Once again, East Tucson Macaroni Kid voters got it right. Our second annual Gold Daisy Preschool winner is just that, a truly winning program for early childhood education in east Tucson.
In December, just before winter break, I had the opportunity to visit Tucson Country Day School's Early Childhood Program to present them with the 2018 Gold Daisy Preschool Award. The staff enjoyed a wonderful luncheon sponsored by Chick-fil-A Tanque Verde and the school received a $100 check toward school supplies from East Tucson Macaroni Kid. I had the pleasure of touring the cozy, cheerful classrooms and outdoor play areas, and talking with director Wanda McDonnell and staff about what makes TCDS Early Education so special.
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The preschool and pre-kindergarten programs at TCDS encourage children to develop social and emotional skills, interact positively with their peers and teachers, and be happy. Ms. Wanda described learning at the TCDS Early Childhood Program as "meaningful and worldly", emphasizing art, music, social studies and civics. I was particularly interested to hear about the daily flag ceremony. Children in all grades, including preschool and pre-K, start school daily with a flag assembly where they recite the Pledge of Allegiance, listen to announcements, and celebrate each others' birthdays. It is a meaningful daily ritual for the children, and one they all come to look forward to and take pride in.
Like the TCDS K-8 charter school, the tuition-based, private TCDS preschool and pre-kindergarten program has been part of the Tucson education landscape for over 50 years. Some of the current staff first became part of the community as parents of preschoolers and then stayed on to work at the school long after their children were grown. All of the staff I met demonstrated pride in the school and devotion to its young students. Speaking of the students, they were having storytime and a sing-along when I arrived, and then they joined us for the award presentation ceremony, excited to share in this exciting moment with their beloved teachers.
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Tucson Country Day School Early Education Program provides an enriching experience for preschool and pre-k children, with a skilled and loving staff, small class sizes, and a wonderful extended community of TCDS staff, parents, and alumni. The program is open 5 days per week, with a variety of schedule options, including full day care (6:30 AM-6:00 PM).
It truly was a joy to meet the staff and learn more about the Tucson Country Day School Early Education Program, a deserving recipient of our second annual East Tucson Macaroni Kid Gold Daisy Preschool award!
Congratulations, Tucson Country Day School Early Childhood Program!
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