At Michael Lane
preschool we learn to play and play to learn!
Nestled in the beautiful hills of Lafayette, we provide an inviting, secure, and non-critical preschool environment for children to grow and develop through supervised play. Our child centered program is built on a solid base of trust between teachers, children, and families while providing a supportive and educational community for both children and parents.
Each child is accepted and valued as a unique individual that is allowed and encouraged to develop at his or her own pace. We promote each child's social, physical and cognitive growth while sharing the wonder of learning through an emergent curriculum of play activities. We work to have each child, regardless of age, learn from other children, value their gifts, and develop a positive attitude toward school and learning. We believe when children share positive experiences with other children, they grow and develop both socially and academically.
We are proud to be accredited by the
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Please see NAEYC logo and link to its website at the bottom of
this page.
Our preschool building contains three classrooms filled with books and toys aimed at developing the children's interest in art, music, math, and science through imaginative play. They also enjoy an outdoor recreation area with a play structure, tricycles, and opportunities for sand and water play.
We are open Monday through Friday. Our hours are 9 a. m. to noon with a lunch option from noon to 1 pm. Parents have a choice of sending their children two, three, or five days per week.
For information about facilities, teacher credentials, preschool
tours, directions to the preschool, and for printable
applications, click
here.
Hear what our parents say about.....
Our Play Based Curriculum:
- Never could I have imagined the exciting and ever
changing activities that happen every day at Michael Lane
Preschool! When searching for a preschool I was
looking for a place that emphasized learning through play,
but this school really does epitomize the meaning of play
based curriculum.
-- Amy P., parent of a 3 year old child.
Our Mixed Age Program:
- The mixed age classroom provides many opportunities
for children to learn from each other, and I'm especially
happy to see how things have come full circle for my
daughter. She started school just before she turned
three, and was one of the youngest children in the class.
On her first day of school, one of the older children came
over and introduced herself, then led her to the other room
to meet Fuzz, the guinea pig. Three years later my
daughter is now the one who takes the young ones under her
wing, helps them out, plays with them, and even lets them
sit in her lap during circle time. I love that she has
learned through experience, that kindness goes both ways,
and I'm thankful she's in an environment that provides these
types of learning opportunities.
-- Selena L., parent of a 5 year old child.
Our Small Class Size:
- The class size is big enough for my daughter to
interact and learn from different personalities and ages.
But its small enough so its not at all overwhelming - a
tight bond is formed between the kids and the kids and the teachers.
-- Rebecca M., parent of a 3 year old child. - I'm also thankful that the class size is so small.
It means children can be more purposeful in their social
interactions and that teachers can give more attention to
each child. It also means children are
well-supervised, which is particularly important given the
mixed age setting. The small class size is also
wonderful in terms of allowing parents to get to know the
teachers and other parents. It contributes to creating
a community of families, rather than just being a school.
-- Selena L., parent of a 5 year old child.
- The fact that there is only one class really offers a
feeling of community for all and a lot of security for the
kids. Teachers really get to learn about each child
individually, and the kids feel very much at home.
-- Amy P., parent of a 3 year old child.
General Comments on our Program:
- I am so delighted I decided to send my child to
Michael Lane!All the teachers are unique, talented,
and creative. It's obvious that they genuinely care
about each and every kid. They greet each child
individually at the beginning of the day and say goodbye at
the end. I always feel like the teachers are open to
my comments and questions. And they will often
share noteworthy information about my child's day at school.
They are very easy to talk to via e-mail or causally in
person. I think Michael Lane's program is a really
nice mixture of creativity, spontaneity, guidance,
relationship-building, free-play and structure. The
teachers are attuned to each child's unique make-up.
Most importantly, my daughter always looks forward to going
to school, making friends, trying new things,
practicing skills, exploring, and playing in Michael Lane's
loving environment makes her introduction to school
extremely positive.
-- Rebecca M., parent of a 3 year old child. - I love that my child is learning new concepts through
play. She is free to choose between different centers
or projects based on her current interests. She
especially loves the cooking center then tasting at snack
time. She is always excited to come to school.
We love Michael Lane Preschool.
-- Michelle. H., parent of a four year old child. - My daughter is in her third and final year at Michael
Lane, and she says she wants to stay there forever. In
many ways, I wish she could.
-- Selena L., parent of a 5 year old child. - If you're wondering, like many parents are, what's
the best learning environment for my child, visit Michael
Lane Preschool (MLP), a magical little school nestled in
Lafayette's Burton Valley. The MLP staff are committed
to using the latest early childhood research theories and
practice, set forth in an always-changing and developmentally
appropriate learning environment. Seeing is
believing though...come take a look at what a great
preschool looks like, happy children engaged in their own
learning with highly skilled teachers guiding the way!
-- Betsy D., parent of a 3 year old child.
For more information and/or a tour of our facility, please call our Director Kim Olson at (925) 284-7244 or email us: michaellanepreschool@mail.com
We are licensed by the California State Department of Social Services #073403896, and fully conform to all state laws regulating child care and school facilities. This school admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin.
Please click here for more information about the National Association for the Education of Young Children