Progressive early childhood circles name play as “children’s work.”  Play is where the imagination soars, enthusiasm is the norm.  In play, children naturally pursue their interests, learning volumes as they go.  Through play, children whole-heartedly connect with new friends, materials and the world around them, deepening understandings and their love of life itself.  Elizabeth Jones and Gretchen Reynolds share this heightened value of play, naming it as the “Autonomous choice of activity- as the primary mode in which young children construct their understanding of the world,” as opposed to the old school notion of play as “respite from direct instruction, the appropriate mode of teaching.” 
               - Teacher Susan (The Play’s The Thing)  

If you're looking for a cozy, close-knit, involved group of parents, kids, and teachers, this is a great school to consider for your preschooler.
               - Former HFP Parent

We were searching for a preschool experience for our 3 year old son that was enriching, flexible, and nurturing and we found exactly that at HFP. Teacher Susan is a wonderfully positive presence in the classroom and her love and concern for each and every child is shown every day.
               - Current HFP Parent

More Testimonials

 

At the Hawthorne Family Playschool:

Intimate Group Size and Low Ratios

We are committed to keeping our group sizes small and maintaining a good adult/child ratio. Teacher Susan and two helpers work with a maximum of fourteen children each school day. With a small group size and exceptional adult/child ratio, we provide a nurturing environment in which each child's uniqueness is appreciated and individual needs are well met.

Student Teacher Assistants

We partner with Lewis and Clark and Warner Pacific Colleges in placing student teachers in our classroom. Each semester, two to four student teachers lend their enthusiastic helping hands to us, improving our adult/child ratio. We provide students with a valuable learning experience which is coordinated and supervised by our teacher.

We believe participating in a parent cooperative, while lots of work, is deeply rewarding.

Children have an early learning experience in which their own families are central and valued, bridging the gap between home and school.  Children feel safe as their teacher knows and partners with their entire family.  Children benefit from their relationship with their teacher and from their relationships with all their friends' parents.  

 Parent members benefit considerably too, as we:

- Participate in our children's early and foundational experiences of exploring relationships with peers, using play and nature as primary building-blocks for learning.

- Support and learn from the experienced leadership of HFP's dedicated, innovative teacher.

- Learn and reinforce skills that help build a foundation for self-confidence and lifelong learning with respect for our children at the center.

- Build relationships with other like-minded families for ongoing collaboration, fun and sharing.

- Grow a sense of pride and gratification in joining a project to partner in our child's learning and to help create and maintain a school that is a leader in early childhood education.