Early Childhood at Bluebird
Our early childhood programs are designed for a range of developmental levels from toddler to preschool / pre-k. Read more about each program below.
Toddler Creative Playgroup
Toddlers (ages: walking - 3+) play and learn alongside their grown-ups.
Come socialize, play and create at Bluebird!
Drop-in registration through Brightwheel (first, fill out form via link).
Fridays, 9:30-10:30am
217 Market Street, Lewisburg
Preschool 2026-27 Academic Year
WE'RE EXPANDING!
Our growing preschool program is now offering flexible schedules for the 2026-27 school year. There are three groups enrolling now: Toddlers (Ages 18-30 months) Preschoolers (Ages 2.5-3.5) and pre-k (ages 4-5). Schedule options include 2-day, 3-day, and 5-day schedules, half and full days, mornings and afternoons. Extended care is available for full coverage (7am - 5pm). Bluebird’s innovative program is Reggio-inspired, which prioritizes child-led learning, exploration, and creativity, and integrates play-based learning, Spanish language immersion, and STEAM.
Choosing the right school for your child is an important decision, and Bluebird is here to help you through the admissions process. Learn more below.
About Bluebird Preschool
Philosophy & Values
Bluebird Atelier Preschool takes the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education, borrowing from other methods such as Montessori and Responsive Classroom as well. Our approach puts the child at the center of the learning process, and emphasizes the relationships between children, their teachers, their families, and their environment.
We see the child as a capable, intelligent, and active participant in their learning. We have developed our own comprehensive curriculum that thoughtfully balances pre-academic skills in literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, the arts, and foreign language, while holding social-emotional development as the highest priority for the early childhood developmental stages. Rounding out the program is built-in flexibility for the creation of emergent curriculum - curated learning experiences based on the specific interests and curiosities of the children in a particular group.
We see the teacher as a coach, guiding the child through processes that spark curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world around them. We value creativity in the learning process, which is the purpose behind the “atelier” as a central component of our program, with a focus on sensory experiences and process art. Children work with a variety of high quality materials to express themselves and their learning through project-based, hands-on, and inquiry-led activities in the atelier model. STEAM concepts are intentionally integrated into the program in innovative ways.
Play is embedded in everything the child experiences at Bluebird. For young children, play is learning, and learning is play. We set individual goals for each child in every area of their learning profile, and use research-based assessment methods to track their progress, including their social-emotional development. Each child receives individualized attention to their unique strengths, needs, and learning goals. By modeling and facilitating social interactions and conflict, we support children’s social skill development until they feel comfortable to navigate them on their own. We help children develop self-regulation through intentional practice, using a variety of tools and approaches.
The Bluebird student comes away with invaluable skills and experiences that will significantly shape their first steps on their path as lifelong learners, independent thinkers, and compassionate members of society. At Bluebird, we are obsessed with nurturing curiosity and promoting knowledge through creativity in a positive, warm, and energetic environment. Our programs strike a balance between focused learning and open-ended play, between active energy and calming mindfulness.
Our educators are thoroughly trained in our unique methods and held to a high standard as practitioners.
When your child enters through our doors, they are valued for the people they are, and deeply cared for, allowing you as the parent the peace of mind knowing your child is in the best hands possible. This is our commitment to all of our families, whom we respect and appreciate. Communication between the Bluebird team and families is fluid - we see ourselves as partners, along with the child, in the preschool journey, a most special and cherished time of their childhood.
Core Features of Bluebird Preschool Program
-
Social skills
-
Self-regulation
-
Independent thinking
-
Self-confidence and positive self identity
-
Appreciation and understanding of diversity and multiculturalism
-
Literacy, math, and language immersion
-
Play-based and inquiry-based learning
-
STEAM integration
-
Experiential learning
-
Independence
-
Creative problem-solving
-
Decision-making skills
-
Appreciation for the arts
-
Gross and fine motor development
-
Appreciation and understanding of nature
-
Sense of community
-
Self expression
-
Communication skills
-
Self-directed learning
-
Building positive habits of mind, such as growth mindset
Partnerships
Through intentional partnerships, we interface with our community in a variety of ways. To remain innovative and reflective, we offer a laboratory for the research and fieldwork of Bucknell University students.
We are grateful to welcome your family into our community! Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions at hello@bluebirdatelier.com.
Jessi Almstead
Director, Bluebird Atelier
What curriculum do you use?
Our programs are child-led, meaning that we take cues from the children to determine next steps in their experience at Bluebird. We design emergent curriculum based on the individual and collective interests and goals of each unique group of students. “Learning provocations” or “invitations to create” act as springboards to more in-depth study of a subject. We look for ways to integrate traditional academic subjects and the creative arts. For example, a study of a topic such as butterflies could include scientific, mathematical, engineering, historical, and literary elements as well as elements of music, visual art, and movement. We are inspired by the Reggio approach to early childhood education, which is centered on constructivism—the philosophy that learners construct knowledge through experience. In addition, we believe in the importance of laying the foundations of literacy and mathematics at an early age, and this is woven into our daily routines. Social Emotional Learning is central to what Bluebird is all about. We aim to foster each child’s development in the areas of social and interpersonal skills, self regulation, self esteem and confidence, compassion, and citizenship. We also draw upon elements of Waldorf and Montessori approaches to learning, and boxed curricula such as Orton-Gillingam, Words Their Way, TERC Investigations, Singapore Math, and Handwriting Without Tears.
What ages do you accept?
As a general guideline, our early childhood programs are recommended for ages 1.5-5. Our curriculum is designed to meet each student where they are. Your child's learning plan is individualized based on their strengths, goals, and interests. Therefore placement in a program is determined by the educator and parent as a team, and based on the child's readiness and approach to learning/play rather than on their age alone.
Are there any discounts?
We offer a 10% sibling discount and financial need scholarships. To inquire about financial aid, contact hello@bluebirdatelier.com.
Does my child have to be potty trained?
We welcome potty trained children as well as those in the process of potty training (i.e. familiar with the concept and have practiced potty time), whether they are currently in diapers or have graduated from diapers. We support potty training in the studio by checking in with the child frequently about their needs, and facilitating routine bathroom breaks. We recommend at least one full change of clothes be kept in the child’s backpack in case of an accident.
If my child is still napping, can they do a full day schedule?
All of our schedules build in calm, quiet time. The full day schedule includes a designated period of rest, which accommodates naps as well as quiet, restful time for children who do not need to nap. For children who need a longer nap, we accommodate them by allowing them to continue with the rest period in the quiet space, while the children who are ready to move to either outdoor play or time in the atelier. Nap periods are individualized for each child, and planned between the parent/caretaker and teachers.
Will your programs prepare my child for kindergarten?
Yes! Beyond all the curriculum points discussed above, we provide a structured schedule and kindergarten-like routines for each day. We guide children in navigating the classroom environment, making choices, nurturing friendships, communicating, advocating for themselves, building independence, and practicing the skills that will set them up for a successful transition to school.
Who teaches the programs?
We have a robust professional development program for our faculty, ensuring that each team member is at the cutting edge of their practice. We value innovative and research-based methods, and care deeply about providing excellence in early childhood education. Bluebird founder Jessi Almstead, M.Ed. oversees our early childhood programs. All of our teachers and assistants are required to have all childcare clearances, including FBI fingerprinting, child abuse background checks, and criminal history checks. They are child CPR/First Aid certified, fully vaccinated, and have a background in either education, childcare, or the arts.
What if my child has separation anxiety?
Some children experience big feelings when it comes to separating from their caretakers, no matter how much they enjoy their school experience. Our approach to this is to create a solid plan in partnership with the parent/caretaker, and the child, if they are developmentally ready to participate. Being consistent with this plan makes all the difference. Yes, there often will be tears, but within two weeks they will most likely cease if the plan is carried out consistently. In most cases, in five minutes or less after the grown-up's departure, the child will have recovered, and we always send a message with photos or video to put them at ease. We fully appreciate the trust that is required between caretaker and teachers, and how hard it is to go through this process, especially for new parents and first-time preschoolers! Each child and family is different, and we are here to support your unique needs.
Do you provide extended care?
Yes, extended care is available every day from 7:00-8:30am and from 3:00-5:00pm. It is used as needed, on a drop-in basis. Children are checked in and out of extended care daily, and your account is billed at the end of the month for time used. Extended care is invoiced separately (all billing occurs on our student management software, brightwheel).
How does billing and registration work?
We use an enrollment software tool called brightwheel for admissions, billing, and general communication with families. Brightwheel is appreciated by parents because it centralizes all aspects of enrollment, and acts as a convenient platform for sharing snippets of your child's day with you. When you apply to our program, you will receive an email and/or text invitation to join brightwheel (if you are new to it) and set up your child's profile and your account. We then share with you relevant documents such as our family handbook, tuition agreements, and other pertinent information. Your account includes a billing profile, where you are invoiced for the tuition deposit (the first month's tuition). From there, each subsequent month's tuition is auto billed on the first of the month (for 10 months for the full academic year), for a convenient and seamless tuition payment experience. Extended care hours used are invoiced separately on the first of each month, and payable through your brightwheel account. We accept all credit cards and ACH payments directly from your bank.