Introduction to the Preschool Program
Explore the enriching preschool program at Red Balloon Academy in Becker, Minnesota, where children are prepared for kindergarten in an engaging environment that nurtures intellectual growth and social development. With nearly 30 years of experience serving Becker families, we take pride in offering premium preschool education designed to build confidence and a love for learning.
At Red Balloon Academy, we combine structured academic lessons with play-based activities to foster holistic development. Our program supports physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth while providing children with a safe, loving, and stimulating environment. From language and literacy to math, science, and creative arts, our curriculum is carefully designed to meet the unique needs of every preschooler.
Program Goals – Kindergarten Readiness through Holistic Development
We aim to equip children with the skills and confidence they need to thrive in kindergarten and beyond. Our approach emphasizes a well-rounded developmental experience, ensuring children grow in all areas—academically, socially, and emotionally—while cultivating their curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.
Philosophy – Preparing Young Learners for Academic and Social Success
Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that every child has the potential to succeed. Creating a supportive and nurturing environment empowers children to explore their abilities, build positive relationships, and develop the resilience needed for lifelong success.
Age-Appropriate Learning Environments
Separate Classrooms for Younger and Older Preschoolers
Our high-rated preschool program in Becker is tailored for children aged 3 to 4 years, with separate classrooms to cater to their developmental needs. This approach ensures children are engaged in age-appropriate challenges that support their growth and milestones.
Personalized Learning and Age-Appropriate Challenges
We establish intentional groupings for younger and older preschoolers, enabling each child to thrive in a setting designed for their specific stage of development. By blending play-based and academic activities, we create a supportive learning environment.
Benefits of Early Childhood Development
Curriculum Highlights
Academic Foundations
The academic foundations of Red Balloon Academy’s preschool program focus on building essential skills in literacy, language, and math through engaging, hands-on activities. Children develop early reading abilities with phonics, letter recognition, and vocabulary-building exercises, while also exploring basic math concepts such as counting, patterns, and shapes. These lessons provide a strong educational foundation, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills that prepare preschoolers for future academic success
Reading and Language Skills
We build a literacy foundation through activities like sight words, letter sounds, and phonics. Children are introduced to vowels, consonants, and letter blends to foster early reading skills.
Science and Discovery
Hands-on experiments and nature activities encourage children to explore their environment and ask questions. These experiences foster curiosity and an understanding of cause and effect.
Basic Math Concepts
Children develop basic math skills through hands-on activities, exploring concepts like counting, number recognition, and patterns. These build a foundation for critical thinking and problem-solving.
Creative Arts and Expression
Creative activities like art projects, music, and movement allow children to express themselves while developing fine motor skills. These experiences encourage confidence and imagination.
Developing Independence and Confidence
Self-Care Skills
Independence is a vital part of a child’s growth. Students learn essential self-help tasks such as dressing themselves, tidying up after activities, and managing their mealtime routines. These skills instill a sense of responsibility and accomplishment.
Social and Emotional Growth
Our program emphasizes the importance of forming positive relationships. Through group activities, children learn to collaborate, share, and communicate effectively with their peers. These interactions help build empathy and interpersonal skills.
Problem-Solving Skills
We encourage children to think critically and creatively by presenting them with challenges that require problem-solving. Activities are designed to teach patience, perseverance, and decision-making skills, which are essential for personal and academic success.
Safety and Health
Nut-Free and Healthy Meal Policies
We prioritize every child’s health by maintaining a nut-free environment and offering balanced, nutritious meals. These practices ensure that all children enjoy their day safely and in an inclusive setting.
Daily Communication with Parents via Kindertales
Parents stay informed and engaged through the Kindertales app, which provides daily updates about their child’s progress, activities, and milestones. This communication ensures parents feel connected to their child’s learning journey.
Safety Measures – Supervision and Secure Access
The safety of our students is paramount. Our facility features secure access controls, and our staff is trained to maintain vigilant supervision during all activities. Regular emergency drills are conducted to ensure preparedness.
Kindergarten Readiness
Core Skills for Academic Transition
Children are introduced to essential classroom routines, such as raising their hands, following directions, and staying focused on tasks. These practices help ease the transition to a kindergarten setting.
Social Skills for Future Success
Through group projects and cooperative games, children learn the value of teamwork, active listening, and mutual respect. These skills lay the foundation for positive interactions in school and beyond.
Emotional Resilience and Self-Regulation
We teach children strategies to understand and manage their emotions, fostering resilience and adaptability. These abilities are crucial for navigating the social and academic demands of kindergarten.
Parental Involvement
Open Communication Channels – Conferences and Feedback
We believe in the importance of collaboration with parents. Regular parent-teacher conferences, detailed assessments, and ongoing feedback ensure a shared commitment to the child’s growth and success.
Partnership in Development – Supportive At-Home Activities
We offer resources and suggestions to help parents extend learning at home. These activities reinforce classroom concepts and strengthen the bond between parent and child.
Enrollment and Program Details
Hours of Operation and Schedule Options
Conveniently located at 12601 Birch Ave. S., Becker, Minnesota, our preschool operates Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. To accommodate busy families, we offer flexible scheduling, including early drop-off and late pick-up options.
Registration Process and Requirements
Our friendly staff will guide you through each step of the registration process. Required documents include health records, proof of age, and emergency contact information. Orientation sessions help ensure a smooth transition for both children and parents.
Tuition and Payment Options
Red Balloon Academy offers affordable tuition plans with discounts for siblings. Payment options are flexible, and our team is available to discuss any financial concerns or special circumstances.
Red Balloon's Commitment to a Safe, Nurturing Preschool Experience
At Red Balloon Academy, we are dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing environment where Becker preschoolers can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our passionate staff is committed to every child’s success, ensuring they are well-prepared for the next stage of their academic journey. We invite you to visit our Becker location to see our preschool program in action. Schedule a tour today and discover how Red Balloon Academy can help prepare your child for a bright future. We look forward to welcoming your family!