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GAPS Preschool

 

In partnership with Preschool Promise, a grant from the State of Oregon's Early Learning Division, Greater Albany Public Schools is committed to providing a culturally affirming, inclusive, and research-based program with you and your children at the center. Preschool Promise offers free, full-day preschool for 3 and 4-year-old children from income-eligible families, in a variety of classroom settings. A quality preschool experience makes a major difference in a child’s successful preparation for kindergarten. 

The preschool program at South Shore utilizes a Spanish-only instructional model to foster early bilingualism and cultural awareness.


The 2026-27 Preschool Promise application is now available. 

2026-27 preschool promise application
 

Program Goals

With time and opportunity to explore and playfully engage in high-quality early learning environments with intentional, supportive adults, children will demonstrate:

  • Increasing independence in their exploration and use of the Habits of Mind and associated traits.
  • Gradually expanding their interests beyond preferred activities as they build trust in the learning environment, allowing for greater willingness to take learning risks and engage with new materials and experiences.
  • Strengthening relationships with peers, leading to social engagement, collaborative problem-solving, and cooperative play.
  • Growing self-awareness of their own learning strategies and emotional responses, as well as the ability to recognize and name the Habits of Mind in themselves and others.
  • Developing the social-emotional readiness essential for a successful transition to kindergarten, including skills such as emotional regulation, focused attention, flexible thinking, and confidence in group learning settings. 

Sample Daily Schedule

  Time*   Activities
  9:00 am   Welcome, quiet activities
  9:10 am   Breakfast, quiet activities
  9:30 am   Circle time
  9:40 am   Workshop, Explore
  10:20 am   Circle time
  10:30 am   Math Workshop
  11:00 am   Lunch
  11:20 am   Outdoor adventure
  12:10 pm   Circle time
  12:25 pm   Readers Workshop
  1:10 pm   Toileting, read aloud, rest
  2:25 pm   Snack
  2:45 pm   Circle time
  3:00 pm   P.E. or Music
  3:30 pm   DIsmissal

*GAPS Preschool programs align with the K-5 school day, operating Monday-Friday with early release on Wednesdays. Preschool program hours will match their hosting elementary schools' schedule.

About Our Program