Threes

Threes (36-48 Months)

Our Threes Program supports children as they become more confident, expressive, and independent learners. The classroom environment encourages curiosity, creativity, and social connection while preparing children for more structured learning experiences.

Through intentional play, group activities, and hands-on exploration, children strengthen early literacy and math skills, develop problem-solving abilities, and practice cooperation and self-regulation. Teachers guide children in building friendships, following routines, and expressing emotions appropriately.

This program helps children develop confidence, responsibility, and excitement for learning as they prepare for Pre-K.

Class Overview

  • Names of Classes: Ladybugs, Monkeys, & Sloths

  • Days of the Week: Our Threes program have the option of Three days a week (Mon./Wed./Fri.), or all five days.

  • Hours: 9-1pm

  • Staff-to-Child Ratio: 1:15

  • Max # of Students: 15 Students

  • Chapel & Family Chapel: Our Three’s classes attend chapel once a week on Wednesdays. We also host a Family Chapel once a month and encourage parents and grandparents to join us.

Classroom Layout

Welcome to our threes classroom, where every corner is filled with wonder, curiosity, and the joy of discovery! This carefully designed space is intended to foster a nurturing environment that supports the unique needs and developmental milestones of our three-year-olds. As educators, we play a crucial role in creating an atmosphere that encourages exploration, imagination and social interaction. Our classroom is thoughtfully organized to accommodate the diverse interests and developmental stages of our three-year-old’s.

Art and Creativity

  • Equipped with child friendly art supplies and easels
  • Low, accessible tables for hands on creative expression
  • Display areas to showcase and celebrate children’s artistic achievements.

Reading Nook:

  • Cozy and inviting space filled with age-appropriate books.
  • Incorporation of literacy focused visuals to stimulate language development.
  • Books that spark imagination and conversation with peers and teachers.

Dramatic Play Area:

  • Imaginative play center with props and costumes.
  • Opportunities for children to engage in role playing and sociodramatic play

Manipulative and Fine Motors Skills Center:

  • Developmentally appropriate toys and puzzles.
  • Table and floor toys for sorting, stacking and building.

Sensory Exploration Center:

  • Tactile materials like sand, water or playdough.
  • Containers filled with items for tactile explorations.
  • Emphasis on sensory experiences to stimulate cognitive development.

Circle Time:

  • Central space for group activities, songs, and stories.
  • Visual aids for routine and schedule reinforcement.
  • Engaging props and interactive elements to capture attention.

Safety Measures:

  • The classroom layout adheres to safety standards, including rounded furniture edges, secure
    shelving and age-appropriate materials.
  • Emergency exits are clearly marked and all staff members
    are trained in emergency procedures

Our Schedules & Routines

A structured daily schedule is like a roadmap that ensures smooth navigation through daily activities. It provides children with a sense of predictability and security, knowing what to expect and when.

By setting consistent daily activities we create a reassuring routine that children can rely on. They know that after playtime, it’s time for a story and after that its snack time. This predictability not only fosters a sense of security but also helps children transition smoothly between activities. It strikes a balance that nurtures their cognitive, social and emotional development and enriches their overall growth.

Sample Classroom Schedule

Time Activity
9:00 am Arrival
9:15 am – 9:30 am Handwashing/Circle Time/Snack Set Up
9:30 am – 9:45 am Snack
9:45 am – 10:45 am Learning Centers, Free Play, Art, Outdoor Nature Activities
10:45 am – 11:00 am Playground
11:00 am – 11:30 pm Free Play, Open Centers, Music & Movement, Art, Outdoor Nature Center Activities
11:30 am – 11:40 am Handwashing
11:40 am – 12:00 pm Music and Movement
12:30 pm – 12:15 p.m. Lunch Set Up/Handwashing/Storytime
12:15 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. Lunch/Clean Up/Pack Up/Free Play
1:00p.m. Dismissal

Our Three’s Team

All teachers and staff that interact with the children have undergone and passed extensive background checks, as mandated by state and local licensing requirements. Teaching staff are certified in CPR and First Aid. Our teachers engage in continuous training on the best practices in early childhood education.

Anne Cleary Threes

Anne Cleary

Lead Three’s Teacher

Ms. Cleary is a Lead Three-Year-Old Teacher with over 30 years of experience in early childhood education. She is certified through the National Nursery Examination Board (NNEB) and brings deep understanding of child development to her classroom each day. Ms. Cleary is passionate about watching children reach goals they once thought were out of reach and loves supporting them as they build friendships and confidence. Her classroom philosophy centers on ensuring every child feels safe, loved, and heard, while providing age-appropriate activities that can be adapted to meet each child’s individual needs.

She believes humor, flexibility, and allowing children to develop at their own pace make a classroom truly special. Ms. Cleary incorporates kindness and character
daily by encouraging kind words and actions, talking openly about feelings, and sharing daily blessings. Outside of school, Ms. Cleary enjoys golfing, walking with friends, visiting family, and attending music events. She has been a valued part of the WPPP community for 23 years and appreciates the variety of classroom environments that allow every child to find a safe, nurturing place to thrive.

Hazel Riley Lead Threes

Hazel Riley

Lead Three’s Teacher

Ms. Riley is our Three-Year-Old Teacher and brings an incredible 38 years of early childhood experience to the classroom, including 30 years of owning and operating her own school. She has completed all required DCF training and brings a wealth of knowledge, patience, and heart to her teaching.

Ms. Riley loves watching children grow in independence, especially during the important ages of three and four. She believes children learn best through play and understands that every child learns in their own unique way. Her classroom is a welcoming place where children feel excited to come to school and know they are loved.

She incorporated kindness and character through daily books, curriculum, and leading by example, with the classroom motto “Sharing is caring”. Ms. Riley enjoys
hands-on art and sensory play, loves reading Pete the Cat books, and values creating meaningful connections with her students. She has been part of the WPPP family for one year and appreciates the calm, faith-based, and supportive environment of the school.

Rosaura Aviles Teacher Picture

Rosaura Aviles

Assistant Director and Lead Threes Teacher

Ms. Aviles-Velazquez serves as our Assistant Director and Threes Teacher, bringing over ten years of experience in education, working with students from Pre-K through high school. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education, a DCF Director Credential, VPK Director Credential, and Special Education Certification. Ms. Aviles-Velazquez believes every child is capable of learning, expressing themselves, and growing into kind-hearted individuals. Her classroom is engaging and inclusive, thoughtfully designed to support all learning styles and promote equity. She strives to love each child as her own, providing comfort, care, and encouragement every day.

Faith and character are woven into her classroom through positive affirmations, Bible verses, prayer, and conversations about kindness and God’s love. Ms. Aviles-Velazquez treasures the strong sense of unity at WPPP, where students, families, and staff come together as a loving community.

Helene Rothell Assistant

Helene Rothell

 Threes Assistant Teacher

Ms. R brings over 30 years of experience in early childhood education to our three-year-old classrooms. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and has spent many years teaching in preschool, elementary, and Sunday School settings. Ms. R believes every child should feel welcomed, loved, and safe in the classroom.

She focuses on nurturing the whole child, academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually, by encouraging kindness, faith, and character each day. She especially enjoys reading Bible stories with the children, discussing them together, and extending learning through meaningful activities and crafts.

Outside of school, Ms. R enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, taking long walks, and bike rides. She loves being part of the WPPP community and treasures working alongside dedicated teachers while watching children grow and thrive throughout the year.

We foster independent thinking…

Giving kids freedom, let them try, let them fail, encourage them, let them succeed, and rejoice with them!