About
Palisades Presbyterian Preschool
Our Viewpoint
At Pali Pres we believe in educating the whole child and that a developmental approach to learning gives them the foundation from which to grow into successful and happy people. We focus on the social-emotional wellbeing of the child. This is accomplished by giving preschoolers the opportunities to explore and learn
Every staff member has placed education at the top of their list of priorities and have chosen to focus their profession, education and beliefs on early childhood education. We know the importance of a play-based program as the foundation of an early educational program that benefits the young child.
Children need to feel secure in order to explore and expand their horizons. Our staff creates a program that encourages exploration and engagement as an important element of learning. Our unique Outdoor Classroom® provides learning to take place both inside and outside of the classroom
Children learn best when there is no pressure to perform. Creating an inviting place that welcomes and encourages learning gives children opportunities to develop at a pace, and in a place, that works best for them. This environment gives them the confidence they need to thrive.
Movement
Walks alone
Kicks a ball
Walks up and down stairs holding onto support
Language
Points to an object or picture when it’s named for him/her
Recognizes names of familiar people, objects, and body parts
Uses two- to four-word sentences
Follows simple instruction
Social and Emotional
Increasingly aware of herself/himself as separate from others
Increasingly enthusiastic about the company of other children
Demonstrates increasing independence
Begins to show defiant behavior
Fine Motor Skills
Scribbles spontaneously
Turns over container to pour out contents
Builds a tower with four or more blocks
May begin to use one hand more frequently than the other
Cognitive
Finds objects even when hidden under two or three covers
Begins to sort objects and shapes
Begins make-believe play
Our Staff
Our staff is dedicated and believes that early childhood is fundamental for growth and development. We are proud to dedicate our efforts towards opening that window of development to the children and families we serve.
Many of our teachers have been with the school for several years, while other staff members are new and bring with them the energy and knowledge of new theories in early childhood education.
We are staffed by mature, loving, and responsible adults who not only have academic backgrounds in Early Childhood Education, but have the ability to understand and accept individual differences in children.
Julie Baczewski
Director
Julie Baczewski graduated with a BA in Speech Communication, Psychology, and English from Cal State LA; and from Pepperdine University with a Masters Degree in Education with a specialty in Early Childhood Development. She worked in the field of Early Childhood Education for twenty years – starting as a Mommy and Me facilitator, then as a substitute teacher, and finally was Director at Little Village Nursery School, a parent cooperative nursery school in West Los Angeles. Julie began as Director at Palisades Presbyterian Preschool in July of 1999.