Mission Statement

Torrance Tykes Preschools strive to promote literacy, encourage diversity, and instill self-confidence through exploration and creative experiences in a safe, positive learning environment.

Philosophy

Our belief is that children learn by doing; by working and playing in a rich environment, children will continue individual growth at their own pace.  Commonly known as Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP), this philosophy on early childhood education is rooted in the studies of Piaget and Dewey and is supported by current brain research.  DAP practices foster the preschooler's social-emotional, physical and cognitive growth while immersing the child in real-world experiences.  We focus on oral language development as well as early literacy in general.  Because children work in a literacy-rich environment, they are exposed to a conventional patterns of language, vocabulary, letter recognition, rhyme, rhythm and structure built on the four basic components of early literacy: listening, reading, writing and speaking.

Program Description

We are committed to providing a high quality program in a safe, well-supervised environment.  Tykes is a three hour / five days a week program, which is designed to strengthen and encourage the development of the preschooler. Children are offered a wide range of experiences and they are exposed to a vaiety of materials.  Parents and guardians are a vital part of the educational process and we encourage parent involvement and offer parent educational experiences and support.  Eligible children must turn at least three by December 1st of the current school year.  Four year old students will be placed first.  After December 1st, children can enroll on or after their 3rd birthday.  

Program Goals:

  1. To provide a high quality program that meets the needs of the preschooler and the family as a whole.
  2. To provide a stimulating, multicultural environment with developmentally appropriate activities for intellectual, emotional, social and physical growth.
  3. To support and enhance relationships between Torrance Tykes Staff, children, and their families.
  4. To be a comprehensive family resource by offering a range of services tailored to meet the needs of qualified families.

Staff Qualifications

Child Development Instructors (CDI's) and Child Development Program Assistants (CDPA's) are highly qualified and meet the guidelines for related early childhood permits as issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.  Our entire staff is certified in First Aid and Infant/Child CPR. Throughout the year, staff members attend trainings in various aspects of child development, including early literacy and early childhood Special Education.