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Why Music & Movement is a core pillar at our licensed preschool in Bloomfield, NJ -- and what the research says. Walk into almost any preschool and you will hear music at some point during the day. A cleanup song, a counting rhyme, a little movement break between activities. Music is so common in early childhood settings that it can start to feel like wallpaper -- pleasant background, nothing more. At Leonardo, we have always believed that music belongs at the heart of a child's day -- not...

Why hands-on cooking is at the heart of what we do at our Bloomfield preschool -- and what the research says about it When parents visit Leonardo da Vinci International Academy and see cooking as one of our core pillars, the reaction is often a warm smile. It feels fun, approachable, a little delicious 😋 What they may not immediately realize is that the decision to make cooking central to our curriculum is not only about fun. It is grounded in decades of research in early childhood...

A GUIDE FOR FAMILIES IN BLOOFIELD, GLEN RIDGE & MONTCLAIR, NJ If you've been exploring preschools in Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, or Montclair, you've probably come across the term STEAM — Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. But what does it actually mean for a three- or four-year-old? And why does it matter so early? As educators who work with children ages 2.5 through Kindergarten every day, we want to answer that question honestly — not with buzzwords, but with...

7 THINGS PARENTS SHOULD LOOK FOR - AND THE QUESTIONS WORTH ASKING OUT LOUD Choosing a preschool is one of the first big decisions you'll make for your child. The options in the Montclair, Bloomfield, and Glen Ridge area are plentiful -- which is a good thing, but it can also feel overwhelming... Here are 7 criteria that actually matter, beyond the brochure. Question #1 - Is the school licensed by the state of New Jersey? This is your non-negotiable starting point. A preschool or daycare...

Welcome to Leonardo preschool, where little minds come alive with the thrill of S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics). In this blog post, we’re diving headfirst into the world of STEAM activities and how they supercharge your preschooler’s development. Are you seeking the perfect blend of learning and fun for your child? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Let’s explore why STEAM activities are the secret ingredient to preschool success. Igniting Curiosity: STEAM...

At Leonardo da Vinci International Academy Preschool, we create a safe and nurturing environment where your child can thrive while fostering a love for the great outdoors. And we do this by incorporating nature and outdoor experiences into our curriculum! But first, let's explore what neurosciences have to say about outdoor learning at an early age. Neuro benefits of outdoor activities for your child's cognitive development Numerous studies have explored the benefits of outdoor learning at an...

Preschool plays a vital role in early childhood development, and introducing foreign languages at this stage can have numerous advantages! In this article, let's explore how our immersive language programs, combined with our Montessori-inspired Pre-K curriculum, create a safe and nurturing environment where your child can develop language skills, cultural awareness, and a solid foundation for future learning. First, let's discover how our school made Cinco de Mayo an integrated part of our...

At Leonardo, we believe in nurturing the minds but also the hearts of your little ones 💛. Our Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) program, integrated into our Montessori-inspired Pre-K curriculum, creates a safe and nurturing environment for our students. As caring parents, we know you understand the importance of providing your children with a holistic preschool education. Social and emotional skills are essential for their overall development and future success. So let's explore how our...