Our Preschool Programs
At Deer Lakes Nursery School, we believe every child is unique, capable, and full of potential. Our goal is to create a safe, warm, and loving environment where children can grow, thrive, and build a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning.
We know that the early years are some of the most important in a child’s development and not just academically, but socially, emotionally, and creatively as well. That’s why our programs are thoughtfully designed to nurture the whole child through play-based learning, hands-on exploration, and caring guidance from teachers who truly love what they do.
In our classrooms, children are encouraged to be curious, confident, and kind. We foster independence while providing the structure and support they need to succeed not just in school, but in life. Whether it’s their first time away from home or their final year before kindergarten, every child at DLNS is met with compassion, encouragement, and the opportunity to shine.
Program Goals
- Develop a positive attitude towards school
- Build confidence and self-esteem
- Form strong relationships with teachers and peers
- Foster friendships and social interaction
- Explore and understand the world around them
- Learn foundational skills and concepts to support future academic success
- Experience a smooth and confident transition into kindergarten
Caterpillars
For Age 3 | Beginner Program
Our Caterpillars Program is designed especially for three year olds who are just beginning their preschool journey. This program gently introduces children to a structured environment outside the home, where they begin learning how to participate in group activities, follow routines, and build social skills, all at a pace that supports their individual comfort and growth.
At this age, we focus heavily on social and emotional development, helping children learn how to share, take turns, express their feelings, and communicate with peers and teachers. Daily activities include circle time, music, art, imaginative play, storytime, and hands-on exploration of concepts like colors, shapes, numbers, and name recognition.
Children are encourage to explore and play in a way that feels safe, supported, and full of discovery. Through warm, consistent guidance from our teachers, our Caterpillars begin to build confidence, form friendships, and develop a positive connection to school and learning.
Schedule: Tuesday & Thursday
AM Session – 9:00am to 11:30am
PM Session – 12:30pm to 3:00pm
Requirements:
– Children must be 3 years old by September 1
– Potty trained prior to the first day of class
Butterflies
For Ages 4 & 5 | Pre-Kindergarten Readiness
Our Butterflies Program is designed for four and young five year olds who are ready to take the next step toward Kindergarten. This program builds on the foundational skills developed in the Caterpillar stage, while introducing more structure and academic readiness, all through engaging, play-based experiences that encourage curiosity and confidence.
Children in the Butterflies Program begin working with early literacy and numeracy concepts, such as letter recognition, phonemic awareness, beginning sounds, number sense, patterning, and early writing skills. They continue to develop fine motor strength through cutting, drawing, and hands-on projects, while also learning how to follow multi-step instructions, stay focused, and work both independently and as part of a group.
Beyond academics, we prioritize whole-child development, supporting social interaction, emotional awareness, critical thinking, problem-solving, and imagination. Our goal is to ensure every child transitions into kindergarten feeling prepared, confident, and excited to learn.
Schedule: Monday, Wednesday & Friday
AM Session – 9:00am to 11:30am
PM Session – 12:30pm to 3:00pm
Requirements:
– Children must be 4 years old by September 1
– Potty trained prior to the first day of class
Not Sure Which Program Is Right For Your Child?
We understand that every child grows and develops at their own pace, and sometimes it’s not easy to know whether they’re ready for a beginner program or pre-kindergarten. That’s why we’ve created a simple, at-home readiness checklist you can complete with your child. It’s quick, engaging, and designed to give both you and our team helpful insight into where your little one will thrive.
Once completed, you’re results will be submitted directly to our teachers, who will review the responses and provide a personalized recommendation based on their developmental needs and readiness.
Because choosing the right program shouldn’t feel overwhelming, and we’re here to help you make the best decision with confidence and care.