Class Descriptions

NTCP offers classes for 2-year olds, 3-year olds and 4-year olds, intended to gradually prepare children for kindergarten as they enjoy play-based learning and socialization.

Each class starts with opening songs and activity, then during “Free Choice and Art” time students are guided as they do an art project, then choose from activities such as toys, puzzles, blocks, games, dress-up, painting easel, sensory tables, play dough, crafting, and pretend kitchen and office. Pre-K students also begin doing some basic worksheets and writing practice.

One of the working parents provides a healthy snack each day, and Pre-K students also bring lunch from home on Wednesdays. Students rotate jobs such as spraying tables, passing out carpet squares and being the line leader, and Teacher reads stories and directs other activities such as show and tell and bingo. At recess, students can choose from activities such as riding trikes, making music, throwing balls and so on.

  • 2's Class

    Tuesday / Thursday, 9:30 – 11:00am

    The 2’s class meets twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. For the first month, a parent remains in class to play with their child and ease the transition into a school setting. As the child exhibits an ability to cope on his own without the parent (at Teacher’s discretion), the caregiver may leave the child for the duration of class, picking them up at 11 am.

    Families rotate turns working in the classroom. With a full class of 12 students, three parents or caregivers work alongside Teacher to play with the children, assist with art projects, and clean the facility. Each family will work about two times per month. Adult caregivers are always welcome to remain in the class, even if they are not assigned to work in the classroom that day.

    Children must be age 2 before September 1.

  • 3's Class

    Monday / Wednesday / Friday, 9:30 – 11:30am

    The 3’s class meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings.

    Families rotate turns working in the classroom. In a full class of 15, each family will work about three classes per month, and three parents or caregivers will work in each class. The working parents assist Teacher by playing with the children, providing a nutritious snack, assisting with art projects, and cleaning the facilities used that day. Class capacity for the 3’s is 15 children.

    Children must be age 3 before September 1.

  • Pre-K Class

    Monday – Thursday, 12:15 – 2:45pm

    The Pre-K class meets Monday through Thursday afternoons.

    Families rotate turns working the classroom, three parents or caregivers at a time, each family will work about three to four classes per month. Working parents assist Teacher by playing with the children, providing a nutritious snack, assisting with art projects, and cleaning the facilities used that day. Class capacity for the Pre-K is 16 children.

    Children must be age 4 before September 1.

    *If your child turns 5 before September 1, you may register for kindergarten through Tacoma Public Schools (age guidelines vary in private schools, so check with your favorite educator).