PLAYGROUND
Did you know Orlando Science Center had a STEM preschool?
Capitalizing on the resources available through the exhibits just outside the classroom, Orlando Science Center was the first in our community to integrate STEM learning with the preschool curriculum. The STEM Preschool, established in 2009, nurtures a child’s development not only intellectually, but also socially and emotionally. Each day is filled with exploring the world through a child’s five senses and incorporates weekly themes that use the Science Center’s exhibits to support lesson plans.
With a curriculum based on standards from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and requirements of the Florida Department of Education, the STEM Preschool provides a setting that identifies and meets individual learning styles while stimulating progression at a child’s own pace. Literacy, music, art, motor development, math and science are all regular parts of the preschooler’s daily experience.
The STEM preschool is NAEYC accredited, certified by the Florida Department of Children and Families and is an approved Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten facility. It is operated by Orlando Science Center’s credentialed and highly trained early childhood/elementary education staff. This unmatched preschool approach helps create early STEM learners, who grow into strong problem solvers, good communicators, creative thinkers and creative innovators.
Orlando Science Center’s STEM preschool can accommodate up to 73 children daily, Monday through Friday for ages 3 to 5, with VPK available daily for four-year-olds from 9 a.m. to 12p.m. The program is enrolling now for the 2023-2024 school year and is licensed by the Department of Children and Families–Childcare Center C09OR0729. Open to any child and family regardless of race, ethnicity, faith or creed. For information on tuition fees and curriculum, please visit www.osc.org/preschool. Interested caregivers can schedule a tour by calling 407-514-2112.
Heather Reneau