Business Details
Your Trusted Preschool in Orchard Park, NY
Foundations Preschool is dedicated to providing a nurturing and stimulating environment for preschool-age children, focusing on developmental readiness to prepare them for academic success. Founded by Joanne Lasky and Janine Sherk, both experienced occupational therapists with over 20 years in early childhood education, the school integrates physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development into its curriculum. Our programs, including Jumpstart, Pre-K/Blended, Wondertime, and Summer Camps, are designed to foster holistic growth through play-based, multisensory learning. We prioritize individualized attention, ensuring each child receives tailored guidance to build foundational skills.With a team of certified educators and a commitment to innovative teaching methods like Handwriting Without Tears, Foundations Preschool cultivates a love for learning in a home-like atmosphere. Our community-focused approach includes cultural field trips, collaborative play, and parent engagement, ensuring families feel connected to their child's educational journey. Located in Orchard Park, NY, we serve families across Western New York, offering flexible programs that adapt to diverse needs while maintaining rigorous educational standards.
Services
Jumpstart Program
Enrichment Programs
Pre-K/Blended Programs
Wondertime Programs
Summer Camps
Developmental Readiness Curriculum
Occupational Therapy Integration
Parent Engagement Activities
Field Trips
Multisensory Learning
Highlights and features
- We offer over 20 years of combined experience in pediatric education from our founders.
- Our curriculum integrates occupational therapy principles for holistic skill development.
- We provide individualized attention through small class sizes and tailored activities.
- Our team includes certified educators trained in developmental readiness domains.
- We use award-winning, multisensory programs like Handwriting Without Tears for proven results.
What people say
Nurturing environment
Experienced educators
Developmental programs
Prepared for academic success
Child-centered approach
Services
Jumpstart Program
The Jumpstart Program prepares 3-year-olds for academic success through a multisensory curriculum. It balances free play, teacher-led activities, and structured themes to develop fine motor skills, language arts, and social-emotional growth. Nurturing teachers use hands-on activities like storytelling, cooking, and sensory projects to build foundational skills in a playful, engaging environment.
Pre-K/Blended Programs
Pre-K/Blended Programs combine 3- and 4-year-olds in a nurturing classroom that tailors instruction to individual skill levels. Children engage in cognitive, fine motor, and gross motor activities through play, themed obstacle courses, and literature-based projects. The curriculum emphasizes cooperative play, cultural awareness, and multisensory writing readiness using the Handwriting Without Tears program.
Wondertime Programs
Wondertime Programs introduce 2-year-olds to learning through nature-inspired and nursery rhyme-themed activities. The curriculum focuses on physical, social, and emotional development through free play, sensory exploration, and seasonal themes. A home-like environment with hand-painted walls and tactile materials fosters curiosity and comfort, preparing toddlers for future academic engagement.
Summer Camps
Summer Camps offer themed, multisensory experiences for ages 3-5, including sensory integration, dramatic play, and science experiments. Weekly themes like 'Pirates Pizazz' and 'Fabulous Fairytales' encourage creativity and peer interaction. Activities blend gross motor play, mindfulness, and hands-on crafts to maintain developmental progress during summer months.
Enrichment Programs
Enrichment Programs extend the preschool day with French playgroup, toddler yoga, and Brain Gym activities. These afternoon sessions enhance language acquisition, motor skills, and literacy through music, movement, and collaborative play. Designed to complement existing preschool programs, they emphasize sensory learning and social interaction in a structured yet playful setting.
People
Joanne Lasky
Co-Founder and Director
Joanne Lasky, OTR/L, co-founded Foundations Preschool with over 20 years of pediatric occupational therapy experience. She holds a Bachelor's degree from the University at Buffalo and specializes in developmental readiness strategies for early childhood education.
Janine Sherk
Co-Founder and Director
Janine Sherk, MS OTR/L, brings 20+ years of pediatric expertise to Foundations Preschool. With a Master's from D'Youville College, she focuses on integrating occupational therapy principles into play-based learning to support children's academic and personal growth.
Questions
What age groups do your programs serve?
Foundations offers programs for children aged 2-5, including Wondertime (2-year-olds), Jumpstart (3-year-olds), Pre-K/Blended (3-4-year-olds), and Summer Camps (3-5-year-olds).
How does Foundations prepare children for kindergarten?
Our developmental readiness curriculum combines multisensory play, structured themes, and occupational therapy techniques to build fine motor, cognitive, and social-emotional skills essential for kindergarten success.
Are meals provided during programs?
Our half-day programs do not include meals, but Enrichment Programs offer a 'lunch bunch' option for families needing extended care with added activities.
What safety measures are in place?
Foundations maintains a secure environment with controlled access, trained staff, and regular safety drills. All employees undergo background checks and CPR/first-aid certification.
Can parents observe classroom activities?
Yes! Parents are welcome to schedule tours, attend orientation sessions, and participate in classroom field trips or special events to engage with their child's learning experience.
Do you offer summer programs?
Our summer camps run July-August, featuring weekly themes like sensory integration, imaginative play, and science exploration to keep children engaged and learning during school breaks.
