Join Our Early Childhood Open Day

Are you wondering how to inspire your child’s natural curiosity?

Do you want an early learning experience that builds joy, independence, and confidence?

Choosing the right place for your child to begin their educational journey is a big decision with many options. At Shanghai American School, our Early Childhood program includes both Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten, creating a thoughtful and supportive pathway for young learners as they grow and develop.

Our Pre-K program is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, a philosophy rooted in inquiry, exploration, and collaboration. This foundation helps children build the skills, confidence, and love of learning they need for a successful transition into Kindergarten.

Let’s explore what makes Early Childhood education at SAS special.

 

 

What is the Reggio Emilia Approach?

Reggio Emilia originated in northern Italy and is considered one of the most influential early childhood education philosophies in the world. It recognizes that children are naturally curious, capable, and eager to understand the world around them.

Reggio Emilia-inspired classrooms emphasize:

• Respect for each child’s individuality and strengths
• Inquiry-based learning driven by student questions and interests
• Connection, collaboration, and communication

Teachers do not simply deliver information. Instead, they design learning environments that inspire investigation, guide discovery, and help children build deeper understanding through hands-on experiences and meaningful conversations.

At SAS, our Pre-K students’ curiosity leads the learning journey, and their confidence grows along the way. 

 

 

From Pre-K to Kindergarten

The skills children develop in our Reggio-inspired Pre-K program provide an essential foundation for Kindergarten learning. Through purposeful play, project-based learning, and guided exploration, students build early language, social, and problem-solving skills while learning how to express their ideas and work with others.

In Kindergarten, students move into a more structured learning environment where they continue to grow in literacy, numeracy, and independent learning. Because they have already developed confidence, curiosity, and a sense of responsibility in Pre-K, they are well prepared to take this next step.

This intentional progression supports both academic readiness and social-emotional development, helping children feel secure, capable, and excited about learning. 

 

 

What Makes Early Childhood Education at SAS Different?

- Empowerment Through Exploration: Children are encouraged to ask questions, make observations, and investigate topics that interest them, building habits of curiosity and lifelong learning.

- Multi-Age Learning in Pre-K: Our Pre-K classrooms bring together children from both PK3 and PK4 grades, creating a multi-age environment where students at different developmental stages learn from one another. This research-backed approach strengthens social skills, nurtures empathy, and builds a strong sense of community.

- Engaging Learning Spaces: Classrooms are designed as safe, stimulating environments that encourage independent exploration, creative thinking, and growing responsibility.

- Celebrating Diversity: At SAS, we honor each child’s unique strengths, interests, and cultural background, ensuring every student feels seen, valued, and supported.

- Community-Centered Approach: Learning extends beyond the classroom. Teachers, students, and families work together as partners in the educational journey, building strong connections between home and school. 

 

 

Discover Early Childhood at Shanghai American School

Curious about SAS Early Childhood? Scan the QR code to reserve your spot at our Pre-K and Kindergarten Open Day on March 14. Tour classrooms, meet our teachers, and experience our learning environment in action.

What to Expect During Your Visit? During your visit, you and your child will:

• Explore and play in our Pre-K and Kindergarten classrooms and playgrounds
• Meet our Early Childhood teachers, leadership team, and the SAS Eagle mascot
• Learn how we support language development, independence, and student wellbeing
• Ask questions about curriculum, admissions, and life at SAS

The event is designed for both parents and children who will be 3 to 5 years old next school year, and young learners are encouraged to explore alongside you. Space is limited to ensure an engaging and interactive experience, so early registration is recommended.

What SAS Parents Say About Our Early Childhood Program

“SAS encourages parents to get deeply involved in our children’s learning experiences and to engage with the staff. This way we are able to learn all the details of our daughter’s school life, from her lunch menu to her reading buddy. We discuss these topics at the dinner table, which helps keep our family closely connected.” – Yolanda Qian

“SAS’s Pre-K program teaches young children to explore, perceive and observe nature, and stimulate children’s own desire for knowledge. SAS develops the habit of early reading, as well as children’s sports, music, and artistic abilities. SAS also helps children to develop good study and lifestyle habits.” – Sabrina Ye

“The Pre-K teachers teach the kids the correct way to deal with all kinds of situations they could encounter in daily social interactions. When my youngest first started school, he didn’t know how to deal with conflicts with classmates. His homeroom teacher taught him how to distinguish between big and small problems, and how to solve them.” – Jacqueline Ding