About our program
Creative Arts Preschool provides a unique learning environment where children, ages 3- 5, gain exposure to many creative art forms during our daily 3 to 6 hour program. Involvement in these art forms allows for children to organically practice confidence building, early math concepts, creative thoughts and an understanding of the world around them. Our preschoolers have the opportunity to observe and experience the wonder of their surroundings with daily nature walks along our neighboring trail system.
Since the fall of 2008, Creative Arts Preschool has been an outlet for children with interests in music, dance, creativity and nature. The Creative Arts Preschool program, accommodates twenty children per day and combines one specialty daily (music, soccer, yoga, Jazzercise & dance) along with art and nature exploration, all intertwined in a traditional preschool setting. Our students leave our program, prepared for Kindergarten, with an excited and investigative approach towards learning! Parents may select from two to five days of schooling in either the academic year, which runs from September through May, and/or our weekly summer art camp in June, July and August.
About the Director
Erin Hansard
Erin Hansard drew on her Elementary Education experience to start Creative Arts over 10 years ago. She was inspired to design this program to introduce her girls to the joy of learning while developing a sense of wonder and appreciation for the beautiful place we call home. She continues to add new artists and adapt our curriculum to reflect her students interests.
She teaches a variety of lessons, including reading readiness, math & science. Erin focuses on education through the Arts; incorporating songs, dance, stories and art into our curriculum. She loves the enthusiasm the preschoolers show when they learn something new!
Bozeman Dance Academy
Check out our sister company Bozeman Dance AcademySpecial Daily Activities
Music & Yoga
Miss Erin uses music, dancing and stories to compliment our weekly preschool themes. . The children use creative movement, scarves, rhymes and rhythm instruments to round out their musical experience. On Yoga days she adds in even more creative movement and stretching.
Soccer
HappyFeet Soccer is an exciting preschool fitness program that uses songs, stories, nursery rhymes and fun games to introduce soccer! Our preschoolers use their imaginations to take their soccer ball on adventures. Familiar songs are used to make learning soccer skills an enjoyable experience that they look forward to each week!
Jazzercise
Miss Sarah's classes have our preschoolers working out with new music mixes, choreography and fitness games created just for them. She breaks down the steps and adds games and activities. It’s all about fitness, coordination, strength, nutrition, confidence and they love showing off their dance moves!
Nature Exploration
We take full advantage of our location to explore the nature trails surrounding our school. Our preschoolers are blown away as they observe the change that comes with each new season.
Summer Art and Nature Camp
All summer long, we get outside to enjoy our beautiful Montana surroundings and create art projects that focus on all the natural beauty we see each day!
Art
Each day we get creative while we learn! Our preschoolers love the imaginative masterpieces they make each day. They get a chance to explore painting, drawing, beading, working with clay and incorporating the things we find outside along our trails!
2023 Summer Program Schedule
Ages:
3-5 and K-2nd
Days:
Monday-Friday
Times:
9-12 or 9-3
Session | Activity | Date |
|---|---|---|
Session 1 | Montana Flowers and Plants | June 19-23 |
Session 2 | Exploring Art Styles | June 26-30 |
No School | July 3-7 | |
Session 3 | Mountains | July 10-14 |
Session 4 | Birds of Montana | July 17-21 |
Session 5 | Fish of Montana | July 24-28 |
Session 6 | Artist Studies | July 31-Aug 4 |
Session 7 | Animals of Montana | August 7-11 |
Session 8 | Water | August 14-18 |
Daily Preschool Schedule
Daily Schedule: Half Day 9-12, Full Day 9-3
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
8:45 | Student drop off: Playtime |
9:45 | Cleanup & bathroom break |
10:00 | Snack |
10:30 | Circle time & Story; Themed Art Project |
11:15 | Outside Playtime or Nature Walk |
12:00 | Half Day Pick Up |
12:15 | Lunch |
12:30 | Quiet Rest Time |
1:00 | Pre-K/Academic Practice & Learning Centers |
1:30 | Outside Playtime |
2:00 | Rotating Specialists:
|
2:45 | Daily Review & clean Up |
3:00 | Full Day Pick Up |
Holiday Break Schedule
Fall & Spring 2023-2024 Schedule
| Holiday | Date Range |
|---|---|
School Starts | August 29 |
Labor Day | September 4 |
Fall Break | October 19,20 |
Thanksgiving | November 22-24 |
Winter Break | Dec. 22- Jan. 2 |
President’s Day | February 19 |
Spring Break | March 11-15 |
Memorial Weekend | May 24-27 |
Last Day | Thursday, June 6 |