Early Childhood Program - Hathaway Brown School

Believing that our youngest learners thrive through wonder and exploration, our co-ed early childhood program (Preschool Prep, Preschool and Pre-K) embraces a child-centered approach that nurtures their natural curiosity.

Darrah Parsons

Director of Early Childhood

Darrah believes the Early Childhood division is the most magical corner of Hathaway Brown, and she embraces everything that comes with it, from squeals of delight and spontaneous hugs to the occasional weepy drop-off, always with warmth and a smile. A former third-grade teacher, Dean of the Primary School. and Anne Cuttler Coburn Chair for Excellence in Teaching, Darrah brings both deep experience and a joyful spirit to her role. Before HB, she worked at Sesame Workshop in New York City, where she visited preschools to gather children's feedback on shows in development, an experience that only deepened her love for listening to and learning from young children.

She often reminds parents that there's no such thing as "little problems" in Early Childhood, every milestone, every wobble, and every triumph matters. Whether quoting Plato's wisdom that "the beginning is the most important part of the work" or laughing about the many creative pronunciations of her last name, Darrah is passionate about making sure children's first school experience feels joyful, meaningful, and full of wonder. As the mom of two HB lifers, Darrah knows firsthand just how special it is to grow up in this community, and she delights in helping the youngest Blazers begin their own journeys.

By honoring children's natural curiosity and voices, we cultivate a joyful and dynamic learning environment where every child feels empowered, valued, and excited to explore the world around them.

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A Day in the Life

Arrive at School

8:00 AM

You’re greeted at the Primary School entrance by Mrs. Parsons and other friendly faces, and head to your Pre-K classroom, where you are greeted by Mrs. Haverlock. Our morning ritual welcomes friends and sets an inclusive tone for the day. Time to make a morning greeting pattern, and then off to Work and Play activities!

Gathering

8:30 AM

The classroom community gathers to welcome and greet each other, review their morning jobs, and reveal today’s schedule. Boys and girls play a rhyming game together, embedding literacy skill development into community time.

Special

9:00 AM

Today, the EC children are participating in Dance, one of the “specialty” classes. It is an exciting day as the children choreograph their own dance movements, applying the high and low spatial awareness concepts taught by cross-divisional specialty teacher Ms. Burnett.

Mathematical Concepts and Thinking

9:30 AM

After weeks of designing, drafting, testing, and finalizing their obstacle course elements, the children are bringing to life their “PK Obstacle Course Run!’ Mrs. Parsons is coming to test it out and will be challenged.

Snack Ritual

10:15 AM

As they prepare for snack, students count out homemade muffins, set the tables with decorative cloth napkins, and turn on the tea lights. Children practice their conversation skills as they eat a healthy snack prepared by the kitchen (included in tuition).

Outdoor Playtime

10:45 AM

Playground begins at our new Pam & Steve Keefe Playground at the Barbara Mixon Park. Racing around the trike track, the EC children explore the wondrous play landscape and natural areas of the newest addition to our outdoor learning environment.

See you tomorrow!

11:30 AM

Morning students say goodbye and look forward to returning tomorrow for another day of exploration.

Lunch

11:45 AM

Students gather in the Early Childhood dining room for a family-style lunch. Girls and boys look forward to seeing their Middle School buddies who join them daily for fun conversation and connecting.

Swimming Lessons

1:00 PM

Students in Pre-K engage in a variety of activities throughout the year. Today, students put on their bathing suits to dive into the HB pool, and are excited for tomorrow’s field trip to Squire Valleevue Farm to explore the mushroom caves.

Quiet Play and Rest Time

1:30 PM

Both our Preschool Prep and Preschool students relax and recharge during their quiet play and rest time.

Story Circle

2:30 PM

Children end their day in a story circle listening to a book about a penguin on a search to find a friend.

Goodbyes and After School Club

2:45 PM

Some EC students wave goodbye to their teachers and friends and look forward to all of tomorrow’s new adventures, while others join our After School Club.

Igniting Curiosity

We believe children learn best through wonder and exploration. That's why our coed Early Childhood program embraces a child-centered approach, where faculty observe students' interests and then design projects, activities, and experiences that align with the students' innate curiosity. This encourages deep inquiry and discovery, building essential skills that prepare students to thrive in Kindergarten and beyond.

Social Emotional Learning

Our EC children learn in environments that feel safe, connected, and supportive. Teachers guide students in recognizing emotions, resolving conflicts, and making responsible choices, building empathy, resilience, and self-control.

Mathematical and Science Concepts

Through hands-on activities like counting, sorting, and experimenting, children build early math and science skills while learning to think flexibility and solve problems.

Nature-based Exploration

Nature becomes the 2nd classroom as children explore, observe, and discover. These experiences spark curiosity, scientific thinking, and a love of the environment.

Project-based Learning and Storyline

With project-based learning, children dive into meaningful topics that blend creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. The Storyline Method, pioneered at HB, uses imaginative stories to inspire inquiry and empathy.

Play-based Learning

Play is at the heart of learning in Early Childhood. Through joyful, guided play, children grow socially, emotionally, and academically while building confidence and independence.

Early Childhood Traditions

Grandparents and Special Friends Day

Annually, we welcome EC's children's grandparents and special friends to join us on campus to spend a morning with us. Sharing their classrooms, creativity, and school life with loved ones is a cherished moment of connection for our students.

EC Art Show

The EC Art Show celebrates our youngest learners' creativity, showcasing works across a variety of media inspired by both classic and contemporary masters, all proudly displayed in the atrium for all to see. From painting and sculpture to mixed-media pieces, students explore artistic expression while building confidence, imagination, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

EC Gatherings

EC Gatherings bring the entire division together to enjoy performances, celebrate school traditions, and share projects, books, and classroom experiences with one another.

Holiday Sing-Along

Our Holiday Sing-Along brings families together to share in the joy of music with their children's classroom community. Led by our music teachers, these festive gatherings fill the halls with song and conclude with a cozy classroom reception, creating a cherished tradition of connection and celebration.

EC Community Table

The EC Community Table is a celebration of the diverse traditions within our HB community, with tastings that reflect holidays honored by our families At drop-off, families are invited to sample foods together, creating a space for connection and cultural exchange. Through these gatherings, we build a community rooted in respect, learning, and belonging, one that grows stronger with every shared story and flavor.