Preschool is about DISCOVERY.
By the time a child graduates from pre-K, they will have learned a lot.
Preschool is intended to prepare students for kindergarten. The MAP STEAM Academy curriculum will cover key skill areas including math, science, and literacy skills. But the Museum at Prairiefire STEAM Academy will go beyond, into a world of discovery, wonder and earth stewardship.
Museum at Prairiefire STEAM Academy students will have exceptional advantages. This groundbreaking preschool for children ages 3 to 5 years old will give young students the opportunity to learn, explore and discover their world through artifact collections, exhibitions and programs as well as exposure to our region’s own natural history.
Our 3-pronged approach is Kindergarten Readiness, STEAM, and Social-Emotional Development.
Why STEAM?
In some ways STEAM topics seem developmentally inappropriate, but in fact, they are appropriate. Young children, even toddlers, not only have a natural curiosity for STEAM activities, but they are good at them, too. This is because STEAM activities encourage and challenge a preschooler’s natural sense of curiosity.
Preschoolers need time and exposure to STEAM concepts to develop a strong foundation for future learning through play, exploration and discussion.
STEAM education produces a variety of benefits such as soft skill development (creativity, problem-solving, collaboration), increasing engagement and motivation, and personalizing the learning experience.
Our MISSION is to empower children by inspiring, engaging, and educating our EXPLORERS to contribute, collaborate, and innovate, in order to persevere through challenges and thrive.
Our Curriculum
MAP STEAM Academy CURRICULUM is centered around STEAM skills acquired through the eight domains of Kansas Early Learning Standards. Take a peek inside our STEAM Curriculum:
Ready for School
My Family
Community Leaders
Seasons Change
Awesome Animals
Ocean Friends
Land Friends
Winter Wonderland
Invention Dimension
Healthy Living
Our Planet
The Power of Yet
All units, including but not limited to the above, include hands on project-based STEAM lessons taught by Museum at Prairiefire educators and scientists.
Each classroom is equipped with two STEAM educators and can accommodate up to 15 explorers.
Kansas’ eight domains provide a clear statement of what our young explorers should know or be able to do as a result of quality early learning.
With our one of a kind curriculum and preschool environment, we will discover everything from coding to self-regulation. We look forward to a wonderful adventure with your little explorer!
Why STEAM?
Introducing STEAM inquiry instruction prior to Kindergarten encourages active (often hands-on) experiences that support building understanding and vocabulary, critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and reflection. Preschool STEAM activities provide complementary perspectives on the world. They also promote similar processes for learning, such as asking questions, making connections with prior knowledge, gathering and analyzing data (including observations), and communicating findings and ideas. Young children, even toddlers have a natural curiosity that is encouraged and challenged by STEAM.
Immersive exposure to STEAM concepts help to develop a strong foundation for future learning through play, exploration, and discussion.
STEAM education produces a variety of benefits such as soft skill development (creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration), increasing engagement and motivation, and personalizing the learning experience.
What is your age range?
We accept students 3 to 5 years old. Classes may consist of 3 + young 4-year olds, and 4 + 5-year olds.
What are the requirements for the 3 year-olds class?
Children simply need to be 3 years old and fully potty trained before the first day of school.
How will I know how my child is doing?
Electronic notes are sent to parents daily. These notes include information such as your child’s mood, amount of food eaten, books read, songs sung, activities, play time and more. You will also receive pictures and sometimes videos.
Can we take a tour?
Our MAP STEAM Academy Classrooms are under construction and close to completion. Please be sure to fill out the JOIN THE ADVENTURE contact form. We will reach out to you to schedule a call and/or tour.
Is there a discount for MAP Members?
Yes! Current Museum at Prairiefire (MAP) Members receive discount tuition. Please fill out the JOIN THE ADVENTURE form to receive additional information and pricing.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to part ways with the MAP STEAM Academy during the school year, we require a 60-day written notice prior to your student’s last day.
What is your school-year calendar?
Since we are located in the heart of Overland Park, we will closely follow the Blue Valley and Shawnee Mission District calendars. A Summer Enrichment Camp will be available to STEAM Academy Preschool children as well.
We are currently planning for the MAP STEAM Academy school year to begin on Monday, August 22nd.
What is your class schedule?
Classes are Monday-Friday with AM and PM sessions. Children may be enrolled for either morning or afternoon classes, in 3/young 4 year-olds or 4/5 year-olds.
MORNING CLASSES:
7:30-8:00 drop off, 8:00-11:00 class, 11:00-11:30 pick up
AFTERNOON CLASSES:
11:30-12:00 drop off, 12:00-3:00 class, 3:00-3:30 pick up
SUMMER CAMP:
8:00-3:00 all day camp
Will my child get the individual attention he or she needs?
Our highly qualified teachers, together with our Director, work to meet the individual needs of each child. A favorable ratio of 15 children per 2 adults, along with carefully designed classroom routines and activities ensure that a range of learners can get what they need to succeed in kindergarten and beyond. Implementing Kansas Early Learning Standards helps us link early childhood skills to those needed for kindergarten success.
Will snacks and drinks be provided?
Children will receive water and a snack during their class period. We encourage you to provide your child with a water bottle. We ask that you are thorough in listing your child’s food allergies in the enrollment application. Parents will be notified in advance of any special celebrations or events where additional foods may be provided.
How do we enroll?
Enrollment is NOW AVAILABLE. Please see the JOIN THE ADVENTURE CONTACT FORM below. Once the form is complete we will reach out to you with additional preschool, tuition and enrollment information.
A deposit of $125 is required to hold a spot for your child.
Once our limited openings are filled there will be an ongoing wait list. We will notify wait-list families of their status each semester.
Want to join the MAP?
Not a member yet? It’s easy to join! As a member you receive a discount on tuition plus many other benefits including free admission to the museum. Please contact our MAP Membership Manager Wendy Beins by phone at 913.333.3506 or email wendy@visitthemap.org.