Little Explorers

A Cooperative Preschool

A cooperative preschool is a place where parents contribute to the program through their commitment, talent, and skills. The parents are required to participate in the classroom one class session a month. This means there will always be two adults in the class with no more then 10-12 children. Families will also provide snacks and will be encouraged to participate in the running of the school by joining a committee or serving on the Board of Directors.

The cooperative philosophy of this preschool enriches the experience for children, parents and teachers. Monthly participation in the classroom helps parents to see their child in action, providing parents the opportunity to understand the child’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs. Parental involvement is one of our keys to success.

Our Curriculum

We have chosen The Creative Curriculum developed by Diane Trister Dodge. This curriculum is structured around a few well-defined routines and adheres to the philosophy that young children learn through play and exploration. The classroom is set up with a variety of learning centers including art, unit blocks, sand and water area, table toys, dramatic play, and language and literacy. Our intention is to provide an environment conducive to learning by discovery. Our schedule includes group time, learning center time, snack, and outdoor/gross-motor playtime.

Our goal is to develop positive social skills by helping each child to be resourceful so that he/she can work and play with other children. We encourage children to be joyful, active learners who become confident and ethical citizens.

Little Explorers Preschool offers 3 sessions of classes designed for children ages 3-6. The two day classes are for children ages 3-4 who have not had a school experience. This is a class where children are introduced to a preschool environment, and are encouraged to interact with their peers. The 3 day class is designed for children ages 4-5. In this class, children are introduced to sounds, letters, and other skills needed to be

About Our Teacher

Amy McLain is a Cody native who enjoys living in the area with her husband, Reece, and two daughters, Keegan and Grace.  She graduated from Cody High School and continued on to Casper College to pursue her life long dream of becoming a primary teacher.  Amy graduated from the University of Wyoming at Casper College with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education.  She has had experience in a Montessori classroom as well as team taught first grade Language Arts in Cody. Amy believes that young children best learn through exploring and discovering their environment.  Through this philosophy, she provides a classroom that is both enticing and challenging in order to facilitate active learning in her students. Amy teaches one 2 day session and both 3 day classes.

Kellie Edwards, a Cody High School graduate, recently moved back to Cody with her husband, Bryan and their two children, Alex and Emilie. Kellie graduated from Black Hills State University with a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Development . She served as President of the Black Hills Association for the Education of Young Children during her senior year of college and taught Kindergarten at a play-based school in Winter Haven, Florida. Kellie believes that play is a natural way for children to explore, interact, and problem solve. She provides a warm, stimulating, and fun-filled environment where children can become independent thinkers, while experiencing the joy of childhood. Kellie teaches one 2 day session and the Pre-K class.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Little Explorers Preschool, Inc. is to create a high-quality cooperative preschool. Teachers, parents and children are involved in an adventure of learning by discovery through child-centered play. This school fosters a love of learning, joy in new experiences, and respect for the gifts and talents of others.

Little Explorers Preschool, inc. has a racially nondiscrimination policy with regard to students, faculty and staff: it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national or ethnic origin.