Girassol Preschool
 A Year-round Program for
​Children Age 18 Months to 5 Years
We are accepting applications for enrollment in the school term that begins on August 19, 2024. Download the application. 

School Calendar

Learning themes

indoors

sensory play

art every day

pretend play

Outdoors

Girassol's structured preschool program operates year-round, focusing on kindergarten preparedness through a combination of two highly regarded education philosophies: the Reggio Emilia Approach and the Montessori Method. Both emphasize learning through play in a beautiful environment where each child is free to create and discover, build relationships with peers, and become a confident learner.
      Girassol's theme-based curriculum involves children learning about themselves and the world around them through eight learning domains: Physical Development, Social and Emotional Development, Language Development, Creative Arts, Literacy Knowledge, Mathematics Knowledge, Science Knowledge, and Social Studies Knowledge. 
      Our daily schedule is structured to include planned, age-appropriate activities, snack and lunch times, outdoor play, and, for full-day students, a two-hour period during which the children should not require one-on-one attention in order to nap, rest, or play alone quietly. Families who prefer a less-structured approach should consider a daycare program, such as one that is home based. ​​

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BASIC INFORMATION

• Ages: 18 months - 5 years
  ​We are gently organized into three groups: Jardim I for the youngest children, Jardim II, and then Jardim III, which includes those who will enter kindergarten the following year.  This is not a rigid structure, because we consider each child's level of development, and there is interaction among the groups, so all the staff and children know each other. ​

• Hours of Operation (Monday - Friday)
  Full day: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.; half day: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• Fees
  * 18 months - 2 years: full day-$80; half day-$65. 
     Effective January 1, 2025: $85 and $70
  * 2 - 5 years: full day-$70; half day-$55 
     Effective January 1, 2025: $75 and $60 
  Please note: Enrollment requires a monthly commitment. Please contact us if you would like more  information about enrollment fees.​
• ​Children with Special Needs. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Girassol does not discriminate on the basis of a child’s disability. If your child has special needs, please contact us to discuss their strengths and reasonable accommodation that may be needed. ​

Children at Girassol become familiar with Portuguese
words and phrases. "Gole de agua" means"sip of water."

HEALTH INFORMATION: The State of Alaska requires children in childcare centers to be up to date with immunizations. Girassol's preschool program does not accept immunization waivers for religious or other personal reasons. Our staff is committed to helping promote the good health and wellness of our children and the entire community. Our health policies and procedures are developed with the guidance and approval of our medical advisor, who is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and practices medicine in our community.  ​