NAEYC advocates for an integrated system of early childhood care and education that features pay-based learning and exploration. Accreditation requires demonstrated compliance with the ten standards for early childhood programs for preschool and kindergarten. The standards align well with what we believe is important across all grade levels of the school-promoting positive relationships among all children and adults, encouraging an individual's sense of belonging and worth, and developing a sense of social responsibility.

All lead teachers hold a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education. They know and enjoy all the ages with whom they work. They also remain committed to the process of continual growth-always seeking to deepen their understanding of children and incorporate best practices into their teaching. Their expertise and that of our co-curricular teachers is on full display in the classrooms providing students with a fully-enriched experience that peaks their curiosity and empowers them as learners.

Our teachers work across grade levels to vertically align the curriculum to ensure skills and understandings are developed in age-appropriate ways with suitable levels of progression. They also serve as resources for one another to understand the needs of students and what works best with particular students.

Episcopal Collegiate has the only program in Little Rock that is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and offers the only school-based, NAEYC-accredited preschool in the city. 

NAEYC advocates for an integrated system of early childhood care and education that features play-based learning and exploration. Accreditation requires demonstrated compliance with the ten standards for early childhood programs for preschool and kindergarten. The standards align well with what we believe is important across all grade levels of the school-promoting positive relationships among all children and adults, encouraging an individual's sense of belonging and worth, and developing a sense of social responsibility.

Preschool and kindergarten classes, with a target size of 16, include a lead teacher and an associate teacher. Such low ratios allow our teachers to give a high level of attention as they work with students individually, in small groups, and in full class settings. Our preschool team also includes specialists in Technology, Science, Art, Music, Spanish, Physical Education, and Library bringing an enriched preschool experience to our students. Along with support from our Lower School Counselor, our Lower School Chaplain, dedicated reading and math specialists, and a licensed speech and language pathologist, our youngest learners have an entire team to support their development. 

All lead teachers hold a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education. They know and enjoy all the ages with whom they work. They also remain committed to the process of continual growth-always seeking to deepen their understanding of children and incorporate best practices into their teaching. Their expertise and that of our co-curricular teachers is on full display in the classrooms providing students with a fully-enriched experience that peaks their curiosity and empowers them as learners.

By being part of a PK3 through 12th grade school, our preschoolers get the benefit of a curriculum that ensures our students get what they need at each grade level to be ready for the next. It allows for more seamless transitions, an accelerated process of getting to know each student, and a more responsive approach to meeting his or her needs.

Our teachers work across grade levels to vertically align the curriculum to ensure skills and understandings are developed in age-appropriate ways with suitable levels of progression. They also serve as resources for one another to understand the needs of students and what works best with particular students.

Our preschool program also offers flexible enrollment options to meet the needs of families:

• 3-day, full-day
• 5-day, half-day
• 5-day, full-day
• 5-day, full-day with aftercare
• 12-month option that bundles school, aftercare, and summer programs

Our after-school options not only serve as convenience for our families, they also offer enriched experiences for our students that include activities such as taekwondo, dance, art, and cooking classes.