Welcome! 
The 2009-2010 school year celebrates our 56th year! Highlands Preschool was organized in 1953 as an independent preschool. This means that we are not affiliated with, or supported by, any church, government or other organization. In 1967, Highlands Preschool was granted official 501c3 non-profit status. This is a unique combination for a preschool - independent of any parent organization, with education as our primary focus rather than profit. This allow us to dedicate ourselves to giving preschoolers of all backgrounds a positive first learning experience to prepare them for kindergarten.
A Child Learns By Doing
Our philosophy of education centers around "play." Through play, many important behavior and social skills are learned and practiced:
the development of independence and self-esteem, sharing, taking turns, accepting limits, using self-control and following directions.
Your child will learn by exploring and experiencing open-ended art projects, stories, songs, games, music, dramatic play, free play, outdoor play and circle time. The curriculum is woven seamlessly into these fun and lively activities so your child is always learning through active play.
Our curriculum surpasses national standards. The depth and extent of the curriculum are appropriately adjusted by age level, and include the exploration of:
Letters and Numerals: how they are shaped differently, how letters have different sounds and how they are put together to form words; how different numerals show different amounts.
Shapes, Colors and Sounds: through activities such as matching, patterning, graphing and charting.
Science and Math: hands-on learning by measuring, weighing, estimating, counting and experimenting.
Language Skills: through stories, songs, poems, guessing and acting out.
Please visit our Curriculum page for a more in-depth outline of curriculum activities by age level.
Our Staff
Our staff consists of our six teachers and two part-time administrative positions. All staff must pass both national and state patrol background checks. Teachers must also be certified in CPR and first aid. Interestingly, every staff member has had children attend Highlands Preschool in years past.
Linda Helt Linda has been with Highlands Preschool for 22 years, has a Bachelor degree in Education from Central Washington University, and brings us a wealth of knowledge and experience.
Connie White Connie has been with us for 17 years and holds an AA degree in Early Childhood Education from Bellevue Community College. Connie also came to us with previous teaching experience.
Hillary Morris Hillary joined our teaching staff 8 years ago. Hillary has taken applicable coursework at Bellevue Community College and came to us after two years of experience teaching at Kindercare.
Shannon MacGillivray Shannon, also known as “Mrs. Mac,” holds a Bachelor degree in Humanities and Liberal Studies from Western Washington University, trained right here at Highlands Preschool, and has now taught with us for 7 years.
Kathee Baylis Kathee joins us again in her third year of teaching. Kathee came to us with child care experience and trained with us. Many recognize her as a favorite substitute teacher.
Melanie Gallagher Melanie joins our staff this year after serving previously as President and Vice President of our Board of Directors. Melanie has a Bachelor degree in Elementary Education and endorsement in Early Childhood Education. She previously taught Kindergarten for the Issaquah School District and has been a substitute teacher for us.
Karen Short Karen is our Registrar and Communications Coordinator. Karen holds a Bachelor degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management from the University of Washington. As our administrative positions are part-time, Karen is also regional Communications Coordinator for a large international non-profit organization. This is Karen’s 9th year with Highlands Preschool.
Elizabeth Dompier Elizabeth is our Bookkeeper. Elizabeth holds a Bachelor degree in Business Administration with a Finance Specialization and Economics minor from Central Washington University. Elizabeth is also with us part-time. This is Elizabeth's second year with us.
Our Board of Directors
Parents and guardians of enrolled children are automatically members of the Association. Government of the Association is conducted by our Board of Directors, which is similar to a PTA. The Board is made up of parents of preschool children who perform various volunteer tasks, set policies and financial goals.
See what other parents have to say about Highlands Preschool by visiting our Guestbook!
The 2009-2010 school year celebrates our 56th year! Highlands Preschool was organized in 1953 as an independent preschool. This means that we are not affiliated with, or supported by, any church, government or other organization. In 1967, Highlands Preschool was granted official 501c3 non-profit status. This is a unique combination for a preschool - independent of any parent organization, with education as our primary focus rather than profit. This allow us to dedicate ourselves to giving preschoolers of all backgrounds a positive first learning experience to prepare them for kindergarten.
A Child Learns By Doing
Our philosophy of education centers around "play." Through play, many important behavior and social skills are learned and practiced:
the development of independence and self-esteem, sharing, taking turns, accepting limits, using self-control and following directions.
Your child will learn by exploring and experiencing open-ended art projects, stories, songs, games, music, dramatic play, free play, outdoor play and circle time. The curriculum is woven seamlessly into these fun and lively activities so your child is always learning through active play.
Our curriculum surpasses national standards. The depth and extent of the curriculum are appropriately adjusted by age level, and include the exploration of:
Please visit our Curriculum page for a more in-depth outline of curriculum activities by age level.
Our Staff
Our staff consists of our six teachers and two part-time administrative positions. All staff must pass both national and state patrol background checks. Teachers must also be certified in CPR and first aid. Interestingly, every staff member has had children attend Highlands Preschool in years past.
Our Board of Directors
Parents and guardians of enrolled children are automatically members of the Association. Government of the Association is conducted by our Board of Directors, which is similar to a PTA. The Board is made up of parents of preschool children who perform various volunteer tasks, set policies and financial goals.
See what other parents have to say about Highlands Preschool by visiting our Guestbook!