In the small mountain town of Cashiers, traditions are woven into daily life, shaping the experiences of children at Cashiers Valley Preschool. Here, the focus is on small, intentional moments that help children understand their world and their place within it. For many, preschool is the first step outside the home, where they learn to wait their turn, listen, and feel comfortable in a new environment. These lessons are guided by the Plateau’s enduring values: kindness, respect, curiosity, and community.
Daily routines – greeting each child by name, lining up shoes, sharing stories, and laughter – create a sense of belonging that is especially meaningful in a rural community where relationships are personal and lasting.
One of the preschool’s most cherished traditions is the emphasis on connection. Teachers take time to know each child, recognizing the unique story each family brings. Children are encouraged to help one another, celebrate small achievements, and learn through shared experiences. These foundational moments shape how children interact with others long after they leave the classroom.
Nature is also central to life at the preschool. Time outdoors –observing the changing seasons, playing freely, and developing respect for the environment – reflects the community’s deep connection to the land. Children learn early to appreciate and care for nature, not rush past it.
The preschool thrives thanks to a supportive community. Parents, grandparents, educators, board members, and even part-time residents contribute time, resources, and expertise, ensuring the preschool remains strong and accessible. Supporting early childhood education is seen as an investment in the community’s long-term health.
Generations overlap in Cashiers, and the preschool serves as a bridge between past and future. Traditions are passed down quietly, through daily interactions that model patience, empathy, and respect.
The impact of these early experiences often becomes clear years later, as children carry forward the skills and confidence built in their preschool years.
Ultimately, what makes Cashiers Valley Preschool special is its reflection of the community’s character. Childhood is protected, curiosity encouraged, and learning rooted in care.
The small traditions formed here – lining up for story time, helping a friend, greeting each day with openness – leave a lasting influence, reminding us that strong communities are built early, through intentional care and shared values.
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