Little Lions Preschool
Little Lions Preschool
At Little Lions Preschool, we believe every child is full of powerful potential that begins to blossom at an early age.
Established in 2014, our fully licensed program nurtures each child’s natural curiosity and desire to explore and discover. We’re committed to making early learning experiences authentic, meaningful, and filled with wonder. With a Zoo full of acres, adventures, and animals, we provide a rich environment where young minds thrive.
Contact our Education Department at (402) 738-2092 or [email protected] to schedule a tour or learn more.
Admission and Enrollment
All Little Lions students must meet classroom age requirements and be fully potty trained. Enrollment is confirmed once the enrollment agreement is completed and the non-refundable $150 registration fee is received.
Pre-Kindergarten Full-Day Session
- Pre-K students must be 4 years old by July 30 of upcoming school year
- 5 days a week (Monday-Friday), 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Morning Session
- Preschool students must be 3 years old by July 30 of upcoming school year
- 5 days a week (Monday-Friday), 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Afternoon Session
- Preschool students must be 3 years old by July 30 of upcoming school year
- 3 days a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday), 1-4 p.m.
Philosophy
At Little Lions Preschool, we believe every child is filled with powerful potential that begins to blossom at an early age. Our approach is rooted in the Reggio Emilia philosophy, which began in northern Italy after World War II when educators, parents, and children came together to rebuild their society through a new model of early childhood education. Today, Reggio Emilia is known worldwide for its innovative, child-centered practices and strong community involvement.
Inspired by this approach, Little Lions intentionally cultivates collaboration within our one-of-a-kind Zoo community—fostering innovative teaching and meaningful partnerships with children and families. We believe that strong, lasting bonds are the foundation of positive early learning experiences.
Families choose Little Lions because they value creativity, original thinking, and a nurturing environment that supports exploration. Instead of focusing solely on finding the “right” answers, we empower children to ask questions, test ideas, and learn through trial and error. With the support of both parents and educators, our students develop curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.
The Learning Environment
At Little Lions Preschool, both our indoor and outdoor spaces are intentionally designed to reflect the values of the Reggio Emilia approach, our program’s goals, and the unique opportunities of our Zoo community. Through research and close observation of how children interact with their surroundings, we view the environment itself as the “third teacher”—a powerful influence in each child’s learning journey.
We nurture children’s potential by offering rich, engaging spaces that invite curiosity, discovery, and connection. While time in our classrooms is meaningful, we also embrace the Zoo as an extension of our learning environment—providing daily opportunities for hands-on exploration and authentic experiences with the natural world.
Our students express their knowledge in many ways. With the support of parents and educators, children discover their unique voices through words, numbers, art, music, movement, science, and the infinite combinations between them. This belief is rooted in the “hundred languages of children,” a central idea from Reggio Emilia founder Loris Malaguzzi, which inspires us to honor each child’s way of thinking, creating, and communicating.
Program Features
Learning is a collaborative journey shaped by children, teachers, and families. Parents are valued partners in the classroom, helping to build a strong learning community grounded in trust and respect. Time and continuity are honored to support deep, meaningful exploration and lasting relationships. Teachers serve as co-learners and guides, creating responsive environments and documenting each child’s unique learning process. Our program also weaves in a conservation-focused curriculum, encouraging children to understand their role in caring for the natural world through daily, hands-on experiences that connect them to animals, ecosystems, and each other.
Role of Parents
In the Reggio Emilia approach, parents are essential partners in their child’s educational journey. At Little Lions Preschool, we view families as a vital part of the learning community. Parents are encouraged to share insights, participate in classroom experiences, and engage in open dialogue with educators. This strong, reciprocal partnership—rooted in trust and mutual respect—helps ensure learning remains deeply connected to each child’s life, supporting holistic development and reinforcing that education is a collaborative, community-based process.
Time and the Importance of Continuity
Time is a fundamental component of the learning process, allowing children the freedom to explore ideas deeply and at their own pace. The Reggio Emilia approach values long-term projects and sustained inquiry, recognizing that meaningful learning unfolds over time rather than through rushed or fragmented activities. Continuity plays a crucial role in supporting children's sense of security and identity, as consistent routines, familiar environments, and ongoing relationships with educators and peers create a stable foundation for exploration and growth. By honoring the rhythms of each child and providing opportunities to revisit concepts and experiences, the Reggio Emilia approach nurtures deeper understanding, reflection, and a more personalized, enduring engagement with learning.
Teachers as Parents
Teachers work alongside children, observing, listening, and engaging in meaningful dialogue to understand each child’s interests, questions, and ways of thinking. Rather than directing learning, teachers create rich, responsive environments and offer materials and experiences that provoke curiosity and support exploration. Teachers document children's ideas and progress, using this information to reflect, plan, and adapt the curriculum in collaboration with the children. This partnership fosters a dynamic, reciprocal relationship where both teachers and students learn from one another, emphasizing the belief that education is a shared journey shaped by inquiry, creativity, and mutual respect.
Power of Documentation
Documentation is a powerful tool that makes children's learning visible and meaningful. Through photographs, transcripts of conversations, drawings, and other artifacts, teachers capture the thinking, problem-solving, and creativity that unfold during the learning process. This documentation is not just a record of activity but a way to reflect on and interpret children’s development, interests, and learning strategies. It also serves as a bridge for communication between teachers, children, and families, promoting transparency and collaboration. By revisiting documentation, children are encouraged to reflect on their own ideas and experiences, deepening their understanding and fostering a sense of ownership over their learning.
Our Unique Conservation Component
Little Lions Preschool believes a truly sustainable ecosystem is alive, ever-changing, and full of wonder. Through daily experiences, children learn about the interconnectedness of humans and nature and how their actions can make a meaningful impact. By weaving conservation principles into our routines, we help children develop empathy, responsibility, and a deep respect for all living things.