Preschool CLASSROOMS

The preschool program at Creative Beginnings is designed to enhance what has already been learned and take that learning to a new level. The three-year-old learners will develop problem-solving skills, evolve their social-emotional skills, and gain new academic abilities. In the preschool program, children will learn all upper- and lower-case letters, learn letter sounds, and learn to write their first and last names independently. Throughout the school year, children will work on number sense skills and learn to recognize and write numbers up to twenty.

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Preschool Classrooms

The preschool program at Creative Beginnings is designed to enhance what has already been learned and take that learning to a new level. The three-year-old learners will develop problem-solving skills, evolve their social-emotional skills, and gain new academic abilities. In the preschool program, children will learn all upper- and lower-case letters, learn letter sounds, and learn to write their first and last names independently. Throughout the school year, children will work on number sense skills and learn to recognize and write numbers up to twenty.

Jennifer Ziehler — South Portland, ME — Creative Beginnings Childcare Center

Emma Longo

Emma joined us in July of 2026 and has already made a huge impact to our preschool program! She graduated from the University of Maine in 2025, she has interned and worked at various centers in the Orono area. Her love of teaching truly shines through her enthusiastic, patient, and caring demeanor in the classroom. We look forward to many years with Emma!

Amruta Sammons — South Portland, ME — Creative Beginnings Childcare Center

RENEE (RUNA) COLLINS

 Runa joined the Creative Beginnings team in 2012. She graduated from Champlain College in 2009 with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. Runa has worked in every classroom here and truly shines wherever she is. She is hardworking, has a positive attitude, and is loved by everyone at Creative Beginnings.

Amruta Sammons — South Portland, ME — Creative Beginnings Childcare Center

Taylor Thomas  Budzynski

Taylor joined the Creative Beginnings team in May of 2025. She graduated from Plymouth State University in 2023. Taylor first started as a floater and quickly became an asset to every classroom. She recently made the move to be a permeant preschool teacher and we are so thrilled she did! Taylor is calm, creative, and loving and we are so lucky to have her!                                                           


7:30 to 8:20 Drop off/ Free play in classroom

8:20 to 8:30- Clean up choices/wash hands(bathroom) for snack

8:30 to 9:00- Snack

9:00 to 9:15- Writing/Fine motor activity

9:15 to 9:30- Circle Time

9:30 to 10:15- Structured choices at centers

10:15 to 10:30- Clean up choices/bathroom/story time

10:30 to 11:15- Outside play

11:15-11:40 - Get ready for lunch (set up nap mats/wash hands(bathroom))

11:40 to 12:15- Lunch

12:15 to 2:15- Nap time

2:15 to 2:30- Clean up nap mats/bathroom

2:30 to 3:10- Free play at centers

3:10 to 3:30- Clean up/Bathroom/ Story Time

3:30 to 3:50- Snack

3:50 to 5:00- Outside play(pick up out on the playground)