Early Preschool in Mill Creek-Bothell

Tembo Tots Entry Level Preschool for Children Starting at 2 Years

At Safari Kid of Mill Creek-Bothell, our Tembo Tots Entry Level Preschool gives children starting at 2 years a warm, reassuring first step into school. We bring a Montessori-informed early learning and Reggio Emilia approach together with current research to create a calm, engaging environment where your child can explore, connect, and grow.

We welcome families from Mill Creek, Bothell, Woodinville, Kenmore, and nearby Northshore communities who want an early preschool experience that feels like a true partnership between home and school. From the first day, we focus on trust, gentle routines, and individual attention so your child builds a positive relationship with learning.

Ready to learn more about Tembo Tots Entry Level Preschool or schedule a visit to Safari Kid of Mill Creek-Bothell? Call us at (425) 321-3222 and our team will walk you through next steps.

Early Preschool That Supports a Confident Home-to-School Transition

Starting early preschool is a big milestone for children and parents. In our Tembo Tots Entry Level Preschool classroom, we focus on the home-to-school transition with predictable routines, kind guidance, and plenty of time for connection. Children learn that school is a safe, caring place where their ideas, feelings, and questions matter.

We design the environment to feel inviting and reassuring, with spaces for quiet play, collaborative activities, and movement. Our teachers stay close, narrate what is happening, and help children navigate new situations so separation from home becomes easier over time.

Our curriculum is informed by Montessori and Reggio Emilia principles. This means children handle real objects, make purposeful choices within a prepared environment, and participate in open-ended projects that spark curiosity and creativity. We balance this with age-appropriate structure so children learn to follow routines, listen, and participate as part of a group.

We also know that every family’s goals and timelines are unique. We use the Procare parent portal for regular updates, photos, and quick communication, so you always know how your child is doing and can share important information with us. State Regulations: Different states have varying age cutoffs and grouping requirements. For details about age group specifications contact the Safari Kid center of your choice directly.

Whole Child Development Across Six Key Areas

Our Whole Child approach in Tembo Tots Entry Level Preschool supports six connected areas of development: cognitive, social, language and literacy, physical, emotional, and Health and Care Development. Each part of the day is intentionally planned so these areas build together, not in isolation.

Cognitive Development Through Play-Based Discovery

Children explore early math and thinking skills through hands-on activities with numbers, patterns, and simple cause-and-effect materials. Open-ended play, building, and artistic projects invite children to sort, compare, predict, and problem-solve in ways that feel natural and fun.

Through our STREAM (science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, and math) activities, children investigate the world around them with simple experiments, stories, and creative tasks that nurture curiosity and critical thinking.

Language, Early Literacy, and Communication

Language and Literacy Development is woven into everything we do. We use songs, storytelling, picture walks, and group conversations to build vocabulary and listening skills. Our CHIRP language activities support playful sound awareness, turn-taking in conversation, and early storytelling.

Children are gently introduced to pre-writing skills, letter recognition, and phonetic awareness through games, tracing, and hands-on materials. We also introduce basic foreign language words and simple sign language, giving children additional tools to express themselves.

Physical Development: Big Movements and Busy Little Paws

Physical Development is supported through both fine and gross motor opportunities. In Busy Little Paws, children draw, paint, and manipulate small objects that strengthen hand muscles and hand-eye coordination. These skills help prepare them for later writing and self-care tasks.

Through Tumbling Tots, children enjoy indoor and outdoor active play, simple obstacle courses, and beginner yoga-style stretches that build balance, coordination, and body awareness.

Social-Emotional Learning and Relationships

Social and Emotional Development is at the heart of our Tembo Tots Entry Level Preschool program. In Global Child TEMBO Talks, children practice identifying and labeling feelings, listening to others, and using words to solve simple conflicts. We coach turn-taking, sharing, and cooperative play in small, manageable steps.

Our Story Explorers activities invite children to listen carefully, imagine, and respond to stories. This supports both emotional understanding and the ability to see different perspectives, which is essential for friendships and classroom life.

Health and Care Development and Mindfulness

Through Health and Care Development, we introduce age-appropriate mindfulness and breathing techniques during calm moments in the day. Children practice noticing their bodies, taking deep breaths, and using simple strategies when they feel overwhelmed or upset.

We guide children through problem-solving and conflict resolution with gentle coaching. Over time, they begin to try words and solutions on their own, building resilience and self-regulation that supports kindergarten readiness later on.

Named Program Activities Your Child Will Experience

To make our Whole Child philosophy tangible, Tembo Tots Entry Level Preschool includes a set of named program activities your child will come to know and love:

• Global Child TEMBO Talks: Social-emotional learning, feelings language, and relationship-building.
• Tumbling Tots: Gross motor play that builds strength, balance, and coordination.
• Busy Little Paws: Fine motor tasks like grasping, drawing, and manipulating tools.
• CHIRP: Language games, songs, and early communication skills.
• STREAM (science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, and math): Multi-sensory exploration of early academic concepts.
• Story Explorers: Listening, reasoning, imagination, and creative expression through stories.

Throughout these activities, we take a personalized approach. Teachers observe closely and adapt materials, language, and expectations so each child builds a foundation that fits their strengths, interests, and pace.

Building Toward Kindergarten Readiness and Beyond

Tembo Tots Entry Level Preschool is the starting point in our early preschool path at Safari Kid of Mill Creek-Bothell. As children gain confidence, language, and self-help skills, they are well positioned to move into our Intermediate Level Preschool and later Pre-Kindergarten programs within the same familiar community.

We focus on the skills that support long-term success in school: foundational language, early literacy and phonics, social-emotional learning, curiosity, and the ability to participate in group routines. Children practice following directions, expressing needs respectfully, and engaging in simple group projects, all of which support future classroom readiness.

Families receive regular progress updates and milestone notes through Procare, along with opportunities for conferences and family events. This family-school partnership helps you understand how your child is growing across all six domains and how you can support that growth at home.

A Day in the Tembo Tots Entry Level Preschool Classroom

Children thrive when they know what to expect. Our Tembo Tots Entry Level Preschool day follows a predictable yet flexible rhythm that helps children feel secure while leaving room for spontaneous discovery.

Each day includes a balance of free play, small-group activities, structured learning, and outdoor time. Children might start with welcoming routines and open-ended classroom exploration, then move into circle time with songs and stories, followed by Global Child TEMBO Talks or CHIRP language games in small groups.

Calm moments are woven throughout the day. Children enjoy quiet corners for books and puzzles, simple mindfulness practices, and rest time so their bodies and minds can reset. These gentle pauses help children practice emotional regulation and prepare for transitions.

Snack and meal times are social learning opportunities. Children practice washing hands, serving themselves with support, trying new foods, and engaging in simple table conversation. We model language like "please," "thank you," and "may I have more," while also reinforcing healthy habits.

Outdoor play is an important part of our routine. In our supervised outdoor environment, children run, climb, dig, observe nature, and build friendships. These experiences support physical development, cooperation, and an early connection to the natural world.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tembo Tots Entry Level Preschool

What Age Can My Child Start Tembo Tots Entry Level Preschool?

Tembo Tots Entry Level Preschool welcomes children starting at 2 years. Because state guidelines and grouping requirements can vary, we encourage you to contact Safari Kid of Mill Creek-Bothell directly for current Washington State age grouping specifics and availability.

How Does Tembo Tots Support the Home-to-School Transition?

We design the day around predictable routines, warm relationships, and gradual separation. Teachers stay in close communication with families, use consistent cues for transitions, and build in cooperative activities so children feel secure, seen, and supported as they adjust to being in an early preschool setting.

What Educational Approaches Inform the Curriculum?

Our curriculum draws from Montessori and Reggio Emilia frameworks along with current early childhood research. Children learn through hands-on materials, independence within clear boundaries, inquiry, collaboration, and creative expression.

How Will I Stay Informed About My Child’s Progress?

We use the Procare parent portal to share regular updates and classroom highlights. Families can also connect directly with educators and join in family events, so you stay closely involved in your child’s growth and day-to-day experiences.

What Comes After Entry Level Preschool at This Location?

After Tembo Tots Entry Level Preschool, children at Safari Kid of Mill Creek-Bothell can move into our Intermediate Level Preschool and then Pre-Kindergarten programs. This progression allows children to grow within the same nurturing community and educational approach, supporting a smooth path toward kindergarten.