Prima Community

Ages 20-36 Months +


Prima Community (20 - 36 months +)


Morning Program

8:15 am - 11:45 am, M-F (5 days/week)


Full Day Program

8:15 am - 3:00 pm, M-F (5 days/week)


A child’s first community, the Prima Program, is a carefully prepared environment where children use materials to independently perform daily tasks. Emphasis is placed on language acquisition, practical life, food preparation, art, music, movement, social and emotional lessons, and time in nature. 


This critical time of development is when children move toward physical independence with activities that revolve around self care such as:

  • Dressing
  • Eating
  • Toileting


The child this age is characterized as unconsciously absorbing the physical and emotional aesthetic of the environment. Therefore, the adults who guide them are respectful and loving, consistent and positive, and the rooms are beautifully appointed and well-organized. Learn more about the sequence of lessons and curriculum that the Prima child experiences.

A young boy is sitting at a table making bread rolls.

Prima Routine

  • 8:15 Arrival

    • From 8:15 to 8:30 children are dropped off at their classroom door. Children change into indoor shoes and begin their morning routines of washing their hands and preparing the classroom for the day.

  • 8:30 Prima Work Period

    Children choose independent activities while guide and assistant foster individual and small group lessons in language aquisition, cultural appreciation, music, art, movement, food preparation, and sensorial experiences.

  • 10:30 Group Snack

    Children collectively prepare and enjoy a snack as a community.

  • 10:50 Group Time

    Children engage in music, movement, stories, and closing activities as a group.

  • 11:00 Outdoor Play

    Children engage in outdoor free time and group activities in the North Garden.

  • 11:45 Morning Dismissal

    Children who stay half day are dismissed to caretaker at their classroom door.


  • 12:00 Lunch

    Children enjoy lunch in their classrooms with real plates, utensils, and a cloth napkin as a community. Guides eat with children to model grace, courtesy, and table manners.

  • 12:45 Rest Time

    Children who nap sleep on provided cots with a blanket and comfort item from home. Calming music is played and adults gently aid children to sleep. Children who do not nap engage in quiet time, enrichment activities, and/or additional outdoor time.

  • 3:00 Afternoon Dismissal

    Children are dismissed to caretaker at their classroom door.