STEP

Tools of the Mind Curriculum

Starting Towards Excellence in Preschool has adapted the curriculum, Tools of the Mind.  This curriculum is based upon Vygotsky Child Development Theory and centers around Self- Regulation through play. Within our day, you will see us learn skills through small group and large group instruction, literacy activities including Read Alouds, and independent and buddy reading, and planning for centers with scaffolded writing techniques. Students actively engage in planning their center play and carrying out their plans in developmentally appropriate roles and centers.  

School Supplies

All supplies for students are provided by the STEP program. Students are asked to bring a backpack from home each day that they can carry and fit a take home folder.

Information About STEP Program

STEP (Starting Towards Excellence in Preschool) is a locally (LCPS) and State-funded (Virginia Preschool Initiative) program that serves 4 year old children who reside in Loudoun County. Students are found eligible through certain criteria.  Children
must be 4 years old on or before September 30 to be eligible for STEP. 

Children attend STEP Preschool for 3 hours 5 days a week.  There is a morning session (7:30 to 10:30)
and an afternoon session (11:10 to 2:10). 16 children may be enrolled in each session.

Transportation:

Children are provided with transportation to and from school. Please look under the "Child Info" tab on Parentvue to find your child's bus information. If you are providing alternative transportation or changing your child's transportation please let us know or contact the school office. 

Meals:

AM students are provided with breakfast and PM students are provided with lunch. Families may choose to spend a packed meal to school as well. If your child has any dietary restrictions or allergies please let us know as soon as possible.

We will playing outside every day that weather permits. Please dress your child in comfortable play clothes and shoes. Make sure their name is on any jackets or hats. 

Things we do at school!

  *Paint       *Color     *Run    *Sing     *Dance      *Build     *Play    *Read   *Write   *Count   *Explore     *Take Turns   *Share   *Cooperate   *Help    *Compare   *Question   *Create    *Pretend

Information for the STEP Preschool may be obtained by calling
571-252-2110

Standards of Learning

STEP Preschool uses the Virginia's Early Learning and Development Standards (ELDS), Birth-Five Learning Guidelines.  

A core component of a high-quality early education experience is that children are provided opportunities, experiences, and materials that allow them to engage deeply within developmental/early learning domains to build their school readiness skills. Virginia's Early Learning and Development Standards (ELDS), Birth-Five Learning Guidelines articulate the skills and knowledge young children need to demonstrate by the end of preschool in order to be successful in kindergarten. 

These standards encompass:

  • Approaches to Play and Learning

  • Social and Emotional Development

  • Communication, Language, and Literacy Development 

  • Health and Physical Development

  • Cognitive Development (Science, Social Sciences: People, Community and Culture, Mathematics and Fine Arts) 

With the goal of ensuring all Virginia children have an opportunity to enter kindergarten ready to thrive, the standards have been developed to support birth to five programs to:

  • Use quality instructional tools and engage in aligned professional development, 

  • Individualize care and instruction to meet the needs of all learners, and 

  • Promote holistic and intentional learning and development at each age and stage.

Virginia's Early Learning & Development Standards (ELDS): Birth-Five Learning Guidelines