

Think. Reason. Question. Experiment.

These are just a few of the skills and qualities that children will develop at Larks. Since our founding, we’ve focused on providing children a safe, nurturing environment where they feel empowered, supported and loved.

Language and social development is an integral focus of our philosophy and instructional practice and not only will students be supported by our amazing staff, but your child will also get support from our partner speech language pathologist.

Pre-Kindergarten Readiness

Innovative & Responsible Pre-Kindergarten Preparation

To ensure all pre-kindergarten students are well prepared, we collaborate with parents to ensure individual and familial goals are met.

Early literacy skills are emphasized from day one with an emphasis on language and vocabulary development. From there, we intentionally provide instruction on phonemic awareness, alphabetic principle (connection between letters and sounds), phonics, comprehension and other key reading skills associated with early childhood development. More advanced skills include encoding/ decoding and site word development.

Regarding math, we direct teach crucial components of early math competency (such as sorting/ grouping, concepts of less/more, one to one correspondence and counting, addition, and subtraction). Activities to support math and spatial skills include puzzles, block play, and a variety of hands-on activities.

We believe that children must participate in choices that foster their direction of learning. Here, successful growth occurs through multiple tactile learning experiences that address the needs of all learning styles. It’s so rewarding to see their self-esteem grow as their skills and abilities expand.

Improving ECE Instruction

Larks Preschool actively participates in research studies, conferences, and continuing education programs including:

C.L.A.S.S. Pilot Program (Denver Preschool Program (DPP) designed to improve teacher/student interactions)
Metro State University Study: How Reggio-Emilia Programs Affect Mother/Child Communication
University of Denver, Marsico Institute of Early Learning and Literacy: Infant/Toddler Study
DPP and Early Childhood Education Association of Colorado conferences and continuing education programs
Member – National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
Member – Early Childhood Education Association of Colorado

From Our Community – Parent Testimonials

Larks is an outstanding choice for families looking for a happy, creative, play-based program for their children with a wonderful team of teachers who get (and enjoy) preschoolers. Every morning when we arrive, the children are engaged in an activity such as painting, creating shapes in shaving cream or sculpting with clay. I learned later from one of the teachers that materials like shaving cream are not only fun to squish and sculpt, they are a great, age-appropriate way for preschoolers to learn how to draw letters and numbers as they don't yet have the manual dexterity to write with a crayon, pen or pencil. As the parent of a 3.5-year-old boy, I also appreciate the strong emphasis on social skills--getting along with others, making friends, respecting other children and adults, being a good listener, washing your hands, and eating together at the table. The teachers warm and caring, they truly love spending time with the kids and getting to know them as individuals. They are always aware of what the kids are doing. There are 4 teachers for a class of twenty. The teachers know my son's strengths and work to encourage them. They also keep close tabs on his areas of improvement and are eager to hear how he is doing at home. Knowing that a child's first years of education are critical to his/her long-term educational success and fostering a lifelong love of learning, I am grateful we found Larks.

Sheliah R.