EARLY YEARS / PRE-SCHOOL

What is Preschool?

Preschool is one of the most important stages in a child’s life. From birth to age 6, children go through rapid developmental changes. The experiences they gain during this time should be happy, engaging, and safe, supporting their emotional, social, physical, and cognitive development.

At BIS Preschool, we follow the Preschool Education Program of the Turkish Ministry of National Education (MEB), designed to meet the developmental needs of young children through a holistic and child-centered approach. Learning takes place through play, exploration, social interaction, and age-appropriate hands-on activities.

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Our Educational Approach

We create a rich learning environment where children actively participate in structured and free-play activities both inside and outside the classroom.

Our program focuses on the following key developmental areas:

• Social and emotional development

• Language and communication skills

• Cognitive and physical development

• Creativity and self-expression

• Early literacy and numeracy awareness

• Environmental and cultural awareness

Learning is supported through:

• Storytelling

• STEAM-based activities

• Arts and crafts

• Music and rhythm

• Puppet shows and drama

• Sand and water play

• Outdoor physical play

• Construction and problem-solving games

In the afternoons, children are given time for free movement and independent exploration, allowing them to develop self-regulation, creativity, and critical thinking.

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Student Placement and School Hours

Children are placed in preschool groups based on their birth year.

• 3-Year-Old Group

• 4-Year-Old Group

• 5-Year-Old (Preparatory Class)

School hours: 09:00 – 15:40

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Individual Support & Observation

Preschool teachers observe each student individually and monitor developmental progress. If any concerns arise, our Learning Support Unit conducts additional observations during class, breaks, lunch, and play time. Findings are shared with families, and appropriate support or referrals are provided as needed.

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Working with Parents

We believe that parents are a child’s first teachers. A strong partnership between home and school helps every child feel safe, valued, and supported. For students having difficulty adapting to school, we follow a gentle separation process in cooperation with parents to ensure a positive transition.

Parent Communication Includes:

• Parent-Teacher Meetings in October and April

• Biannual Progress Reports (December & June)

• Monthly Preschool Bulletins summarizing activities and upcoming events

• 'Coffee Morning' Sharing Events with school leadership

• Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) supporting events and fundraising

Our Communication Department also regularly sends general updates through digital bulletins. On campus, our Parent Notice Boards include current announcements, menus, and circulars.

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In Summary

Preschool at BIS offers a nurturing and developmentally appropriate environment rooted in the Turkish National Curriculum. Through play, discovery, and supportive teacher-student relationships, we ensure that every child builds the confidence and foundational skills needed for lifelong learning.