Preschool

Wheeling Country Day School offers preschool education​ for children three and four years old. Help your child develop early literacy skills and develop early social skills. 

Preschool students enjoy a nurturing, caring, inviting classroom environment. Their experiences include activities to promote socialization skills and an introduction to school procedures and routines. The activities encourage developmental growth through play and present early literacy skills through various centers. 

Wheeling Country Day School’s preschool program focuses on the child within the learner. It is an engaging centers-based curriculum that matches the way children develop and learn, meeting their personal learning needs in a hands-on and nurturing environment.

Children need time for fantasy and spontaneous play. Therefore, the classrooms invite pretending and storytelling, which provide the most fertile ground for language growth, both contextual and semantic.

In addition, the campus layout allows children to be active and to follow their natural sense of wonder. They play and learn in nature with found objects that inspire creativity.

Far from curriculum in a box, the program allows the teachers to take their cues from their students, and then actively guide and encourage their curiosity, intellectual strengths, and above-average skills.

Children entering preschool must be completely potty trained.

Preschool Schedule

  • Three Days/Five Days

Preschool Arrival & Dismissal

  • Arrival 8:20-8:40
  • Dismissal for Lunch Bunch 12:30
  • Dismissal for Extended Day 3:00

Preschool Teachers & Staff

Airry Schultz

Airry Schultz

Preschool

Arden Wolle

Preschool & Assistant Director of Enrollment

Meredith Shah

Preschool & Elementary Spanish

Ronell Davis

Early Childhood

An Emphasis on Character Development

Character development instruction highlighting respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring, and citizenship complements the academic offerings. Each teacher weaves this special program into the class’s regular curriculum.

Music Exploration

We foster a love for music by creating a music corner in the classroom, where students can explore different instruments and create their own rhythms and melodies. They also learn about different genres of music and how it can evoke emotions.

Art and Creativity

Art is an integral part of our curriculum. We encourage creativity and self-expression by providing art materials and allowing students to create artwork inspired by music, literature, and their own imaginations. They learn about color mixing, explore different art techniques, and even contribute to collaborative art projects.

Science and Nature

Science and nature play a significant role in our curriculum. Our students explore the properties of snow, learn about the life cycle of animals like chicks, and engage in hands-on experiments to enhance their understanding of the world around them.

Outdoor Play and Physical Activities

Outdoor play and physical activities are an important part of our program. We provide opportunities for students to engage in gross motor activities, play games, and explore the natural environment. We believe in the importance of exercise, fresh air, and the development of motor skills.

Creative & Skill-Based Courses

In addition to the traditional subject areas, students participate in fine arts, physical education, foreign language, and technology classes. An emphasis on the fine arts has been a part of the school since its inception. Biweekly classes in art and music are highlights in the children’s experiences. Daily physical education classes enhance physical development, while the morning intramural program fosters team relationships across grade levels. Children learn to use both the library and the computer as valuable resources for information.

Technology & Culture

While being part of the Wheeling Country Day School community, children prepare for an increasingly global society with language and culture classes. Students explore the rich cultural heritage represented by the school’s families. Special school-wide and classroom activities throughout the year expand this understanding of the relationship between self and community. 

Before & Aftercare Programs

Our before and aftercare programs are designed to help the student and the parent. Drop your students off early or pick them up a bit later and feel comfortable knowing they are safe and still learning.

Tutoring & Multisensory Learning

Edge at Wheeling Country Day School is an on-campus instruction center for students with language-based learning differences. 

Junior Kindergarten

For students ready to graduate from preschool, Wheeling Country Day School offers junior kindergarten classes for four and five-year-olds.  

Frequently Asked Questions

What will my child learn in preschool?

Preschool is a critical time for children to develop foundational skills and knowledge. They will engage in various activities that promote cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. Your child will learn important concepts such as shapes, colors, numbers, letters, and basic math skills. They will also enhance their fine motor skills, language and communication abilities, and social interaction through play, arts and crafts, music, and storytime.

How do you keep parents informed about their child's progress and development?

We believe in maintaining open lines of communication with parents. Throughout the year, we provide regular updates through newsletters, emails, and parent-teacher conferences. You will receive progress reports highlighting your child’s achievements, areas of growth, and any specific concerns. We also encourage parents to reach out to teachers for any questions or concerns, and we schedule periodic meetings to discuss your child’s development in more detail.

How do you support social and emotional development in preschoolers?

Social and emotional development is an integral part of our preschool program. We foster a nurturing and inclusive environment where children learn to interact with peers, express their feelings, and develop empathy. Our teachers incorporate social-emotional learning activities into daily routines, promoting cooperation, sharing, and problem-solving skills. We also focus on building self-confidence, resilience, and positive relationships through activities such as group discussions, role-play, and cooperative games.

How will you ensure my child's safety and well-being during preschool hours?

The safety and well-being of your child are our top priorities. Our preschool follows strict safety protocols, including secure access to the premises, trained staff for supervision, and age-appropriate safety measures. We maintain a clean and hygienic environment, conduct regular safety drills, and have a designated first-aid trained staff member. Additionally, we have clear procedures for drop-off and pick-up to ensure that your child is always in a safe and supervised setting.

Application

Apply Now

Applying online is easy with WCDS. Complete and submit your online application. This application confirms your interest and prompts the school’s consideration of your child. You can download and submit the records release form if your child currently attends kindergarten or above. 

Schedule Your Visit

Schedule Now

The school takes great pride in the fact that the Head of School meets with each family to engage in a mission/philosophy conversation. Admissions Events offer this group opportunity or you can contact the Admissions Office for special arrangements. 

Experience WCDS by coming to the campus for an age-appropriate visit with faculty and peers. 

Diversity Statement

Learn More

WCDS seeks to purposefully build an environment that reflects and honors diversity. We honor the dignity of every human being, and we respect and value differences including but not limited to socioeconomics, race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, and family composition. Our community is committed to ongoing dialogue, education, and reflection to develop understanding and inclusion of every member.

Experience WCDS

Schedule a School Tour or Classroom Visit

Observe our curious and engaged students and teachers in their classrooms and throughout our spacious campus with its grass playing field, classroom courtyard, and outdoor amphitheater. Sit in on classes that give great attention to a curriculum that matches the optimum times for learning within a child’s first ten years.

Upcoming Early Childhood Admission Events

11Jan

Prospective Family Day (PS-5th)

9:30 am - 11:00 am8 Park Road
21Jan

Reimagine Middle School – Prospective Family Day

6:00 pm - 8:00 pmWheeling Park Campus