About our name:
Here's the story behind the name
"Lucky Ducks Preschool":
I have 4 kids of my own (ranging in age from 12- 22 years old). One of my favorite parts of motherhood was when my young children would come home and excitedly tell me about their day at preschool. I loved seeing their eyes light up as they told me about their adventures, friendships, crafts, and joyful moments. As I listened to their stories, I would often say, "Wow! I can't believe you got to do that! You are such a lucky duck!" To which my kids would reply, "Mom! I'm not a duck, I'm a kid!" It sounds silly, and it's just a little thing, but it's one of the memories that really makes me smile!
This is the kind of experience I strive to provide for your children! I want them to feel excited about what they're learning, and feel happy and lucky to be able to come and spend time with friends and teachers at preschool each day. I want them to come home and enthusiastically share the details of their day. I also want parents to feel lucky that their children are in such a wonderful environment!
The following are some of the ways we go about providing these types of experiences for your children!
-- Ranell Williamson, owner and lead instructor
"Lucky Ducks Preschool":
I have 4 kids of my own (ranging in age from 12- 22 years old). One of my favorite parts of motherhood was when my young children would come home and excitedly tell me about their day at preschool. I loved seeing their eyes light up as they told me about their adventures, friendships, crafts, and joyful moments. As I listened to their stories, I would often say, "Wow! I can't believe you got to do that! You are such a lucky duck!" To which my kids would reply, "Mom! I'm not a duck, I'm a kid!" It sounds silly, and it's just a little thing, but it's one of the memories that really makes me smile!
This is the kind of experience I strive to provide for your children! I want them to feel excited about what they're learning, and feel happy and lucky to be able to come and spend time with friends and teachers at preschool each day. I want them to come home and enthusiastically share the details of their day. I also want parents to feel lucky that their children are in such a wonderful environment!
The following are some of the ways we go about providing these types of experiences for your children!
-- Ranell Williamson, owner and lead instructor
About our daily routine:
We have a large bulletin board which changes based on the themes for the month. We meet here together to start our day with 'carpet time'. We discuss the current theme, learn our letter of the week, review our shape/color/numbers for the month, recite the Pledge of Allegiance and sing songs related to our themes. Each child has a 'helper' job and they take turns putting the pieces up on the board each day. It's a great way to learn and review Daily Basics together. Carpet Time is full of music and movement and taking turns getting to share the learning and helper jobs.
Preschool age children are in constant motion and need opportunities to move and wiggle throughout day. Within each theme, we offer numerous gross motor activities and learning centers so they can explore the world around them in a safe, learning-based environment. We also have several segments of music & movement each day; they don't even realize they are learning something because they're having so much fun!
We love to spend time outside! The preschool room opens out onto an amazing outdoor space: a large yard with multiple play structures, as well as an enclosed where we can bounce balls, move around, and do messier crafts and experiments. We spend time outside daily! Children may choose to play outside for free play time, and we also go outside for games and activities throughout the year.
Studies show that reading aloud is an effective and necessary tool for early childhood learning! We read a minimum of 1-2 theme-related books each day, usually as we eat our snack (we have found that the children have an easier time sitting still and listening if their mouths are full!) In addition, we have bookshelves at the children's eye level which are easily accessible, and always packed with theme-related books. The children are given opportunities for quiet reading each day.
About our procedures:
My name is Ranell Williamson, Lucky Ducks Preschool owner and lead instructor. The preschool operates out of my home. I have vast experience helping children navigate through the fun learning experiences and the challenges of childhood. I am a mother to 4 children, ages 22, 18, 14, and 11. On top of my motherhood experience, I have worked in childcare for over 25 years, including being a live-in nanny (before being married), doing in-home childcare with my young kids, working in the childcare room and running programs at the YMCA, coaching sports, teaching swim lessons, running summer camps and participating in numerous co-op preschools for my own children. In addition, I have spent many hours volunteering at church and school events.
I have studied numerous techniques for helping children safely navigate through the preschool years. I have taken the "Love & Logic" course twice and regularly review those techniques and I use them within my own family. I have been teaching preschool for 10 years and I love it so much! I am able to set firm but loving boundaries for the children in my care. Two of my favorite resources for guidance are:
I have studied numerous techniques for helping children safely navigate through the preschool years. I have taken the "Love & Logic" course twice and regularly review those techniques and I use them within my own family. I have been teaching preschool for 10 years and I love it so much! I am able to set firm but loving boundaries for the children in my care. Two of my favorite resources for guidance are: