Preschool Prep

Our Preschool Prep Program is more than just an early learning class; it's a bridge to preschool success. Through engaging, play-based experiences, children build the academic, social, and emotional skills they'll need to thrive in a preschool classroom.

In our small, inclusive groups for children ages 2-4. We support every child as they learn classroom routines, build friendships, strengthen communication skills, and grow in confidence. Our experienced instructors use a multi-sensory, child-led approach that encourages curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Whether your child is preparing for their very first classroom experience or would benefit from extra support before preschool, Puzzles provides a warm, nurturing environment where every child can learn, grow, and belong.

Astoria hosts Preschool Prep daily, Monday-Friday.

Port Washington hosts Preschool Prep on Monday and Wednesday.

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A group of children sitting around tables in a classroom or daycare setting, listening to a woman demonstrating a science experiment.
A group of young children sitting around a woman on a yellow foam mat in a colorful classroom.
Children playing with toy fishing kits in a water table outdoors on grass.
A teacher reading a book to young children sitting at tables in a colorful classroom with large flower decorations on the wall.
A group of children and a teacher engaged in a craft activity at a table, creating collages with green paper on colored construction paper.

What We Learn:

Language & Communication

  • Expanding vocabulary

  • Answering and asking questions

  • Listening during stories and group time

  • Expressing needs and feelings

  • Singing songs and participating in conversations

Fine Motor Skills

  • Pencil and crayon grip

  • Cutting with scissors

  • Gluing and tracing

  • Puzzles and manipulatives

  • Strengthening hand muscles for writing

Early Academic Skills

  • Letter recognition and phonics awareness

  • Counting and number recognition

  • Colors, shapes, and patterns

  • Sorting and matching

  • Beginning problem-solving

  • Early science and discovery activities

Gross Motor Skills

  • Balance and coordination

  • Jumping, hopping, climbing, and running

  • Movement games

  • Dance and music activities

Self-Help Skills

  • Cleaning up after activities

  • Washing hands

  • Opening lunch containers and snacks

  • Hanging up backpacks and coats

  • Following classroom routines

  • Transitioning between activities

Social-Emotional Development

  • Recognizing and expressing emotions

  • Practicing self-regulation

  • Building resilience

  • Developing empathy

  • Learning to solve simple conflicts

School Readiness

By the end of the program, children are more comfortable with:

  • Sitting in a group

  • Participating in circle time

  • Following a daily schedule

  • Raising their hand and waiting their turn

  • Working independently and with peers

  • Feeling confident entering a preschool classroom

Six children sitting on the marble tile floor, watching an educational demonstration involving circular paper targets attached to white and red barriers.

What Sets Us Apart

Inclusive by design. Children of all abilities learn together in a welcoming, neurodiversity-affirming environment where differences are celebrated, and every child is supported.

Small-group, individualized learning. Educators tailor activities to each child's developmental level, ensuring they are challenged appropriately while building confidence at their own pace.

Play-based, child-led curriculum. Learning happens through purposeful play, hands-on exploration, movement, music, sensory experiences, and meaningful social interactions rather than worksheets or rote instruction.

Therapist-informed environment. Puzzles educators collaborate with speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and other specialists when appropriate, creating a supportive setting that benefits all learners—not just children receiving therapy.

Emphasis on social-emotional development. Children learn to regulate emotions, build friendships, advocate for themselves, and develop the confidence to transition successfully into preschool classrooms.

Family partnership. Parents receive ongoing communication and support, helping reinforce classroom learning at home and making the transition to preschool smoother for the entire family.

Focus on school readiness. Children develop the foundational skills they'll need for preschool, including:

  • Following routines and classroom expectations

  • Sharing, turn-taking, and cooperative play

  • Communication and language development

  • Fine motor skills for early writing

  • Early literacy and math concepts

  • Problem-solving and independence

Client Reviews

"My 2.5-year-old twins started going to Puzzles recently, and they love it. All the staff have been wonderful and great at communicating throughout the day by sending pictures and letting me know how the day went when I pick them up."

"My son has been part of the Puzzles family since he was 10 months old. And what a wonderful family it is! He runs to Puzzles with a smile on his face and considers Puzzles to be a second home. All the ladies - Miss Sofia, Miss Sophia, Miss Maria and Miss Eva care about every child and make learning fun. For over 2 years, he grew so much through sensory play, art, story reading, soccer practice, and now summer camp. His communication skills developed a great deal, and his speech was enriched with many new words. As parents, we want the best for our children, and Puzzles crew always delivers! Astoria is very fortunate to have such an amazing educational center."

"Our son is 2 years old. We decided to try a drop-off summer program for the first time ever. We were really nervous, but our son ended up loving the instructors and had a great time. The manager made us feel very comfortable and always in communication with us, along with photos. We had lots of reassurance both from our son and the staff!"

Questions or interested in booking a visit?

If you are interested in learning more about our Preschool Prep Program or to book a visit, please fill out the form!