Preschoolers and Pre-K | Riley Crossing Child Care

We Nurture Curiosity, Confidence and Connection Every Day.

Children who have positive self-images are healthier and happier.

Children should see themselves as successful learners. They must also feel free to “risk” failure and be comfortable with mistakes. We plan success-orientated activities, with positive guidance and discipline. We interact with the children on their level and give positive reinforcement.

Children who are respectful and can relate to other children and adults are better adjusted.

Children need to be able to relate to each other and adults respectfully. We encourage politeness and manners each day. Intergenerational programming encourages building healthy relationships throughout the generations. Children who learn to like and trust adults are beginning to feel part of the community. We will have regular, fun, planned interactions between other children and our aging clients.

Children who are healthy, both physically and mentally, can grow up strong and happy.

Children who are not healthy cannot grow and learn at the appropriate level. Good health requires that children have nutritious meals and enough rest time for their small bodies to grow. We provide nutritious meals and adequate rest time for your children. In addition, we provide regular exercise both indoors and outdoors.

Children who expand their concepts and ideas about the world will accept other’s differences.

Children who develop an understanding of the community and the people will not only accept differences but will celebrate them. We teach understanding and knowledge of many people and their cultures. Only through knowledge about others can we bridge the gap of hate, love and respect for each other. With our Intergenerational curriculum, children experience activities with our Senior campus, which allows them to grow in acceptance of others.

Children who are curious and want to learn will become creative and well-educated adults.

Children will learn to be critical thinkers and learn to problem solve. They are naturally curious, and they will learn in many ways. They learn by being read to, asking questions, observing others, solving problems, and trying new things. We have an exciting curriculum that will encourage positive learning and problem solving.

Children must learn to be independent; childhood is a journey to adulthood.

Children need the opportunity to make decisions and judgments. This often happens through being self-guided, self-directed, and self-disciplined. We encourage children to try things by themselves; of course, we are always here to help.

Preschool

33 MONTHS - 5 YEARS

Riley Crossing Preschoolers will spend time exploring throughout the day inside and out. As we explore our world around us, we learn to appreciate all the uniqueness of everyone and everything.

They start to increase their time with our special Grandfriends. Throughout the week, we will experience MacPhail music learning, art activity and science activity with our special friends. These activities help us to develop a special bond.

Our caring teachers facilitate learning through creative projects to meet their curiosity. Each preschooler will learn to develop self-help skills in family style meals, small pouring pitchers and child size sinks. Children will learn they are capable of new-found skills and independence.

At Riley Crossing, we incorporate a STEMS curriculum which cultivates strong innovators and thinkers. Children learn best when making connections between diverse skills and concepts. We integrate science, technology, engineering and math throughout the classroom.

Pre-Kindergarten

4 - 5 YEARS

Children who are a year from entering Kindergarten will enjoy a room of exploration with school readiness activities which will expand their newly-learned leadership skills. Our Pre-K children will partner with our Grandfriends in literacy activities throughout the year.

At Riley Crossing, we strive to provide opportunities for the whole child to develop. Throughout the year we will have different community service projects with our Grandfriends to help us understand the importance of community. Some examples of projects your child will experience are the collecting books for Little Libraries, American Heart Walk with Grandfriends, holiday gift bags for seniors, and activity boxes for seniors with Alzheimer's.

As we develop our whole child, our caring teachers work hard to partner with the Chanhassen school district to make sure we are knowledgeable about the latest educational theory. Our STEMS and Creative Curriculum are our core Learning through Play Curriculum used throughout the year. Families can rest assured that their child will be ready for Kindergarten in all areas of development.

Our Approach

Building Confidence, Curiosity, and Kindergarten Readiness

PLAY-BASED DISCOVERY Preschoolers learn best through hands-on exploration. Our classrooms encourage children to investigate, create, and problem-solve through engaging play experiences that spark curiosity and creativity.

STEM-INSPIRED LEARNING Science, technology, engineering, and math are woven into daily activities, helping children develop critical thinking and innovation skills as they explore ideas, experiment, and make connections.

GROWING INDEPENDENCE From family-style meals to self-help routines like pouring drinks and washing hands, children practice everyday skills that build confidence, responsibility, and independence.

INTERGENERATIONAL CONNECTIONS Through special activities with our “Grandfriends,” children build empathy, friendships, and communication skills while sharing music, stories, art, and community projects with older adults.

SAFETY & ACCOUNTABILITY All infant, toddler and preschool classing rooms, plus outdoor areas are equipped with cameras to support a safe and accountable environment. While not accessible to parents, these cameras allow leadership to review footage if questions or concerns arise, helping ensure transparency and peace of mind for families.

Typical Preschool & Pre-K Day

Our day will start out with a warm welcome from our caring teachers.
As we develop our language and literacy skills, children will learn to answer the Question of the Day when entering the classroom.
Small group activities will take place as we ready for breakfast at 8:30 a.m.
After breakfast, our classrooms start the day off with calendar time, songs and instructions for the day.
During the morning, children will explore the learning centers and teachers will facilitate activities around the monthly theme.
Exploring our outside time is important and we provide our children both morning and afternoon large muscle exploration.
Being attached to our Senior Campus, we can explore some amazing rooms including the Purple Rain music room!
Our family-style lunchtime is a great week to learn wonderful social skills with our Grandfriends.
We believe rest time is important for development and enjoy some downtime after lunch.
Afternoon snack is open throughout our afternoon exploration of learning centers.
Then we end our day with fun outdoor activities before Mom or Dad pick us up!

Each day blends structure, creativity, and exploration in a caring, intergenerational environment.

Interested in Learning More?

Contact Riley Crossing to receive more information about our Chanhassen child care services and to schedule a tour of our campus to experience our carefully-designed classrooms and our unique learning environments.