Preschool Education

Each year, the Futuro Lleno de Esperanza preschool program offers formal early childhood education to 65 children between the ages of three and five.

The program launched as a stand-alone preschool in 2014, after the Dominican government built a much needed public elementary school in the community. Futuro Lleno de Esperanza pivoted to meet the need for a quality, faith-based childcare and schooling option for the preschoolers.

We believe in play-based learning where young minds are nourished through open ended, curious inducing activities. Play-based learning helps children develop social skills, motivation to learn, language and math skills. Taking initiative, focused attention, and curiosity about the world are all a part of play.

At Futuro Lleno de Esperanza, we work diligently to create an environment that is safe, inclusive, and loving. Students are free to explore within the boundaries of the center, but learn to follow social norms and routines. The children take care of their space and of each other.

The students are encouraged to collaborate on projects, work together to solve problems, and share with each other.

Due to the formal nature of Dominican public schooling, the children are also exposed to more traditional educational strategies. We hope the mix of open ended, child-led learning and with more structured activities will help nurture a love for learning while preparing the students for elementary school.

Students are presented with stories and themes from the Bible, and are given space to explore the ideas and concepts presented. At Futuro Lleno de Esperanza, we integrate the Bible stories into preschool classrooms to teach values like love and grace. Students explore the diversity of God’s creation, discover different creatures and how they form and grow, and learn to care for the bodies God created for them.

Through music and movement, students learn how their bodies function alone and in relation to others. They experience the beauty of dance and song, and learn how to move their bodies in ways that equip them regulate their emotions.

Art projects are another way for children to express themselves. Open ended, process driven art is a main component in the Futuro Lleno de Esperanza preschool classroom. Art allows the children to express themselves when they don’t have words, and also encourages them to experiment with creativity, create new and colorful things, and see the world in a different way.