Creative Arts Preschool

Roaring Mouse provides a rich learning environment, complete with a studio for the visual arts.

In addition, we have a "playroom" full of musical instruments and an abundance of toys that are selected to pique one's curiosity, spark the imagination and inspire creative play.

Students become immersed in the process of thinking, designing, planning and pursuing more knowledge.

All of these experiences engage the senses, which in turn stimulate learning, an understanding of the world and a strong foundation for self expression.

A low teacher/child ratio in our class makes it possible to follow through on the naturally occurring interests of the children and allows teachers and students to co-create curriculum.

In this way, learning becomes a community experience, and ultimately a celebration of living, working, playing and being a part of something larger than oneself.

Please join us on the great adventure of learning, growing and discovering your child's creative potential!

MORE ABOUT ROARING MOUSE CREATIVE ARTS STUDIO
PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS

We offer two preschool programs from September through June for children three to five years old. The Morning Preschool is Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings; the Afternoon Preschool is Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. Each class has a maximum of fifteen students and there are two teachers for each class. Our schedule closely follows that of Seattle Public Schools for vacations and holidays.

The daily schedules of both classes are designed to meet the needs of children for play, social interaction, reflection and learning. Our class time is devoted to three main areas: Creative Learning (choice of play and art activities), Cooperative Community (social and emotional skills) and Performance Arts (dance, music, drama, story-telling, play-writing).

We are firm believers in emergent curriculum. Emergent curriculum is based on the students' interests and ideas. Teachers observe what students are most drawn to exploring and plan daily experiences accordingly, providing the tools and materials needed to honor and expand upon those interests and ideas. We offer a strong social emotional component based on practices developed by Lassie Webster for the Kindergarten Arts Program and Second Step, a curriculum designed by Committee for Children.

Deposit and Tuition

A deposit is due at the time of registration: $100 non-refundable registration fee, plus June, 2011 tuition. Costs: Morning Preschool - $395.00 per month; Afternoon Preschool- $385.00 per month.

About Our Teachers

Cheryl Carder has spent the last ten years developing the early childhood classes at Roaring Mouse, creating a comprehensive program that is both supportive and exciting to her young students. She is one of those rare teachers who magically creates a learning environment that fosters a sense of adventure, cooperation, love and creativity. Cheryl has spent several years studying the Montessori philosophy, as well as emergent curriculum at North Seattle Community College. She has focused her studies on building communication skills and teaching art, music and drama to young children.

Kristy Carlile has been a part of Roaring Mouse since 2004. Before joining us, she taught 3-5 year olds for seven years and ran a multi-age preschool arts program out of her home during the summers. She matches classroom activities to the needs and interests of the whole child by giving children the freedom to make valuable decisions, be leaders and explore their own inner creativity.

Heather Gosnell joined Roaring Mouse the fall of 2007. With an extensive background in teaching, children's literature and storytelling, Heather brings a magical and gentle quality to the studio. She has worked in a children's bookstore, studied children literature, attended literacy conferences, taught preschool, and designed her own major at Fairhaven College entitled Storytelling in the Classroom and Community. She studied mythology, learning theory and praxis, writing and performing skills.