The Experiential School of Tampa Bay - More than Preschool

Sixteen Reasons: Danyali, Kemp, McLean, Craver, Daley, Folwell, Styke, Roller, Hahn, Reynolds, Gallego, Bell, Markunas, Thompson, Rosas, Trayer. Sixteen reasons why The Experiential School of Tampa Bay is so much more than a preschool. Sixteen reasons why The Experiential School at Shorecrest is where I would want my three- and four-year-old children and grandchildren to start their formal schooling experience - the Faculty and Administration!

On the first day of school, Susie (a fictitious name for a real Shorecrest student) refused to get out of her mother’s car. When Dr. Danyali lifted her out of her car seat, Susie yelled louder than any child I have heard in 42 years of pulling children from car seats. The screaming continued from the drop-off area to the playground, where Susie was greeted by her teacher. Thirty minutes later I observed Susie engaged with other three-year-olds using blocks to build a school. Today, eight weeks into the school year, Susie leaps out of her car and is one of the most engaged children in The Experiential School. Observers of the Alpha and JK programs at Shorecrest see the impact of professional teachers every day.

The sixteen educators who love, nurture and educate the 3, 4, and 5-year-old children at Shorecrest have dedicated their lives to understanding child development, emerging curriculum, and pedagogy for young children. Shorecrest seeks out professionals with academic and experiential backgrounds for the Experiential School with the same commitment we make when selecting Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School teachers and administrators. We know we are a rare environment where teachers of the youngest children are on the same pay scale as the teachers in the Upper School. We believe dedicated and professional teachers make a difference in the lives of children and their families.

The Susies of the world will not reach their full potential unless they are exposed at an early age to professionals who can make the school experience positive and inspirational. In the same way that we need to be mindful of the social and emotional well being of our adolescent community, we need to be mindful of the nurturing and safety our youngest children crave as they begin to learn how to navigate parts of their lives when family members are not available. 

One can visit many schools and see books, LEGOs, blocks, iPad devices, art easels, and other materials that can encourage exploration and learning. However, when one observes a teacher introducing children to those materials with a purpose in mind, the potential for learning expands. Seeing teachers plan together rather than in isolation is a huge indicator that children and teachers are benefitting from the collective knowledge and experience of the team. 

Last March, The Experiential School moved into their new facility in Charger Commons. Immediately, the teachers and administrators started thinking of ways to use the spaces we had not imagined. Immediately the teachers and administrators started dreaming and requesting resources to enhance the experience for their students. The sixteen educators want the best for their children and the Experiential School program. And they are sixteen more reasons why I would want my child in The Experiential School of Tampa Bay at Shorecrest.

Cheers! 

Mike