The Pathways Approach
Apply Now!Play and Relationships
At Pathways Preschool, we believe that play and relationships are the foundation of a child’s holistic development. Our approach emphasizes the crucial role of primary caregivers, encouraging them to engage with children in meaningful, open-ended interactions that foster authentic communication and collaboration.
Our caregivers receive specialized training to understand and respond to the unique needs of each child. Through the use of body language, gentle touch, and intentional language, they create a warm and supportive environment where children feel safe to explore and express themselves.
Play is at the heart of our program. It is through play that children are empowered to experiment, discover, and take manageable risks. Our caregivers are there every step of the way, offering gentle guidance and support to help children build confidence and resilience.
This interactive and nurturing approach not only enhances children’s cognitive and social skills but also fosters deep, secure attachments between caregivers and children—an essential element for healthy emotional and psychological growth.
At Pathways Preschool, we are dedicated to creating an environment where children can thrive, learn, and develop the skills they need to understand and engage with the world around them.
The Journey
At Pathways, we celebrate the unique journey of growth and discovery for every child. We believe that young children learn best through hands-on, experiential activities that ignite their curiosity and creativity. Our program is thoughtfully crafted to provide a rich variety of opportunities for active engagement, allowing children to explore, experiment, and learn at their own pace.
Our dedicated caregivers are always attentive and responsive, offering the right balance of support, guidance, and meaningful connections. By fostering a warm and nurturing environment, we help children build confidence, understand their surroundings, and develop essential skills for life.
We embrace the joyful, sometimes unpredictable, and wonderfully messy process of learning. At Pathways, every step of the developmental journey is valued—whether it’s mastering a new skill, making friends, or discovering the world around them. Through these experiences, children not only gain knowledge but also form a strong sense of self and a meaningful connection to their community and environment.
At Pathways, we’re passionate about helping children build the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.
Space and Environment
At Pathways Preschool, we believe that the environment is a powerful teacher. Our program is thoughtfully designed to create intentional spaces that foster self-regulation, exploration, and creativity in every child. By embracing a responsive approach, we ensure that children’s needs are met not only by our attentive caregivers but also through the thoughtfully crafted environment itself.
Our play spaces are carefully curated to support a range of experiences. From cozy hammocks and small enclosures for moments of privacy to expansive open areas for big body movements, every element is chosen to encourage freedom and self-expression. During open playtime, children are empowered to follow their natural curiosity, exploring and engaging with their surroundings at their own pace. This freedom to choose helps children develop vital self-regulation skills as they learn to listen to and respond to their own bodies’ needs.
Inspired by the Theory of Loose Parts, we provide a diverse array of natural and creative materials—such as sticks, rocks, sand, water, Legos, wooden blocks, and everyday kitchen utensils. These open-ended resources invite children to use their imaginations freely, transforming materials into whatever their creativity inspires.
At Pathways, our goal is to create an environment that not only supports but also actively participates in the learning process. Through our responsive approach to classroom design and our commitment to providing a rich variety of loose parts, we cultivate a space where exploration, creativity, and self-regulation can thrive.
F.A.Q.
What is the daily routine/schedule?
8:15am – 9:00am Arrival – we begin our day on the playground (school year session, arrival is 8:00am – 9:00am)
9:00am Community Sing – Children and adults gather in the gym to sing together. Parents are welcome! Afterwards children and teachers go to their classroom.
9:10am – 10:45am Morning Snack, Free Choice Play, Small Group experience, Large Group experience
10:45 – 12:00pm Outside Play
12:00pm – 12:45pm Lunch
12:45pm – 2:30pm Rest Time – all children have an opportunity to lay down, rest and engage in a quiet activity for at least 15 minutes. Children who nap will be provided a cot, soothing music and a darkened space. A teacher will offer them as much or as little support as they need to sleep. The music is turned off and the shades are opened at 2:30pm.
2:45pm End of the day large group experience
3:15-3:25 Departure (school year session, departure is 3:00-3:15pm)
What are the class size & ages?
Robin Room: 8-9 children age 2 years 9 months – 5 years old with 1 teacher.
Gull Room: 14-15 children age 2 years 6 months – 5 years old with 2 teachers.
Pathways has a resource teacher that supports both classrooms with transitions, planning time, rest time and breaks.
Are meals provided?
Children bring their own food in a lunch box, which should include two snacks and a meal. The morning and afternoon snacks are open, allowing children to enjoy them at any time during the day. Lunchtime is a designated period when teachers and children come together to share a meal. This time provides an opportunity for social interaction and fostering a sense of community within the classroom.
What are the schedule options?
5 days per week, Monday – Friday
4 days per week, Monday – Thursday
3 days per week, Wednesday – Friday
2 days per week, Monday & Tuesday or Wednesday & Thursday
Does my child need to be potty trained?
At Pathways, we understand that potty training is a developmental milestone, and your child does not need to be potty trained to attend our program. If your child wears a diaper, our staff will ensure they are changed in the bathroom every couple of hours. We are committed to supporting your child in their bathroom routine even before they are ready to stop wearing diapers.
We encourage your child to actively participate in the changing process, including taking their pants on and off, fetching the changing pad if needed, sitting on the potty, and washing their hands. By involving them in these steps, we aim to foster their independence and readiness for potty training.
As your child progresses and shows signs of readiness for potty training, we will engage in a discussion with you to determine the best way to proceed. While there are numerous potty training programs and ideas available online, we recommend consulting with your child’s teacher first to tailor an approach that suits your child’s unique needs and abilities.
703 Rose St.
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 943-2554
brittni@pathwayspreschool.com
dan@pathwayspreschool.com
elizabeth@pathwayspreschool.com
The Pathways Approach
Apply Now
Play and Relationships
At Pathways Preschool, we believe that play and relationships are the foundation of a child’s holistic development. Our approach emphasizes the crucial role of primary caregivers, encouraging them to engage with children in meaningful, open-ended interactions that foster authentic communication and collaboration.
Our caregivers receive specialized training to understand and respond to the unique needs of each child. Through the use of body language, gentle touch, and intentional language, they create a warm and supportive environment where children feel safe to explore and express themselves.
Play is at the heart of our program. It is through play that children are empowered to experiment, discover, and take manageable risks. Our caregivers are there every step of the way, offering gentle guidance and support to help children build confidence and resilience.
This interactive and nurturing approach not only enhances children’s cognitive and social skills but also fosters deep, secure attachments between caregivers and children—an essential element for healthy emotional and psychological growth.
At Pathways Preschool, we are dedicated to creating an environment where children can thrive, learn, and develop the skills they need to understand and engage with the world around them.
The Journey
At Pathways, we celebrate the unique journey of growth and discovery for every child. We believe that young children learn best through hands-on, experiential activities that ignite their curiosity and creativity. Our program is thoughtfully crafted to provide a rich variety of opportunities for active engagement, allowing children to explore, experiment, and learn at their own pace.
Our dedicated caregivers are always attentive and responsive, offering the right balance of support, guidance, and meaningful connections. By fostering a warm and nurturing environment, we help children build confidence, understand their surroundings, and develop essential skills for life.
We embrace the joyful, sometimes unpredictable, and wonderfully messy process of learning. At Pathways, every step of the developmental journey is valued—whether it’s mastering a new skill, making friends, or discovering the world around them. Through these experiences, children not only gain knowledge but also form a strong sense of self and a meaningful connection to their community and environment.
At Pathways, we’re passionate about helping children build the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.
Space and Environment
At Pathways Preschool, we believe that the environment is a powerful teacher. Our program is thoughtfully designed to create intentional spaces that foster self-regulation, exploration, and creativity in every child. By embracing a responsive approach, we ensure that children’s needs are met not only by our attentive caregivers but also through the thoughtfully crafted environment itself.
Our play spaces are carefully curated to support a range of experiences. From cozy hammocks and small enclosures for moments of privacy to expansive open areas for big body movements, every element is chosen to encourage freedom and self-expression. During open playtime, children are empowered to follow their natural curiosity, exploring and engaging with their surroundings at their own pace. This freedom to choose helps children develop vital self-regulation skills as they learn to listen to and respond to their own bodies’ needs.
Inspired by the Theory of Loose Parts, we provide a diverse array of natural and creative materials—such as sticks, rocks, sand, water, Legos, wooden blocks, and everyday kitchen utensils. These open-ended resources invite children to use their imaginations freely, transforming materials into whatever their creativity inspires.
At Pathways, our goal is to create an environment that not only supports but also actively participates in the learning process. Through our responsive approach to classroom design and our commitment to providing a rich variety of loose parts, we cultivate a space where exploration, creativity, and self-regulation can thrive.
F.A.Q.
What is the daily routine/schedule?
8:15am – 9:00am Arrival – we begin our day on the playground (school year session, arrival is 8:00am – 9:00am)
9:00am Community Sing – Children and adults gather in the gym to sing together. Parents are welcome! Afterwards children and teachers go to their classroom.
9:10am – 10:45am Morning Snack, Free Choice Play, Small Group experience, Large Group experience
10:45 – 12:00pm Outside Play
12:00pm – 12:45pm Lunch
12:45pm – 2:30pm Rest Time – all children have an opportunity to lay down, rest and engage in a quiet activity for at least 15 minutes. Children who nap will be provided a cot, soothing music and a darkened space. A teacher will offer them as much or as little support as they need to sleep. The music is turned off and the shades are opened at 2:30pm.
2:45pm End of the day large group experience
3:15-3:25 Departure (school year session, departure is 3:00-3:15pm)
What are the class size & ages?
Robin Room: 8-9 children age 2 years 9 months – 5 years old with 1 teacher.
Gull Room: 14-15 children age 2 years 6 months – 5 years old with 2 teachers.
Pathways has a resource teacher that supports both classrooms with transitions, planning time, rest time and breaks.
Are meals provided?
Children bring their own food in a lunch box that includes two snacks and a meal. Morning and afternoon snack are open and may be eaten at anytime. Lunch is a designated time that teachers share with the children. Classrooms regularly engage in cooking experiences together.
What are the schedule options?
5 days per week, Monday – Friday
4 days per week, Monday – Thursday
3 days per week, Wednesday – Friday
2 days per week, Monday & Tuesday or Wednesday & Thursday
Does my child need to be potty trained?
Your child does not have to be potty trained to attend Pathways. If your child wears a diaper they will be changed in the bathroom every couple of hours. There’s a lot we can do to support your child in the bathroom before they stop wearing diapers. Your child will be encouraged to participate in the process of being changed and supported in taking their pants on and off, getting out the changing pad if necessary, sitting on the potty and washing their hands. When we start to notice signs of readiness for potty training we will share in a discussion about how to move forward.
703 Rose St.
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 943-2554
brittni@pathwayspreschool.com
dan@pathwayspreschool.com
elizabeth@pathwayspreschool.com