The Early EDGE

For parents in Hiawatha, Iowa, and the surrounding communities, choosing the right preschool is a monumental decision, laying the foundation for a child's entire educational journey. The Early EDGE stands out as an exceptional choice, consistently lauded by local families as a nurturing, engaging, and highly effective environment for early childhood education. This comprehensive article aims to provide our fellow Iowans with an in-depth look at what makes The Early EDGE such a celebrated point of interest in our community, highlighting its commitment to holistic child development and academic readiness.

The Early EDGE offers a "safe, fun, and hands-on educational experience for children ages 2-5." Their mission is clear: "to provide an unmatched early childhood education by helping instill social, emotional, and school-readiness skills that allow students to begin their educational journey with an early edge." This commitment to giving children a strong start is evident in every aspect of their program, from the carefully designed curriculum to the dedicated staff.

What truly sets The Early EDGE apart, according to local parents, is the remarkable quality of its staff and the positive atmosphere they cultivate. Reviewers consistently praise the team, particularly mentioning "Ms. Tammie," who "absolutely lives and breathes early childhood education." The staff are described as "incredible," "so kind," and genuinely caring about each child, taking the time to "get to know" each individual student. This personalized approach ensures that children feel "challenged and supported in the classroom," fostering a sense of confidence and belonging.

The facilities themselves contribute significantly to the positive learning environment. Parents note that the building is "always clean, safe, and so welcoming," creating the "perfect place for kids to learn and grow." Beyond the welcoming physical space, The Early EDGE distinguishes itself with a unique blend of academic rigor and enriching extracurricular activities, ensuring that children are engaged, excited, and constantly learning new skills. Whether your child is just starting their preschool adventure or needs a stimulating environment to prepare for kindergarten, The Early EDGE seems to be "exactly the kind of first school experience you'd want for your child." Read on to discover more about its convenient location, diverse services, unique features, and why it is so highly recommended by locals in Hiawatha and beyond.

The Early EDGE is conveniently located at 1550 Hawkeye Dr, Hiawatha, IA 52233, USA. This accessible address places the preschool within a well-established and easily reachable area of Hiawatha, making it a practical choice for families residing in the city and across the broader surrounding areas in Iowa. Being situated on Hawkeye Drive contributes to the center's straightforward navigation, which is a significant advantage for busy parents managing daily drop-offs and pick-ups.

The strategic placement in Hiawatha ensures that The Early EDGE is typically just a short drive from various residential neighborhoods and local amenities. This ease of access is a key factor in consistent attendance and overall convenience, which is particularly important for busy Iowa families juggling multiple commitments. The facilities themselves are designed for accessibility and comfort, with parents noting the building is "always clean, safe, and so welcoming."

Furthermore, the school's commitment to safety is evident in its security measures; all doors remain locked during school hours, with staff available to admit parents upon call. This ensures a secure environment while still allowing parental access. The availability of "Lunch Bunch and Extended Care" (before and/or after school care from 7:45-8:30 am and 3:30-5:00 pm, Tuesday through Friday) further enhances accessibility for families needing flexible scheduling options. This combination of a convenient physical address and thoughtful operational details reinforces The Early EDGE's role as a user-friendly and highly accessible resource for early childhood education in our local Iowa community.

The Early EDGE provides a comprehensive early childhood education program designed to nurture and develop the whole child through joyful and engaging learning experiences. Their services cater to children ages 2-5.

• Preschool Programs (Ages 2-5): The core offering includes various class schedules throughout the week for each age level (e.g., ages 2-3, 3-4, 4-5). These programs are designed to instill social, emotional, and school-readiness skills, ensuring children begin their educational journey with a strong foundation. Class sizes are intentionally kept small, with a maximum of 14 students and 2 instructors, maintaining a student-to-teacher ratio no larger than 7:1 for personalized attention.

• Holistic Curriculum Based on Iowa Early Learning Standards: The Early EDGE's curriculum goes "above and beyond all state standards for early education," immersing children in engaging thematic activities that cover:

  • Social & Emotional Development: Fostering positive self-awareness, emotional regulation, and appropriate interactions with adults and peers.

  • Physical Well-Being and Motor Development: Promoting healthy and safe living practices, and developing both large (gross) and small (fine) motor skills through various activities.

  • Approaches to Learning: Encouraging curiosity, initiative, problem-solving, and engaging in play to learn.

  • Social Studies: Building awareness of family, community, culture, diversity, and environmental relationships.

  • Communication, Language, and Literacy: Developing understanding and use of language, early reading, and writing skills.

  • Mathematics: Introducing counting, number representation, patterns, shapes, measurements, and data analysis.

  • Science: Encouraging information gathering, investigations, reasoning, and problem-solving related to their environment.

• Integrated Enrichment Classes: A significant highlight, included in their program, are specialized enrichment activities that provide a well-rounded experience:

  • Weekly Dance Class: Students participate in a weekly "Tinies Class" with the renowned Dancer's EDGE Faculty, promoting musicality, coordination, and creative expression. Preschool students also have the option to perform in The Dancer's EDGE Annual Recital each June.

  • Weekly Gymnastics Class: Focusing on developing coordination, gross motor skills, and physical confidence through fun and structured activities.

  • Music Class: Held twice per month, these classes further enhance musicality, rhythm, and creative engagement.

• Creative Arts and Sensory Experiences: Children engage in a variety of art, sensory-related, music, and dramatic play experiences to stimulate creativity and exploration.

• Before and After School Care ("Lunch Bunch" and "Extended Care"): Offering flexible care options for families from 7:45-8:30 am and 3:30-5:00 pm, Tuesday through Friday, allowing for extended hours as needed.

• Rest/Quiet Time: Full-day students have a supervised rest time, with mats provided, to promote mental well-being and brain development.

• Parent Involvement and Communication: The Early EDGE emphasizes working hand-in-hand with parents, providing daily and weekly photos and updates, and holding Fall and Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences to discuss progress and goals. Staff are always available for questions or concerns.

• Exceptional and Caring Staff: Repeatedly praised by parents, the staff are described as "incredible," "so kind," and genuinely caring about each child. The owner, Miss Tammie, is particularly highlighted for her deep passion for early childhood education, which creates a positive and inviting atmosphere for both students and parents.

• Personalized Academic Support: The curriculum is designed to be "personalized" and "just the right level" to keep children engaged without being overwhelming. Staff take the time to "get to know" each child, ensuring they are both "challenged and supported" in their learning journey.

• Holistic Development Focus: The Early EDGE goes beyond academics, significantly improving children's "vocabulary, fine motor skills, social skills, and many other areas." This comprehensive approach ensures that children develop across all crucial domains, preparing them for kindergarten and beyond.

• Integrated Enrichment Activities: A standout feature is the inclusion of weekly dance and gymnastics classes, as well as bi-monthly music classes, directly within the preschool program. These activities are beloved by students and contribute significantly to their physical development, creativity, and overall engagement, making "preschool days" something children eagerly anticipate.

• Clean, Safe, and Welcoming Environment: Parents consistently commend the facilities, noting the building is "always clean, safe, and so welcoming." This creates a comfortable and secure space that fosters a positive learning experience for young children.

• Strong School Readiness Focus: The program actively instills "social, emotional, and school-readiness skills," giving students an "early edge" as they transition to elementary school. The curriculum goes "above and beyond all state standards for early education," ensuring comprehensive preparation.

• Small Class Sizes and Excellent Ratios: With a maximum class size of 14 students and 2 instructors, resulting in a 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio, children receive individualized care and attention, allowing them to flourish.

• Transparent and Engaging Communication with Parents: The studio ensures parents are well-informed through daily and weekly photos and updates, as well as formal parent-teacher conferences. This open communication fosters a strong partnership between the school and families.

• Joyful Learning Experience: Perhaps the most significant highlight is that children "come home every day excited to share what they learned or what new skill they tried," indicating a truly joyful and inspiring learning environment where children are "happy, thriving, and excited to go to school every day."

For parents in Hiawatha, Iowa, and the surrounding communities who are considering The Early EDGE for their child's preschool education, here is their contact information:

• Address: 1550 Hawkeye Dr, Hiawatha, IA 52233, USA

• Phone: (319) 892-4340

• Mobile Phone: +1 319-892-4340

The Early EDGE also maintains an active online presence through their official website (theearlyedge.com), which is an excellent resource for detailed information on their programs, schedules, tuition, and registration process. They also list an email address (

learn@theearlyedge.com

The Early EDGE is exceptionally suitable for locals in Hiawatha, Iowa, and the surrounding communities, representing an ideal choice for early childhood education. The consistent outpouring of positive reviews from current and past families highlights the preschool's profound impact on children's development and well-being. Its core strength lies in its ability to instill "social, emotional, and school-readiness skills" while fostering a genuine love for learning, giving children that crucial "early edge" as they embark on their educational journey.

The highly praised staff, particularly Miss Tammie, are a significant asset. Their "kind" and "caring" approach, combined with their expertise, ensures that each child receives personalized attention and feels "challenged and supported." This nurturing environment is vital for young children to "come out of their shell" and build confidence, a testament to the school's commitment to holistic development. The fact that children come home "excited to share what they learned" underscores the engaging and joyful atmosphere created by the dedicated educators.

Moreover, The Early EDGE's comprehensive curriculum, which "goes above and beyond all state standards," provides a strong academic foundation in literacy, math, science, and social studies. What truly sets it apart for Iowa families are the integrated enrichment activities: weekly dance and gymnastics classes, and bi-monthly music classes. These unique offerings not only make "preschool days" eagerly anticipated but also contribute significantly to children's physical development, creativity, and overall well-rounded growth, all within the convenience of a single program.

The facilities themselves are lauded for being "clean, safe, and so welcoming," providing a secure and comfortable space for young learners. Coupled with flexible scheduling options like extended care and manageable class sizes with excellent student-to-teacher ratios, The Early EDGE streamlines the experience for busy local parents. In essence, for any family in Hiawatha looking for a preschool that combines top-tier education, a nurturing community, and enriching activities, The Early EDGE is a perfect fit, promising to support and inspire their child every step of the way.

The Early EDGE

1550 Hawkeye Dr, Hiawatha, IA 52233, USA