Pitzer Preschool Pals

Pitzer Preschool Pals is program focused on early childhood literacy training and instilling a lifelong love of learning.

ollie the owl reads a book in three different poses

About Pitzer Preschool Pals

The Pitzer Preschool Pals is an academically robust and creative pre-literacy program dedicated to supporting the early development of preschool-aged children through an experimental, intercultural, and socially responsible curriculum. 

Rooted in play-based learning, and led by highly-trained and energetic Pitzer College students, our program fosters curiosity, creativity, and social-emotional growth through a variety of activities:

  • Arts
  • Crafts
  • Music
  • Environmental education
  • Outdoor exploration

Our weekly sessions aligned with California's curricular standards that incorporate Pitzer's five core values, and take place in inclusive classroom spaces where every child feels valued and empowered. 

Preschool Pals Program Goals

Through our program's goals, we've been able to support thousands of children marginalized communities, train Claremont Colleges students in early childhood development and education, and address educational inequities and environmental issues that have direct impact on our local communities. 

Support the holistic growth of young children through learning experiences that nurture cognitive, emotional, and physical development.

Provide resources, guidance, and support to parents, strengthening their role as active partners in their child's educational journey. 

Advocate for the value of early education and its long-term impact on communities through outreach and engagement. 

Tailor educational approaches to meet the unique needs, interests, and learning styles of each child and reduce the student-to-teacher ratio to 4:1, enabling children to receive an individualized learning experience and develop nurturing relationships with multiple caring adults. 

Create inclusive environments that celebrate linguistic diversity and provide targeted support for children learning in multiple languages. 

Serve as a child's first experience with structured learning, laying the foundation for a lifelong love of education. 

This is the only program at the Claremont Colleges that provides early childhood education opportunities for students who want to become future teachers. 

Inspire future academic aspirations by connecting children and families with mentor teachers who model pathways to college and beyond. 

Get Involved with Pitzer Preschool Pals

Pitzer Preschool Pals is the sole program at the Claremont Colleges that provides early childhood education opportunities to students. If you are interested in a teaching career, we strongly encourage you to participate. Submit the following materials for consideration: 

  1. Letter of interest and resume
    Send to JenessaF@pitzer.edu
  2. Required paperwork to participate in the program (Required by Easter Seals):
    1. A copy of your ID
    2. TB clearances (this can be attained in your student health portal or the Student Health Center)
    3. Proof of vaccinations ( specifically Pertussis, Measles) See above on how to gather your information**
    4. Copy of Megan’s Law Website Clearance
      Note: This is a sex offender website. You will need to enter your information to be cleared in the boxes at the top of the page. Once you have cleared, send JenessaF@pitzer.edu the form that says so. If you have any questions, please email Jenessa Flores. 
  3. Session availability (schedules must be open to work during one of the following times):
    1. Mondays and Wednesdays 8:00am-10:30am
    2. Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:00am-10:30pm
    3. You must also be able to attend a team meeting once a week to prepare for your classroom. This time will be determined by your team
  4. Driver Authorization form [PDF] (for students who do not have cars but are willing to drive their teams to session each week). 
     

Our Program Partners

Critical Action & Social Advocacy (CASA) Pitzer

CASA Pitzer advances critical analysis and community partnerships around the most pressing issues in the Inland Empire. The CASA Pitzer space brings local residents, organizers, activists, artists, and nonprofits together with Pitzer College faculty and students to build community and enact change.

Learn more about CASA Pitzer
several students and professor sit around a table at CASA Pitzer

Robert Redford Conservancy for Southern California Sustainability

The Robert Redford Conservancy for Southern California Sustainability is dedicated to expanding environmental education and advancing environmental justice.

Visit the Redford Conservancy Website
students walk and study outside of the robert redford conservancy

Pitzer College Work Study Students

Pitzer College work study students are our core program volunteers. Every year approximately 32 students are trained in early childhood development and education through the Pitzer Preschool Pals program.

a student walks on a path in scott courtyard

Easter Seals Headstart Preschool

Partnering with the Easter Seals Headstart Preschool program in Ontario and Montclair city school districts, our program serves 110+ preschoolers yearly.

easter seals of southern california logo

Contact Us

ollie the owl reads a book with the Pitzer tree on the cover
Pitzer Preschool Pals

(909) 607-9402

CASA Pitzer