Nurturing Growth Through Play

Discover Sprout & Bloom Preschool's unique programs designed to foster your child's development in a supportive and inclusive environment. We believe in the power of play to unlock potential and build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Learning Influences 

Children’s learning is shaped by their individual language, culture, and family background. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory emphasizes that a child’s development is influenced not only by their immediate environment but also by broader cultural and societal contexts. For this reason, effective early childhood education must respect and integrate children’s lived experiences.

At Sprout & Bloom, we create inclusive classrooms where children’s identities are reflected in books, songs, visuals, and daily activities. For example, during circle time, children may share words from their home language, allowing peers to learn new vocabulary while validating the child’s linguistic identity. For children with atypical development, such as speech delays, we integrate visual supports, gestures, and augmentative communication devices so they can participate fully. We believe that honoring cultural and linguistic diversity leads to stronger engagement and academic outcomes.

For instance, a child from a storytelling culture may thrive when invited to narrate personal experiences, strengthening both expressive language and confidence. By intentionally weaving family traditions and values into our daily practices, we ensure that all children, neurotypical and neurodivergent,  feel seen and supported in their learning journey.

School Readiness

 

School readiness involves preparing children to engage in the structured learning and social environment of kindergarten. Readiness looks different for every child, especially when considering diverse social, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds.
 
Readiness should be assessed across multiple domains: language and literacy, cognition, motor skills, social-emotional growth, and approaches to learning (2021). At Sprout & Bloom, we use developmentally appropriate observations and screening tools, such as the Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) and Teaching Strategies GOLD, to understand where each child is in their growth. For instance, a child who demonstrates problem-solving through block play may show cognitive readiness, while another who engages in back-and-forth conversations during pretend play is building strong communication skills.
 
We also recognize that cultural and linguistic diversity influences how readiness is expressed. For example, a bilingual child may use fewer English words but demonstrate rich vocabulary in their home language, a strength to celebrate, not a deficit. By partnering with families and reviewing multiple sources of data, we ensure that readiness assessments reflect the whole child, not just isolated skills.

Social-Emotional Learning 

Social-emotional learning (SEL) provides children with the skills to understand emotions, build relationships, and make responsible decisions. CASEL (2020) identifies five core competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Research shows that integrating SEL in preschool leads to better academic performance and fewer behavioral challenges in later years (2022).

At Sprout & Bloom, SEL is embedded throughout the day. We use Conscious Discipline strategies to teach children calming techniques, such as breathing exercises, when they feel frustrated. Peer modeling is encouraged, for example, children practice taking turns during a board game, with teachers narrating positive behaviors (“You waited patiently for your turn; that was kind!”). Visual supports and social stories are used to help neurodivergent children understand routines and expectations.

We also provide a “calm corner” in every classroom, where children can independently regulate their emotions with sensory tools like weighted lap pads, fidgets, and picture books about feelings. For group SEL, we use evidence-based resources like Second Step, which provides age-appropriate lessons on empathy, problem-solving, and friendship skills. Through these practices, every child develops the tools they need to succeed socially and emotionally in school and beyond.

"Sprout & Bloom has been a blessing for our family. The teachers are so caring and attentive, and our child has blossomed in their inclusive environment!"

Michelle Robert, Phoenix, AZ