Business Details
22 Years
experience
Play-Based Preschool in Denver, CO
Larks Preschool has been dedicated to early childhood education since 2004, offering a Reggio-Emilia inspired, play-based program designed to nurture children aged 2.5 to 5 years. Our approach emphasizes individualized care, language-rich environments, and fostering social, emotional, and intellectual growth through exploration. With a student-to-teacher ratio of less than 7:1, we prioritize personalized attention and collaboration with families to ensure pre-kindergarten readiness. Our team includes certified professionals with expertise in early childhood development, literacy instruction, and behavioral strategies.We maintain rigorous health and safety standards, including daily sanitization, non-touch fixtures, and a multi-stage water filtration system. Recognized by Colorado Parent and the Denver Preschool Program, our curriculum integrates research-backed practices from studies with institutions like the University of Denver. By combining hands-on learning with structured literacy and math foundations, we empower children to become confident, capable learners prepared for kindergarten and beyond.
Services
Play-Based Learning
Reggio-Emilia Inspired Program
Pre-K Preparation
Multi-Age Classroom
Afternoon Enrichment
Drop-In Flexibility
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We offer a Reggio-Emilia inspired program emphasizing child-led exploration.
- Our student-to-teacher ratio is less than 7:1 for personalized attention.
- All staff are certified in CPR, Bloodborne Pathogens, and Medication Administration.
- We collaborate with families to meet individual pre-kindergarten goals.
- Our curriculum integrates research-backed practices from early childhood studies.
What people say
Wonderful team of teachers
Strong emphasis on social skills
Children are engaged daily
Excellent pre-kindergarten preparation
Supportive parent-teacher collaboration
Services
Play-Based Learning
Our play-based curriculum encourages children to learn through hands-on activities, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills. We integrate sensory experiences like shaving cream letter formation and clay sculpting to develop fine motor skills. Teachers guide children in social interactions, helping them build relationships and practice empathy in a supportive environment.
Reggio-Emilia Inspired Program
This approach emphasizes documentation, communication, and child-led discovery. Classrooms feature rotating projects based on student interests, with teachers acting as facilitators. We prioritize natural materials and open-ended art supplies to stimulate imagination while aligning with Reggio-Emilia principles of respecting children's capabilities.
Pre-K Preparation
Our program focuses on early literacy and math skills through phonemic awareness, letter-sound connections, and hands-on counting activities. We teach social skills like sharing and active listening while collaborating with parents to create individualized learning goals. Speech pathologist partnerships support language development for all students.
Multi-Age Classroom
Children aged 2.5 to 5 learn together, creating opportunities for mentorship and leadership. Older students model behaviors for younger peers while reinforcing their own knowledge. This environment promotes social-emotional growth through diverse peer interactions and cooperative play activities guided by experienced teaching staff.
Afternoon Enrichment
Half-day students can stay for additional learning and play activities until 3:30 PM. Enrichment includes literacy extensions, science experiments, and outdoor play. This flexible option supports working families while maintaining educational continuity through structured afternoon routines and rest periods.
People
Bridget Federico
Founder and Director
With over 25 years in early childhood education, Bridget holds a BA in Psychology and certifications in early childhood instruction. She aligns Larks' philosophy with Reggio-Emilia principles, focusing on creating environments where children develop communication and collaboration skills through play-based learning.
Sean Federico
Founder and Consultant
A nationally certified school psychologist, Sean contributes expertise in literacy instruction and behavioral strategies. He holds an Educational Specialist degree in School Psychology and provides staff training on developmental stages, supporting individual student needs through parent consultations and behavior planning.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We accept children aged 2.5 to 5 years in our mixed-age classroom setting.
What are your operating hours?
Our standard hours are 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM Monday through Friday.
Do you offer flexible scheduling?
Yes, we provide drop-in options and afternoon enrichment for enrolled families.
How do you support pre-kindergarten readiness?
We focus on literacy, math fundamentals, and social-emotional development through structured play and parent collaboration.
What safety measures are in place?
We maintain strict hygiene protocols, certified staff, and a multi-stage water filtration system for child safety.
