The goal of ILM Tree's cozy early childhood program is to be a joyous transition for our young ones into the world of "school." With an emphasis on Islamic values, play, and exploration of the senses, the early childhood program creates a safe, home-like environment using repetition, rhythm and routine. Children also benefit from seerah story-telling, learning duas, and play-based Arabic language instruction. 

Our educational philosophy is child-centered and developmental. All lessons taught build on each child's experiences and prior knowledge, keeping in mind the children’s learning styles. The classroom is a family, and each child should feel that they belong and are loved. In addition, children are empowered through class jobs and responsibilities. They are active participants in learning through their own choices and are never forced to do a lesson.

Islamic learning and adab are integrated throughout the day. At this early age, the emphasis is on instilling the love of Allah and His prophet. Our beautiful setting in nature helps instill an awe of Allah (subhana wa ta’ala)’s creation in our children’s hearts and minds. The teacher is a model, creating and maintaining an Islamic environment, teaching proper adab from how to treat your friends in school to putting away your shoes neatly.

Early childhood is also a time for kids to learn how to express their feelings and needs through words. Learning to work together and share is hard work at this age. Kids love routine and when expectations are clearly defined discipline issues are low. The focus is on when they are doing well. 

The Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten generally maintain the same program. The only difference is that the Pre-K has Arabic integrated throughout the day and the preschool has Arabic as a class. The class themes and lessons are the same but lesson time is separate in order to meet the developmental needs of the different ages. 

We also offer a Friday morning Sprouts preschool class which can either be drop-off (if the child is completely potty-trained) or mommy-and-me. For more information on our Sprouts program, please read here.

Class ratios: The Early Childhood Education program will maintain a class ratio of no more than four children per each adult. Preschool and PreKindergarten combined will not exceed sixteen children. 

Preschool:
ILM Tree accepts preschoolers as young as two years, nine months, if they have shown an ability to participate in coordinated preschool activities. All preschoolers must be in the process of potty-training. 

Sample Preschool Schedule (subject to change):
8:25 - 8:45 Morning Circle, Dua, songs (with PreK) 
8:35 - 8:45 Gross Motor Games (with PreK)
8:45 - 9:10 Lesson/Craft
9:15 - 9:20 Transition Time
9:20 - 9:40 Outside Play
9:40 - 10:10 Nature Walk
10:10 -10:40 Snack
10:40 -11:00 Arabic
11:00 - 11:40 Centers (with PreK)
11:40 - 11:55 Closing Circle (with PreK)

Pre-Kindergarten:
The age range for Pre-Kindergarten is 3-1/2 to 5 years old and students must be potty-trained (teachers still assist). 

Pre-Kindergarten Daily Schedule:
All activities are offered both in English and in Arabic
8:25 - 8:35 Morning Circle, Dua, songs 
8:35 - 8:45 Gross Motor Games 
8:45 - 8:55 Calendar/ Weather/ Daily jobs 
8:55 - 9:10 Quran 
9:10 - 9:40 Story/ Daily Lesson/ activity/ craft 
9:40 -10:00 Snack Time
10:00 -10:10 Transition Time
10:10- 10:40 Nature Walk/ storytelling 
10:40 -11:00 Outside Play/ Backyard 
11:00 -11:40 Centers 
11:40 - 11:55 Closing Circle, Dua, Songs