Get 50% OFF Your Registration Fee When You Register Today!
Welcome to Little Bug Preschool
Mount Dora's Premier Private Preschool for Children Ages 3-5
(Strictly a Preschool... NOT a Daycare)
Your child will make friends, have fun, and get ready for kinder!
At Little Bug Preschool...
You're Family!
If you want your child to make friends, be prepared for Kindergarten, and develop a love of learning that will last a lifetime... you’ve come to the right place!
Our warm, home-like environment sets the standard for how you’ll feel.
Our premier private preschool offers exceptional education to children ages 3-5 (and 3-8 at summer camp). We feature small class sizes for maximum 1-on-1 learning, fun hands-on activities to make learning fun, and a “whole child” curriculum that helps develop your child’s social, emotional, physical, language, and cognitive skills.
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) creates the standards for high-quality preschool programs. We’re proud to say our preschool meets all of NAEYC’s 10 Standards for High-Quality Preschool Programs.
Your Child Will:
Have Fun and Stay Engaged while Learning!
Receive Individualized Curriculum to Be Prepared for Kindergarten!
Be Taught by an Experienced and Loving Teacher!
Develop a Love for Life-Long Learning!
Make Close Friends!
Thrive on a Consistent Schedule!
Wake Up Wanting to Go to Preschool EVERY Day!
Gain Confidence in a Healthy & Safe Environment!
Be Part of a Small Class to Get Lots of 1-on-1 Attention!
Be Assessed 3x/Year with Progress Reports!
Meet Your Teacher:
Miss Karen!
Hi! I'm Miss Karen and I'm the owner of Little Bug Preschool. For as long as I can remember, I've always wanted to be a teacher. I've spent the last 25 years living that dream, teaching students of all ages in multiple subjects, and getting the thrill of watching them grow into confident young adults stepping out into the world. Earning a Bachelors of Education degree and a Master of Fine Arts, along with 6 teaching certifications helps me be extra prepared to meet your child's educational needs.
I love teaching so much that I homeschooled my own children right up to college and directed several community groups to offer learning camps and classes to neighboring families. After living so many educational trends and philosophies, I've embraced the gentle, natural, whole-child approach of the Waldorf method...with a little artsy glitter thrown in for fun! (I can't help it! My art teacher days just spill over!)
Now, I get to teach YOUR child! I can't wait!
Top 10 Reasons You'll Love Us
Check Out Our Premier Program!
#1: We’re a Family!
We want to get to know your family, so please invite your whole family to attend our free fun family events all year long: it may be visiting a Pumpkin Patch, Blueberry Festival, Sunflower Farm, or a day at the Park. You are always welcome to volunteer in our classroom and/or at any of our events.
#2: We Believe In Teaching the Whole Child
Real learning doesn't take place one subject at a time. That's why I follow the Steiner-Waldorf philosophy of teaching the whole child! Several subjects may be covered in one lesson, and I take every chance to expand our knowledge...whether it's dramatic play, storytelling, or sensory problem-solving.
#3: Your Child will Make Close Friends!
Our small classes of just 6-10 children allows your child to be comfortable and grow valuable friendships with the other preschoolers and teacher. Because conflict-resolution skills are super vital to learn at this age, we help your child work through their problems with other children. Pretty soon they’re using the same strategies and words we’ve taught them, all by themselves!
#4: Your child will be more than ready for Kinder!
Your child will receive individualized instruction through our thorough assessments and curriculum. I will guide your child in the areas they need to improve, and challenge them when they’re ready for more. Our balance of teacher-directed and child-initiated hands-on activities follows the NAEYC guidelines to strengthen your whole child’s development: Social, Emotional, Cognitive, Language, and Physical.
#5: We keep your child healthy & safe!
Teaching children is a huge responsibility, and we take that responsibility seriously! Not only are we state registered and CPR/1st Aid Certified, but our distinct policies and procedures regarding health and safety help to keep your child in a safe, clean environment. We’re constantly cleaning, washing hands, and monitoring all activities to prevent any accidents.
#6: We Learn Artfully!
As an art teacher for many years, I know just how crucial it is for early learners to exercise fine motor skills and cognitive tasks to build a foundation for writing, reading, and math. That's why I infuse my curriculum with lots of art activities to help stretch their abilities and confidence. It looks like fun, but lots of growing is happening too!
#7: All of our events are free!
To extend our learning we go on several field trips each year, and you get to join your child on them. We’ll go to places like: local parks and trails, Blueberry and Sunflower Farms, petting zoos, art events, Pumpkin Patch, and more! We’ll also celebrate special occasions with parties for seasonal landmarks and your child’s birthday!
#8: Your child gets a special welcome gift!
I want the connection between school and home to be smooth and seamless. Your child will receive their very own welcome kit with goodies meant just for them. From the first day, they will know that learning is fun!
#9: Learning Just Comes Naturally!
Our Waldorf-inspired curriculum emphasizes a return to natural materials and imaginative play. We won't be using screens, electronic toys, or a lot of plastic. Instead, we'll explore creativity through carefully crafted lessons, art projects that exercise fine motor skills, and connecting literacy to everyday events.
#10: We help make memories!
Through our private FaceBook page and personal updates, you'll be able to mark your child's progress through pictures and anecdotes throughout the year. Our portfolio yearbook at the end of the term will be a treasured keepsake!
Choose Your Preschool Class:
You can choose from a variety of our preschool classes to better accommodate your family’s schedule. Whether you want your child to attend morning or afternoon, or online, we have a class for you!
2 DAYS PER WEEK:
Tue. & Thur.
Tuition: $295/month
Reg. Fee: $100
Choose Your Class:
T/Th 9-11:30 a.m.
T/Th 12:30-3:00 p.m.
2 DAYS PER WEEK:
Mon. & Wed.
Tuition: $295/month
Reg. Fee: $100
Choose Your Class:
M/W 9-11:30 a.m.
(available Fall 2025)
M/W 12:30-3:00 p.m.
(available Fall 2025)
A Day in the Life at Our Preschool
Your child will develop ALL the skills needed for success and will be more than ready for kindergarten!
Check Out Everything We Do Each Preschool Class!
Circle Time
We practice our communication skills and make friends.
Snack Time
We practice our manners and social skills.
Recess Time
We practice our gross motor skills indoors and outdoors.
Story Time
We practice our literacy and rhyming skills.
And Each Day We Play In Our Learning Centers Too!
Writing Skills
We practice our letter and number writing skills.
Reading Center
We practice our pre-reading skills and read lots of stories.
Music Center
We practice our rhythm and repetition skills.
Sensory Center
We practice our fine motor skills with our hands.
Math Center
We practice our sorting, shapes, and colors.
Science Center
We practice our problem solving skills using science.
Art Center
We practice our creativity and fine motor skills.
Building Center
We practice our construction and math skills.
PLUS A SPECIAL BONUS JUST FOR YOU:
In addition to our amazing in-person preschool classes... During the school year, you'll also get access to Preschool Club for FREE! It's our safe, online library of 300+ engaging preschool classes with our certified, worldwide preschool teachers! Simply click play... and your child will have fun learning at home or on the go!
Click play below to learn about our Preschool Club!
Testimonials
The greatest compliment we can receive is your referral. Thank you!
We have 20+ 5-star reviews on Facebook and Google. Thank you for your support!
Sandi S.
"We love Miss Karen! She brings so much experience, and has had every kind of class so I feel confident she can work with our needs."
Monica V.
"My family knows they can depend on you to be unfailingly kind and look out for our kids' best interests.
Thank you!"
Ashley B.
"Thank you for a fantastic year! At first, we didn't know how Lucy would handle her first days of school, but now she can't wait to go back."
Kami S.
"Miss Karen always has the most fun art projects. Our kids can't wait to see her every week!"
HOW TO REGISTER IN OUR PRESCHOOL:
Due to high demand, our classes fill up ridiculously fast. Follow our simple 3-step process below to register your child into our preschool.
STEP 1:
Call to Reserve Your Spot and Take a Tour
Call us today at (417) 545-0402 to reserve your spot and take a tour. Let us know you saw our website promo to save 50% on your registration fee!
STEP 2:
Schedule Your Tour to Register Your Child
At the end of our call, we'll ask you to schedule a tour so we can tell you all about us and ensure we're a good fit.
STEP 3:
Register Your Child During Your Tour
At the end of our tour, we'll ask if you'd like your child to attend our preschool. If so, you'll fill out the registration form and pay the registration fee.
When should I call to register my child?
It’s never too early to call, so call as soon as you even think about registering, because our classes fill up ridiculously fast!
When does preschool start? Can I enroll mid-year?
We have a 10-month school year (Aug.-May) and a 2-month summer camp (June-July). If we have spots available, you can enroll mid-year. Please call us to see if we have any spots available.
How old does my child need to be to attend?
Preschool classes are for children who are ages 3-5 (and "independent almost-3-year-olds") by Sep. 1. Summer camp is for children who are ages 3-8 by June 1.
Does my child have to be potty trained?
Yes. If you have any questions about whether or not your child is ready, feel free to give us a call. We even have a “How To Potty Train” your child handout we can give you. It’s helped many preschool moms quickly potty train their kids. We’re here to help!
What is your teaching philosophy?
We follow a “whole child” philosophy where we work with you to improve your child’s Social, Emotional, Cognitive, Language, and Physical skills. Our curriculum is based on the NAEYC guidelines and features a balance of teacher-directed and child-initiated hands-on activities to accomplish these goals. We also incorporate Fundamentals Preschool Curriculum. Your child will learn to socialize, make friends, develop social and emotional skills, and be more than ready for Kindergarten!
Are there additional fees during the year?
No. Your registration fee covers all your child’s supplies and reserves a spot in our program. Your child won’t pay anything to attend our field trips and activities. And your family can come for free too! Your child will also receive at no extra cost: a preschool shirt to wear on Spirit Day and a graduation portfolio!
What if my child has food restrictions?
No worries. Several of our students have food intolerances or severe allergies. We ask these families to bring in their own snacks, and we create nut-free classrooms any time a child’s allergy is severe enough to require an epi pen.
Is the registration fee refundable?
No.
How many students do you have per class?
We have the smallest class sizes in town so your child gets lots of 1-on-1 time. We only have 10 students per class.
How do I register my child?
Follow our simple 3-step process below to register your child into our preschool!
CONTACT US
We would love to answer all your questions and tell you more about us.
You may reach us by calling or texting:
417-545-0402
You can also email us at:
[email protected]
We are conveniently located at:
1580 Dorset Drive
Mount Dora, FL 32757