Dolphins
Preschool
4 year olds
1:12 Teacher-to-Student Ratio
Maximum Class Size of 12
About the Dolphins
The Dolphin classroom is our preschool program for four-year-olds, designed to get children ready for the next step in their learning journey. Students engage in a rich, theme-based curriculum that combines hands-on exploration with focused academic activities. They practice key skills in literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development, building confidence and independence. The classroom fosters a love of learning while preparing children for a smooth transition to transitional kindergarten. Daily activities are both engaging and challenging, helping each child reach their full potential.
Curriculum & Daily Activities
The Dolphin classroom begins each day with Morning Circle Time, where children explore the calendar, practice social skills through sharing, and receive instructions for the day’s activities. Circle Time also encourages conversation, listening skills, and group participation. Afterward, children rotate through a variety of themed learning centers that support literacy, math, science, and creative arts.
They engage in hands-on activities, such as letter and number games, science experiments, and building projects, which encourage problem-solving and critical thinking.
Art and music provide opportunities for self-expression, while movement activities help develop coordination and gross motor skills. Throughout the day, teachers guide children individually and in small groups, tailoring instruction to each child’s needs and fostering independence, confidence, and a love of learning.
Environment
The Dolphins environment helps prepare them for their next stage of learning. Now they are preparing to move on to our TK program (Sharks) or public school TK. The room is typically divided into various activity centers, each catering to different areas of learning and play. They have spaces to work both independently and together.
Developmental Milestones
By 5 years, children will:
Tell a story they heard or make one up with at least two events (e.g. A cat was stuck in a tree and a firefighter saved it.)
Answer simple questions about a book or story after you read or tell it to them
Keeps a conversation going with more than three back-and-forth exchanges
Uses or recognizes simple rhymes (bat-cat, ball-tall, etc)
Names some numbers between 1 and 5 when you point to them
Uses words about time, like “yesterday,” “tomorrow,” “morning,” or “night".”
Pays attention for 5 to 10 minutes during activities. For instance, during story time or making arts and crafts (screen time does not count).
Writes some letters in their name
Names some letters when you point to them
Buttons some buttons
Hops on one foot
Why Scripps Exploring Academy?
At Scripps Exploring Academy, we are flexible and we keep up with the changing trends in our industry. Whether your child will be going to the state’s Universal Transitional Kindergarten (UTK) program or staying here with us for Transitional Kindergarten (TK), we will ensure that your child is ready for both academically, socially, and emotionally.
