North Star Child Development Center
Inclusive Preschool and Childcare Center
208-765-6828
282 East Kathleen Avenue
Coeur D'Alene Idaho 83815
Preschool Peer Program
Our inclusive preschool program welcomes children ages 3–6 of all abilities to learn, play, and grow together in a safe, nurturing environment. Our educational program is centered around peer modeling and the importance of inclusion, allowing children to learn from one another through everyday play and shared experiences. As a high-quality preschool, children build strong social skills, friendships, and kindergarten readiness through developmentally appropriate activities.
Peer models help support social, communication, and learning skills, while all children develop acceptance, compassion, and understanding. Everyone benefits from inclusion. To enroll as a peer model, children must be toilet trained, able to follow simple directions, and participate in age-appropriate play with peers.
Our Preschool Program Offers:
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Developmentally appropriate, thematic preschool curriculum that blends play-based learning with early academics to support Kindergarten readiness.
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Low teacher-to-child ratios to support individualized learning, emotional development, and academic skills.
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Hands-on, sensory-rich, academic learning activities that teach language, literacy, handwriting, math, science and phonics.
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Intentional social-emotional learning curriculum that teaches self-regulation, empathy, and positive behavior skills.
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Safe, nurturing preschool environment that encourages inclusive peer interaction and lifelong friendships.
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Outdoor playground with a garden, climbing structures, slides, sports equipment, mud kitchen, sandbox, and large grassy space for large group games.
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We offer full-time and part-time preschool enrollment with convenient hours from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Curriculum Details:
What is a peer model program? Nurturing Growth through Inclusion: Enrolling your child as a peer in our inclusion preschool program is an incredible opportunity that holds numerous benefits for their development. By engaging with peers of diverse abilities on a daily basis, your child will naturally cultivate empathy, understanding, and kindness from an early age. These interactions create a welcoming environment where friendships flourish, enriching your child's social experience. Moreover, as they model age-appropriate behaviors, your child becomes a positive role model, contributing to the growth of their fellow classmates. Through this engaging and dynamic setting, your child will not only gain leadership skills but also develop a profound appreciation for individual strengths and differences. This foundation will equip them with valuable life skills, fostering a mindset of inclusivity that will stay with them as they continue to learn and grow.
Literacy and Print-Rich Environment - At our preschool, we hold a deep appreciation for the power of words and literacy. Our classrooms are immersed in language, with words on every corner. From the "5 School Rules" board to labeled toy bins, and from books strategically placed in different centers (like food-related books in the cooking area and construction-themed books in the block area) to written words woven into our large group songs and pocket charts. Even our art area becomes a canvas for stories as children describe their artwork, and teachers transcribe their tales. Walls celebrating families, a dedicated writing center, and much more contribute to our print-rich environment
Thematic Academic Units - Our program is designed around engaging thematic units that foster the development of key skills in math, science, language, literacy, and motor skills. Through hands-on activities, children participate in various learning formats, such as large and small group interactions, handwriting sessions, indoor and outdoor centers, music circles, and reading time. Our experienced preschool teachers guide our little learners through these activities, encouraging turn-taking, social growth, and emotional development through daily conversations
Handwriting without Tears – Through our "Handwriting without Tears" approach, children engage in daily small group sessions where they explore letter sounds and formation in a developmentally appropriate manner. Following the guidance of Handwriting without Tears and employing activities like Mat Man alphabet exercises, children make impressive strides towards writing their own names and spelling simple words, setting a solid foundation before they transition to kindergarten.
Phonemic Awareness – Heggerty Pre-Kindergarten Curriculum – Along with writing words, children are developing the ability to say new sounds, new words and understand how letter sounds combine to make new words. This amazing curriculum teaches rhyme, alphabet knowledge, language awareness, sounds at the beginning, ending and middle of words.
Little Minds at Work Math – These multi-sensory activities include both circle time and small group activities. Children learn counting, number recognition, sorting, classifying, graphing, patterning and shape identification. This fun and engaging curriculum uses stories, puppets, pictures, manipulatives and sensory items to make learning math and science fun.
Social and Emotional Curriculum - Preparing for Kindergarten extends beyond academics; it encompasses social and emotional readiness. Our curriculum emphasizes essential skills like turn-taking, sharing, conflict resolution, and seeking assistance when needed. We equip children with emotional competence and regulation strategies, including sensory-based techniques like deep breathing, sensory breaks, and expressing feelings with words. Collaborative problem-solving with peers and teachers contributes to a well-rounded development. Our social and emotional curriculum guides teachers and children through topics that are engaging as they meet two adorable kitten puppets.
Music and Movement – Every day, our children participate in a music and movement circle time group where they learn rythmic patterns, new songs and finger plays. Children practice listening, dance moves, and Alphabet Yoga.
Outdoor Learning Environment – Our outdoor learning environment serves as an extension of our indoor classroom. It features dedicated areas for reading, writing, painting, sensory exploration, blocks, and manipulatives. From the slides and climbing structure, sandbox to water play, gross motor activities, and ball games, children engage in learning experiences. Outdoor adventures also include plant exploration, gardening, and observing the local wildlife, fostering a deep connection with nature.
Science – Our science curriculum empowers children with critical thinking skills through hands-on activities and thoughtful discussions. Children learn to formulate hypotheses, test ideas, and conduct research, exploring captivating topics such as planting, magnets, wind, opposites, movement, camouflage, animal studies, and weather phenomena. This engaging journey hones skills like graphing, sorting, labeling, matching, and following directions. Cooking activities, including making playdough, further enrich the learning tapestry.
We can’t wait to meet you and your child!
Call 208.765.6828 for more information & to schedule a tour.
Thank you!
