Little Bears University

Little Bears University is a high quality, nationally accredited, early childhood program operated by the Thomaston Public Schools.  Little Bears University is a fully integrated, community based preschool program serving children, ages 3-5, and their families.  The program provides developmentally appropriate instruction for typically developing children as well as children with developmental delays or special needs requiring specialized instruction.  The program is staffed by certified teachers, licensed therapists and paraeducators with specific training in early childhood education.  Little Bears University is FREE for Thomaston Residents. The program is funded through Thomaston Public Schools, School Readiness Grant and Smart Start Grant. In accordance with the guidelines for participation in these state funded programs, we offer priority enrollment opportunities to those families that are at or below 75% of the state median income.  Regardless of how a child enters the program, the goals for all children are the same.  Our teachers promote active inquiry-based learning by providing opportunities in the developmental areas of social/emotional, language and literacy, mathematics, motor, cognition and daily living skills.
Our goal is to help each child: 

• Develop a positive self-identity, self-control, and sense of belonging 
• Develop confidence as a learner by taking risks and learning from successes and mistakes 
• Develop skills to work effectively in a group with respect for social and cultural diversity 
• Use language to communicate effectively and to facilitate thinking and learning 
• Develop phonemic awareness and experience the written word in meaningful ways 
• Represent ideas and feelings through the arts, play, and construction 
• Think critically, reason, and problem solve 
• Construct and acquire knowledge through exploration and discovery of materials 
• Gain knowledge of one’s body and be able to maintain an optimal level of health, hygiene, and fitness
• Develop the self-help skills necessary to function as an independent member of the classroom communi

Curriculum

Typical Schedule for Full Day Program

Important Information