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Daycare for 3-Year-Olds: Preparing Your Child for Preschool

From language, numbers, and letter recognition, our L.E.A.P.® Curriculum introduces Preppers to hands-on technology and engaging workbooks that lay a strong foundation for preschool.

  • Ages 2.5-3 Years
  • Tuition Includes Enrichments

Trusted by 100,000+ smart parents nationwide. Rated 4.6

Structure and Care for your 3-year-old Preschooler

Qualified Teachers

Experts in 3-year-old development and positive guidance

Secure Facility

Secured Entrances, background-check staff, & detailed health protocols

Parent Communication App

Daily reports, photos & updates

Enrichment Programs

Musical, problem-solving, and motor skills activities at no extra cost.

L.E.A.P.® Early Learning Designed for Preppers

Our proprietary Learning Experience Academic Program (L.E.A.P.®) prepares your 3-year-old for preschool through early literacy, math, and social-emotional skills.

Academic Foundation

Introducing workbooks and exposure to technology to teach language, letter recognition, shapes, colors, & numbers.

Social-Emotional Learning

Circle time to foster cooperation, manners, friendship skills, empathy, emotional regulation, and being a responsible classroom citizen.

Language Expansion

Advanced Sign Language & Early Literacy skills through phonics.

Creative Arts & Expression

Music, art, dramatic play, and self-expression activities that develop creativity and imagination.

Physical Fitness

Teaching healthy habits, advanced motor skills, and calming their anxieties through yoga & more.

Potty Training

Working towards being fully trained with the confidence to go independently. A personal chart can be brought home to celebrate.

Schedule a Tour to See Our Prepper Classroom

Bringing Learning to Life with Characters

Studies show children learn best when lessons are supported by familiar characters. Your 3-year-old will meet several of our lovable characters who make learning engaging through Sign Language, Early Literacy, Manners, Technology, Physical Fitness and more.

Meet Our Characters

3-Year-Old Preschool Parents Trust

Happy parents share how our care, curriculum, and communication set our school apart.

Luis Cartaya

Luis Cartaya

Rating: 5 stars

11 months ago

The TLE family is great! We love having our child there. The best is the app which provides us pictures every so often showing him eating, playing, or sleeping. It's... Read more

Heather Sprague

Heather Sprague

Rating: 5 stars

2 years ago

The Learning Experience hands down is the absolute best daycare / preschool in town. Our daughter has been attending this school for almost 3 years. The staff is amazing, they... Read more

: Pamela Mejia de Rodriguez

Pamela Mejia de Rodriguez

Rating: 5 stars

2 months ago

We love the Learning Experience. Our son loves his teachers and all the activities that are included within the program like yoga and Spanish. The curriculum it's amazing and they... Read more

Mariana Litrides

Mariana Litrides

Rating: 5 stars

11 months ago

Our son Archer was home with us for the first two years and we were a little worried about putting him in daycare because we didn't think anyone else could... Read more

Peter K

Peter K

Rating: 5 stars

5 months ago

The best place for your child early development very well organized very informative about your child's day. Easy to manage app gives me as a parent peace of mind of... Read more

Luis Cartaya

Rating: 5 stars

11 months ago

The TLE family is great! We love having our child there. The best is the app which provides us pictures every so often showing him eating, playing, or sleeping. It's almost like you're there with them.

Heather Sprague

Rating: 5 stars

2 years ago

The Learning Experience hands down is the absolute best daycare / preschool in town. Our daughter has been attending this school for almost 3 years. The staff is amazing, they listen to your concerns and love your little one as if they were your own.

Pamela Mejia de Rodriguez

Rating: 5 stars

2 months ago

We love the Learning Experience. Our son loves his teachers and all the activities that are included within the program like yoga and Spanish. The curriculum it's amazing and they incorporate characters that makes the learning so much fun and related to them. All meals are included and that it's a big plus for me and my family.

Mariana Litrides

Rating: 5 stars

11 months ago

Our son Archer was home with us for the first two years and we were a little worried about putting him in daycare because we didn't think anyone else could care for him as we did. We heard about The Learning Experience from a friend and went to take a tour. That was all we needed to know we were at the right place. Our son has been here for a while now and he's happy to go to school everyday. He has learned so much and made so much progress. But more than that I can't thank The Learning Experience enough for caring for my kid as he was their own. We are so grateful to be part of this family ❤️

Peter K

Rating: 5 stars

5 months ago

The best place for your child early development very well organized very informative about your child's day. Easy to manage app gives me as a parent peace of mind of what's going on with my child. The stuff makes this experience even better always smiling always attentive and helpful. I really love this place. I drive over an hour each way just so my child can attend the Lerning Experience in Deerfield.❤️

Achieving Key Year-End Milestones

Our 3-year-old preschool curriculum strengthens independence, communication, and motor skills while preparing your child for the structure and routines of preschool.

  • Following Directions

    Consistently understanding and completing simple, two-step directions from teachers

  • Strengthen Fine Motor Skills

    Practicing independence through hand-washing, toileting, and feeding routines

  • Developing Muscle Movements

    Balancing, catching, and coordinating movements during active play

  • Play with Purpose

    Choosing toys and materials to create meaningful, imaginative play experiences

  • Respond to Questions

    Using three-to-five-word phrases and asking "why" and "what's that?" to explore new ideas

  • Build Early Friendships

    Selecting friends and engaging in shared activities that foster early friendships

A Day in the Life of Our Preppers Program

Our daily routine balances structure and exploration, helping your Prepper build confidence through guided learning, play, and hands-on discovery.

Morning Schedule

Learning, Language & Exploration

Mornings begin with breakfast and circle time, then flow into structured literacy, guided curriculum play, and outdoor physical fitness.

  • Circle time, early literacy & L.E.A.P. Curriculum play
  • Storytime with Phoebe Phonics
  • Outdoor fitness with Flexi Flamingo & L.E.A.P. Interactive

Afternoon Schedule

Active Learning, Technology & Growth

Afternoons blend hands-on exploration with movement and enrichment, wrapping up with quiet play and storytime as the day winds down.

  • Language & literacy with Phoebe Phonics
  • L.E.A.P. Curriculum play & weekly enrichment
  • Outdoor fitness with Flexi Flamingo & afternoon storytime
See our detailed daily schedule

  • 6:30–8:00 Early Arrival

    Greeting families.

  • 6:30–8:00 Breakfast with Flexi Flamingo and Manners Matter with Penny Polite

    (According to the Prepper's needs.)

  • 6:30–8:00 Exploration of Learning Areas

  • 6:30–8:00 Diapering/Toileting/Handwashing

    (Minimum every 2 hours and as and when needed. Ensure meets/exceeds state requirements needed.)

  • 8:00–8:30 Morning snack with Flexi Flamingo and Manners Matter with Penny Polite program

    (According to the Prepper's needs.)

  • 8:30–8:45 LEAP Circle Time

    Penny Polite's Procedures, Two plus Toucan's Schedule, Who's here today?, Circle Time posters and Sign Language with Gibby Gibbon.

  • 8:45–9:15 Communication, Language and Literacy with Phoebe Phonics

    Singing, listening and attention games, sharing stories, songs and rhymes.

  • 8:45–9:15 Diapering/Toileting/Handwashing

    (Minimum every 2 hours and as and when needed. Ensure meets/ exceeds state requirements needed.)

  • 9:15–10:15 LEAP Curriculum

    Prepper-Teacher facilitated play using learning areas (LEAP Workbook and Journals.)

  • 10:15–10:45 Storytime with Phoebe Phonics

    (Focus Books.)

  • 10:15–10:45 Diapering/Toileting/Handwashing

    (Minimum every 2 hours and as and when needed. Ensure meets/ exceeds state requirements needed.)

  • 10:45–11:15 Physical Fitness and Wellbeing with Flexi Flamingo

    Outdoor exploration. Engaging in physical exercise and routines, discussing healthy bodies and nutrition.

  • 11:15–11:45 LEAP Interactive with Techni-Cal

    Hands-on technology with the LEAP Interactive board. Skill-based explorations linking to the LEAP Interactive Workbooks.

  • 11:45–12:30 Toileting/Handwashing

    (Minimum every 2 hours and as and when needed. Ensure meets/ exceeds state requirements needed.)

  • 11:45–12:30 Lunch with Flexi Flamingo and Manners Matter with Penny Polite program

  • 12:30–2:30 Nap time/Quiet time

    (According to the Prepper's needs.)

  • 2:30–2:45 Waking up/Diapering/Toileting/Handwashing

    (Minimum every 2 hours and as and when needed. Ensure meets/ exceeds state requirements needed.)

  • 2:30–2:45 Mat Clean

  • 2:45–3:00 Afternoon snack with Flexi Flamingo and Manners Matter with Penny Polite program

  • 3:00–3:45 Communication, Language and Literacy with Phoebe Phonics

    Singing, listening and attention games, sharing stories, songs and rhymes.

  • 3:45–4:15 LEAP Curriculum

    Prepper-Teacher facilitated play using learning areas (Enrichment 1x a week.)

  • 3:45–4:15 Diapering/Toileting/Handwashing

    (Minimum every 2 hours and as and when needed. Ensure meets/ exceeds state requirements needed.)

  • 4:15–5:00 Physical Fitness and Wellbeing with Flexi Flamingo

    Outdoor exploration. Engaging in physical exercise and routines, discussing healthy bodies and nutrition.

  • 5:00–5:30 LEAP Curriculum

    Prepper-Teacher facilitated play using learning areas.

  • 5:30–6:00 Afternoon Storytime with Phoebe Phonics

  • 6:00–6:30 LEAP Curriculum

    Prepper-Teacher facilitated quiet play using learning areas.

  • 6:00–6:30 Greeting families

An All-Inclusive Approach to Enriched Learning

Prepper enrichments are an extension of our 3-year-old learning curriculum that enhances their learning experience through music, early problem-solving, and movement—all included in your tuition.

Little Musicians

Explore rhythm, beats, and songs that spark creativity and strengthen cognitive language and social skills.

  • Musical instruments to take home
  • Emotional regulation
  • Family showcase at program end

Little Engineers

Hands-on problem-solving activities that build creativity, perseverance, team building, and real-life application skills.

  • Engineering kits to take home
  • Individual and team challenges
  • Family showcase at program end

Little Goal Getters

Early sports play that builds coordination, balance, and motor skills through throwing, catching, kicking, running, and more.

  • Sports equipment to take home
  • Basketball & soccer fundamentals
  • Weekly progress updates

Frequently Asked Questions

What academic skills will my child learn in Preppers?

The Learning Experience preschool program for 3-year-olds builds early academic skills through literacy, communication, and problem-solving activities. Children explore phonics, early writing, number sense, and supervised technology use while continuing lessons in manners, movement, and social-emotional growth.

How do you balance academics with play in this 3-year-old program?

Our 3-year-old curriculum combines academic learning with purposeful play through the L.E.A.P.® Curriculum. Children explore dramatic play, movement, early STEM, and sensory activities that make learning fun while supporting the developmental needs of preschoolers.

Is my child required to be potty trained for this program?

No, children do not need to be fully potty trained to join our Prepper program. The Learning Experience teachers guide 3-year-olds through restroom routines with patience and consistency, partnering with families to build independence and confidence at each child's pace.

What is the teacher-to-child ratio for 3-year-old classrooms?

The Learning Experience meets or exceeds all state requirements for teacher-to-child ratios to ensure every 3-year-old receives individual attention and guidance. Ratios may vary slightly by state, so families can contact their local 3-year-old daycare center for specific details.

How do Preppers differ from Twaddlers and Preschoolers?

Our 3-year-old classroom bridges the gap between early toddler programs and preschool. Preppers focus on developing communication, independence, and structured routines through hands-on learning, preparing children for the next step in their preschool journey.

The Learning Experience News And Blog

  • Preschool Curriculum

    How to Build Early Math Confidence in Preschoolers

    Ages 3-5 | Math & Numeracy | Featured Character: Two Plus Toucan Ask a preschooler to count to ten and...

    Read Article 5 min read
  • Reading with Phoebe Phonics
    Early Childhood Education

    How Preschoolers Build Early Reading Skills Before Kindergarten

    Ages 0-5 | Literacy & Language Development | Featured Character: Phoebe Phonics Reading readiness is one of the most discussed...

    Read Article 5 min read
  • Kids play in a sensory bin.
    Early Childhood Education

    Educational Activities for Preschoolers That Make Learning Fun.

    Preschoolers are naturally curious. They love to ask questions, explore new textures, move their bodies, and use their imaginations. The...

    Read Article 4 min read

Schedule a tour to discover how our program builds confidence and prepares your child for preschool.

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