2-3 Years
Early Preschool Classroom
In our Early Preschool classroom, children talk, imagine, and begin to figure out how friendships work — in an environment where they feel safe, known, and loved.
Early Preschool Classroom Milestones
Ohio's Early Learning & Development Standards reflect how much children grow when they start doing things their own way — talking in sentences, solving problems, and making friends. At BFA, they're our guide for creating experiences that challenge and support every child. Hover or tap any area below to learn more.
Language & Literacy
Children communicate in 3–4 word phrases, recognize rhymes and syllables, hold books correctly, and begin making marks and scribbles with intent.
A new children’s book anchors every week. Read-alouds, songs, and early writing activities build the language foundation children need for preschool.
Social & Emotional
Children begin naming their own emotions, show empathy toward peers, and engage in simple back-and-forth cooperative play.
Our psychology-informed approach means teachers actively support emotional development — not just behavior, but the feelings underneath it.
Mathematics
Children count up to 10 objects, compare groups using “more,” “less,” and “same,” sort by size and shape, and begin recognizing simple patterns.
Math concepts are embedded in play — building, sorting, measuring, and games that make numbers feel natural and fun.
Cognitive Development
Children engage in multi-step pretend play, solve simple problems by trying different approaches, and begin applying what they know in new situations.
Open-ended challenges and imaginative play invite children to think flexibly, try again, and build the persistence that carries them forward.
Physical Development
Children walk, run, and climb with growing coordination, use utensils and crayons with more control, and begin managing simple self-care tasks.
Two outdoor play sessions daily plus fine motor activities build strength, coordination, and the independence that grows with every new skill.
Science
Children ask questions about the world around them and begin making predictions — like guessing what will happen when a ramp is raised higher.
Telescope Tuesday brings science to life with experiments, nature exploration, and hands-on discovery every week.
Creative Development
Children use art materials to express ideas and feelings, sing parts of familiar songs, and act out imaginative play sequences inspired by everyday life.
Messy Monday is dedicated to sensory play, mixed-media art, and creative exploration. Children choose their own materials and bring their own ideas.
Social Studies
Children identify themselves as part of a family and group, express their needs and wants, and participate in simple classroom routines and rules.
Classroom themes connect children to the wider world — celebrating traditions, exploring communities, and building a sense of belonging.
A Week in Early Preschool
We turn up the learning dial with hands-on science, math, and literacy. Each day of the week has a catchy theme, which gives every classroom a fun, predictable rhythm.
Messy Monday
Messy sensory play, mixed-media art, cutting trays
Telescope Tuesday
Science and nature discovery, sorting mats, experiments
Wildlife Wednesday
Animal habits, animal tracks, animal read-alouds
Three-D Thursday
Block play, counting boards, clay sculptures
Friend Friday
Kindness role plays, multicultural read-alouds, team games
Included in Early Preschool Tuition
All included in your tuition, so there's less to pack and less to plan.
Healthy Meals Your Child Will Love
Our in-house BFA Cafe prepares three fresh meals and snacks each day, all made with wholesome ingredients you can trust.
In-house Laundry
We make naptime easier by providing and laundering all cot blankets and bedding.
Extracurricular Activities
Music, movement, art, and nature classes happen right here during the school day, all included in tuition. Your child gets to try something new, and you skip the evening carpool.
Room to Move
Children visit the indoor multi-purpose room and the turf playground every day.
What is Early Preschool?
Early Preschool is our classroom for children ages 2 to 3. It's the bridge between toddler care and preschool, with more structure, new friendships, and early literacy and math woven into play.
What does a typical week look like in Early Preschool?
Each day has its own Daily Brain Builders theme: Messy Monday, Telescope Tuesday, Wildlife Wednesday, Three-D Thursday, and Friend Friday. A new children's book anchors every week, and children head outside for two play sessions every day.
How do you support social and emotional growth?
Our psychology-informed approach means teachers actively support emotional development — not just behavior, but the feelings underneath it. Children learn to name their emotions, show empathy, and play cooperatively with friends.
When will my child move up to Preschool?
When your child is ready, they move up to our Preschool classroom. Preschool turns up the learning dial with hands-on science, math, and literacy, and the routines your child learns in Early Preschool make that move feel easy.
The ages of children in our classrooms may vary by local and state regulations as well as the unique needs of each student.
Explore Our Other Programs
Every age group follows the Full Circle Curriculum, made just for their stage.
Newborn Care
From 6 weeksWarm, one-on-one care that follows each baby's own schedule.
See Newborn Care →Infant Care
10–18 monthsFirst words, first steps, and lots of hands-on exploring.
See Infant Care →Toddler Care
18–24 monthsBusy bodies, big feelings, and new discoveries every day.
See Toddler Care →Early Preschool
2–3 yearsGrowing independence, new friends, and early learning routines.
See Early Preschool →Preschool
3–4 yearsHands-on science, math, and literacy built into every week.
See Preschool →Pre-K
4–5 yearsA focused year that gets kids ready for kindergarten.
See Pre-K →See Our Classrooms in Action
Stop stressing over the daily details. Come see where your child will learn, play, and be known.