Gentle Dragon Preschool

Philosophy | Curriculum | Day

Gentle Dragon Preschool's curriculum is based on a routine of playing, exploring materials, making friends and understanding one's place in the community of children, parents and teacher. We follow the Guidelines for Preschool Learning set forth by the Massachusetts Department of Education, which encourage extending learning opportunities into math (measuring, estimating, counting), science (engineering, building, mapping, balance, categorizing), literacy (language development, vocabulary, early writing and reading) and fine and gross motor games.

We are committed to providing a balance between free play and structured activities. As children enter the classroom every morning, they explore everything from play dough and moon sand to books and blocks. They paint, climb and engage in dramatic play. They play games, solve puzzles and engineer train tracks. Every day at Gentle Dragon should feel special and new, yet comfortable and consistent.

Curriculum themes may be focused on the seasons, interests of the children and families or areas that warrant exploration based on the content of the children's play. Holiday activities are addressed as a way for individual children to share family backgrounds with the group — and for the group to show respect for individuals. We explore multi-cultural activities like cooking, songs and literature. We study geography with a map unit, connecting our community learning to field trips like the post office or farm. And our teacher has a special love of literature, often linking art projects to the daily story.

Our Teacher

Joelle Hayes has over two decades of experience as both a classroom teacher and center director. She has a Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education from Westfield State and continues her learning through many university-level courses in Early Childhood Education. Joelle is thrilled to bring her director experience to our school and get to be back in the classroom doing what she loves best-- teaching preschoolers! Here's a note from Joelle:

"I am a firm believer in the power of play and of an emergent curriculum. To me, teaching in a play-based program is about offering children as many choices as possible, being there to help extend their play, fostering their natural curiosity, then letting them do what they need to do. Play is how children learn about the world, try on relationships--it helps them become healthy risk takers, explore the questions they have, and become problem solvers. They learn conflict resolution and the scientific method all while making mud pies.

Process-based art, science experiments, and cooking with the children are among some of my favorite things to do in the classroom. Outside of work I enjoy reading, spending time with family and friends, and going to the beach. I look forward to meeting new families and alumni, and getting to know the local community!"

After 28 wonderful years, Eleanor Sugarman retired in August of 2020 to spend well-deserved time with her family. If you'd like to connect our alumni group, please let us know!

Gentle Dragon is proud to announce a successful five year reaccreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The Association accredits programs that maintain high quality in many standards including child assessment, curriculum, leadership, physical environment, community relationships, health, and work with families. The teacher maintains a classroom portfolio and a program portfolio that documents over 400 criteria. Gentle Dragon achieved a 95% pass rate and remains one of the smallest accredited schools in the nation. As of the time of reaccreditation (January 2018), Gentle Dragon is only one of two preschools in Medford to receive this accreditation.