About TigerSide Intergenerational Preschool

 

TigerSide Intergenerational Preschool (IGP) first opened on September 1st, 2011.  TIgerSide was founded by the owners, Amy and Rick Messner, and the current director, Stephanie Ross.  TigerSide is affiliated with The Neighborhoods by TigerPlace.

 

TigerSide IGP is a state licensed preschool with a capacity of 24 children, ages 2-12 years.  We are open from 6:40 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday. 

 

TigerSide IGP participates in the W.I.S.E. program in conjunction with Columbia Public Schools, where high schoolers from Battle and Rock Bridge gain on the job work experience to help prepare them for life after graduation.

 

TigerSide preschoolers have access to the onsite indoor heated pool and movie theater at The Neighborhoods by TigerPlace.

 

TigerSide IGP is a desirable choice for your family because of the small class sizes (1 to 8 teacher / student ratio), exceptional facilities (less than 4 years old), and our unique community approach to learning.

In the Cubs classroom, we work to develop the social and emotional skills needed to thrive in a preschool setting.  Cooperation, problem solving, independence, autonomy, sharing, empathy and self-esteem are just a few of those skills.  We also focus on pre-writing, listening activities, and building longer attention spans by planning engaging, hands on activities that keep the kids occupied while flexing their cognitive muscles. 

In the Pre-K classroom, the children continue to develop their problem solving and cognitive processing skills through kindergarten readiness curriculum.  The Pre-K curriculum is rich in literacy, writing, and phonemic awareness activities, leaving the graduates of TigerSide well prepared for the ever-increasing demands of the Kindergarten classroom.

In the Jelly Bean class, we work on the next step of becoming a life-long learner: integration of the "All About Me" toddler mentality with the curiosity and love for learning of a preschooler.  By planning and implementing hands-on learning activities which incorporate weekly intergenerational experiences, the children have ample opportunities to make meaning of their world through exploration and experimentation.

In our before and after school program, we promote physical activity and social / emotional skills.  Families can also choose to sign up for drop-in care during the holidays and days when public schools are closed but TigerSide is open.  Drop-in care is only available when openings in the normal enrollment allow.  Drop-in care is for children ages 2 to 12 years.  Please note we do not transport school-agers.