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All About Us

Welcome to the Little Raiders Torrington High School PreK Lab 

Our PreK Lab is a dynamic early learning environment located within the high school, specially designed for 4-year-old children. This program provides a nurturing, play-based setting where young learners are encouraged to explore, grow, and build the foundational skills needed for kindergarten success.

The PreK Lab is staffed by a certified early childhood teacher and supported by two experienced paraeducators. This low student-to-adult ratio ensures each child receives personalized attention and support. Additionally, the lab serves as a learning model for high school students (Raider Role Models) interested in early childhood education careers, offering them hands-on experience under the supervision of licensed professionals.

🧸 A Day in the life of a Little Raider

Our classroom is filled with:

  • Cozy reading corners
     
  • Creative art stations
     
  • Sensory tables and science explorations
     
  • Music, movement, and outdoor play
     
  • Lots of laughs, discoveries, and "I did it!" moments
     

Every day is an adventure in learning and friendship!

Curriculum Overview

Our PreK Lab uses evidence-based curriculum programs aligned with state early learning standards to promote development across all domains: cognitive, social-emotional, language, physical, and early literacy and math.

1. Ready to Advance (Learning Without Tears)

  • Focuses on whole-child development, including early literacy, social-emotional learning, science, and the arts.
     
  • Encourages children to explore and express themselves through hands-on activities, stories, and interactive play.
     
  • Builds strong foundational skills to help students become confident, independent learners.
     

2. Bridges PreK Math

  • A comprehensive, research-based early math curriculum that makes learning math engaging and accessible.
     
  • Emphasizes hands-on learning, problem-solving, and mathematical thinking through games, manipulatives, and storytelling.
     
  • Helps children develop number sense, spatial understanding, patterns, measurement, and early data skills.
     

3. Second Step

  • A social-emotional learning (SEL) program that teaches children to recognize emotions, solve problems, and build positive relationships.
     
  • Lessons and activities are integrated into daily routines to support emotional regulation, empathy, and classroom community.
     
  • Promotes readiness for school by fostering self-awareness, self-control, and cooperation.

Our Learning Environment

  • Safe & Nurturing: Our classroom is designed to be warm, welcoming, and developmentally appropriate for young learners.
     
  • Hands-On & Play-Based: We believe that play is a child’s most important work. Children learn best through engaging, meaningful play experiences.
     
  • Inclusive & Supportive: We celebrate diversity and provide inclusive learning experiences that respect and reflect the backgrounds of all children and families.
     

Family Engagement

We view parents and caregivers as partners in their child’s learning. Regular communication via parentsquare, parent conferences, newsletters, and opportunities to participate in classroom activities help foster a strong school-home connection.

For more information about the lab please reach out to Ashley Eseppi, aeseppi@torrington.org and for registration/waitlist questions please contact Jessica Acevedo, jacevedo@torrington.org