We are open during COVID-19 following CDC guidelines for preschools. Click here for more information.
Our Program
-
Program Director: Inoka Jayasinghe
-
Philosophy: Montessori, Reggio Emilia Inspired, Art Based
-
Ages: 18 - 72 Months Old
-
Hours: 8:30 am- 5:00 pm
-
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
-
Snacks: Two per day
-
Potty Training: Not Required
-
Quality & Safety Promises: Child Centered, Safety-Focused, Growth-Minded
Concepts & Activities
Montessori curriculum
Yum yum yum Baking
-
Montessori moves from concrete to abstract.
-
Montessori facilitates a natural love for learning.
-
Montessori seeks to educate the whole child.
-
Montessori abstains from rewards.
-
Montessori focuses on the individual child and their potential.
Practical life
The term "Practical Life Exercises" refers to the simple daily performed activities (e.g. sweeping, mopping and carrying objects) which the adult carries out in the environment in order to maintain proper conditions.
The essential requirement is to have a carefully prepared environment which provides all these activities where the child can develop in a perfect and orderly manner.
These exercises of practical life are classified into four basic groups according to their external purpose.
Meditation for Kids
In Creative Minds Preschool (Irvine), we practice self-care through different technics like meditation
Learning the names of food, ingredients kitchen items and so much more...
Introductory exercises
These are the simplest activities taken from other major areas. These consist of very simple movements (e.g. carrying a chair, a tray or a jug, rolling and unrolling mats, picking up and putting down objects without making a noise).
Care for yourself
These activities will help the child to be able to take care of personal needs like washing hands, combing, etc.
Social behavior
These are very important for an early adaptation to the society to which the child belongs as these help him/her to become aware of and learn the customs and courtesies of his/her group. These include exercises like how to greet people, how to ask for something (e.g. saying “please" and thank you”).
Mixed Media Painting
Mixed Media Painting
​
Mixed media art involves mixing different creative mediums to create work that incorporates two or more art forms. For example, you can add sculpture to your painting, or draw on top of photography prints using different material on one single canvas and beyond. Mixed media is all about breaking the boundaries between different art forms. So with this program what I am focused on is to give the children an opportunity to experience and explore through their creativity and learn new and creative ways of making a masterpiece.
Care for environment
These activities provide the child to be able to participate in the maintenance and restoration of the environment and therefore help more in his/her adaptation and orientation to it. These include activities such as sweeping, polishing, watering plants, etc.
Reggio Emilia Approach
The Reggio Emilia philosophy is based upon the following set of principles:
-
Children must have some say over what they learn; additionally, the *senses play a big role in the learning process.
-
Children engage with their senses to help them learn and fully process something.
-
Children are encouraged to interact with other children and explore the world through material items and relationships.
-
Children should be encouraged to always express themselves and be given infinite means and opportunities to do so.Taking the environment is a third teacher concept
Painting Parties/Classes
At Creative Minds we believe that all people, kids to adults, are innately creative!
It's our mission to provide a place for people to explore and discover their creativity through colors, to take risks, and to learn in a fun environment.
We offer classes in drawing, painting, clay and mixed-media, as well as an assortment of pop-up workshops for ages 4 through adult.
We have a playful approach to our classes, mixing fundamental skills with experimentation. Using a variety of mediums and maintaining small class sizes, we spark innovation, self-confidence and growth.
In addition to classes, we host painting parties at our studio or we bring the party to you.
Write/Call or text for more information.
RegularDaily Rhythm
8:30AM-9:30AM..........Drop Off/Breakfast
9:30AM-10:30AM........At the Park (Floral park)
1.50AM-11:45AM.......Montessori/Reggio
11:45AM-12:00PM......Getting ready for lunch
12:00PM...................Lunch
1:00PM...................Nap or Rest
3:00PM....................Clean-up/Nap/Beds/Snack
3:30PM....................Story time
4:00PM-4:45PM..........Out door Reggio
4:45PM....................Pick up begins
5:00PM....................Pick up ends.
