Jr. Preschool
Growth & Independence in Jr. Preschool
At Tigard Children’s Academy, our Jr. Preschool program is designed to help children aged 2½ to 3½ years old develop independence, confidence, and early academic skills in a structured yet playful environment. This stage is a critical time for exploration, social development, and cognitive growth, and we provide the perfect balance of guided learning and hands-on discovery to support each child’s unique journey.
Our experienced teachers create a warm and engaging atmosphere where children feel safe, valued, and encouraged to express themselves. We introduce structured routines that help children gain a sense of predictability and responsibility, while still allowing flexibility for imaginative play, exploration, and creativity.
Through interactive group activities, songs, storytelling, and early learning exercises, we foster language development and communication skills. Our Jr. Preschoolers also begin basic math and problem-solving concepts, strengthening cognitive abilities and critical thinking.
In addition to academic foundations, we prioritize social-emotional development, teaching children the importance of cooperation, sharing, and empathy. They learn how to interact with peers, express emotions in a healthy way, and develop meaningful friendships.
With a focus on structured learning, creativity, and personal growth, our Jr. Preschool program sets the foundation for a lifetime of curiosity, confidence, and success.

"Play, Learn, and Grow Together!"
Learning & Development in Jr. Preschool
At Tigard Children’s Academy, our Jr. Preschool program offers a dynamic learning experience where play-based exploration meets structured activities. Designed for children 2½ to 3½ years old, this program builds independence, confidence, and foundational academic skills while ensuring a fun and nurturing environment.
Daily Activities & Learning Experiences
Each day is carefully structured with a blend of guided learning and free exploration, ensuring children develop at their own pace while engaging in stimulating activities. Through storytelling, songs, and group discussions, we enhance language development, encouraging children to express themselves clearly and confidently. Early literacy skills are introduced naturally, setting the stage for a love of reading and communication.
Math and science concepts come to life through hands-on experiments, puzzles, and counting games, sparking curiosity and problem-solving abilities. Children explore cause and effect, patterns, and simple reasoning skills, which help develop cognitive growth and critical thinking.
Developmental Focus
Our Jr. Preschool curriculum supports all areas of child development:
- Social & Emotional Growth: We guide children in forming friendships, practicing teamwork, and developing self-regulation skills. Through group activities, they learn empathy, cooperation, and positive communication.
- Cognitive Development: Through age-appropriate activities like matching games, sorting exercises, and simple problem-solving challenges, children expand their thinking and reasoning abilities.
- Physical Development: Active play is an essential part of our curriculum. With daily gross motor activities like climbing, jumping, and dancing, as well as fine motor tasks like drawing, painting, and building, we support both strength and coordination.
Creative & Exploratory Learning
Creativity is encouraged through arts & crafts, music, and sensory play, helping children express themselves while strengthening fine motor skills. Outdoor play is another vital part of our curriculum, providing space for running, jumping, and collaborative play while reinforcing healthy physical activity.
By combining structured learning, hands-on discovery, and creative exploration, our Jr. Preschool program helps children build a strong foundation for future learning while nurturing curiosity, creativity, and confidence.
Our Jr. Preschool Program
- Language Development – Storytelling, group discussions, and songs to enhance vocabulary.
- Early Math & Science – Puzzles, counting, and simple problem-solving exercises.
- Social & Emotional Skills – Encouraging friendships, teamwork, and self-regulation.
- Physical Development – Strengthening coordination through active play and movement.
- Creativity & Expression – Arts, crafts, and music to develop imagination.
- Outdoor Play & Exploration – Large play areas for movement and social interaction.
- Sensory Learning – Hands-on activities that stimulate curiosity.
- Structured Routines – Predictable schedules that foster independence and responsibility.
- Individualized Attention – Low student-to-teacher ratios for personalized learning.
- Encouraging Confidence – Activities designed to help children feel empowered.
- Safe & Nurturing Environment – A warm and supportive space for growth and discovery.