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San Antonio, TX
Giant Steps Early Learning School

Parents at this school would recommend this school to other parents.

Review this preschool

Telephone: (210) 521-6677  · Website: www.giantstepsschool.com

• Summary
• General Info
• School Philosophy
  & Day-in-the-Life
• Curriculum &
  Teaching Approach
• Quality of
  Teaching
• Home/School
  Connection
• Discipline,
  Health & Safety
• Ages, Schedule
  & Tuition
• Application &
  Admissions
• Kindergarten
  Placement&Tips

General Approach to Learning

	Play-based
	Play-based with some structure
	Predominantly teacher-led instruction
	Montessori
	Waldorf
	Co-op
	Reggio-Emilia

source:

Director's Comments

Giant Steps is a preschool program for children 3-5 years. The curriculum offers a fun approach to phonics, literature, math, art, music, computers, science, and outdoor play. Children receive a school readiness by working and socializing through individual, small group, and large group activities that encourages creativity and self-expression. Our program is guided and taught through Texas certified/degreed teachers and experienced teaching assistants.

Social Skills & Work Habits

OVERALL RATING (4.7)
This school has increased my child's:
Ability to listen and follow directions
Ability to sit still for longer periods of time
Ability to be a part of a group of children
Self-sufficiency and independence
Awareness of others’ feelings
Cooperation with other children

source:

Curriculum and Teaching Approach

	PLAY-BASED	PLAY-BASED WITH SOME STRUCTURE	MOSTLY TEACHER LED	NOT FORMALLY IN CURRICULUM	CONDUCIVE ENVIRONMENT
Language					Yes
Oral language	-	-		-	n/a
Nursery rhymes, poems, songs	-	-		-	n/a
Storybook reading	-	-		-	n/a
Emerging literacy skills	-	-		-	n/a
Cognitive Development					n/a
Math and number sense	-	-		-	Yes
Time & space	-	-		-	Yes
Sci. reasoning/physical world	-		-	-	Yes
Music	-	-		-	Yes
Visual arts	-		-	-	Yes
Physical activity	-		-	-	Yes
Other subjects taught	Free play centers include Home/dramatic play, science, blocks and construction, library, art/creative crafts, computer, puzzles, and manipulatives. Our 1.5 wooded acre outdoor play area offers many outdoor opportunities for children to explore with insects, sand, water,riding toys, and climbing equipment that encourages children to socialize and interact in a natural environment.				n/a

source:

Director's Comments

Giant Steps offers a balanced combination of teacher instructed activities and opportunities for children to choose freely from a wide range of play and learning experiences, and in doing so, helping them to recognize, understand, and express their emotions as well as to sympathize with the emotions of others. Giant Steps also believes in the importance of family involvement in their child's education through special family events, volunteering in the classrooms, parent conferences, monthly home projects, and semester progress reports.

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
Giant Steps offers a great balance of teacher-led and independent learning experiences.

Parent #2
My son attended Giant Steps for 2 years before starting Kindergarten this year. On his initial assesment in Kindergarten he missed only 3 items out of 100. At his 9 week assesment he only missed one item. He is also in an accelerated reading class. I truly believe this is due to the wonderful teaching styles used at Giant Steps.

Parent #3
While I have not sat in the school for a whole day, I see the work that my child brings home. Work sheets, art (both teacher-directed and child-initiated), projects, etc. My impression is that the school presents a well-balanced approach. There is definately teacher-lead instruction; however, there is also a great deal of child-centered time and learning.