Springboard to Kindergarten

A Confident Bridge to Kindergarten

  • Ages 4.9 - 5 Years
  • 5 Day Program
  • Core Hours: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
  • Drop-in Options
  • Extended AM & PM Hours
Springboard to Kindergarten is SHED’s Reggio Emilia–inspired readiness program for children who benefit from an additional year of growth before entering Kindergarten.

This program is thoughtfully designed for children who:

  • Turn five by the end of December
  • Miss the Kindergarten September cut-off by a short time
  • Would benefit from an extra year to strengthen social, emotional, or academic readiness

Springboard offers children the time, space, and experiences needed to deepen curiosity, build confidence, and develop strong peer relationships. Rather than rushing readiness, we honor each child’s developmental timeline while intentionally preparing them for the expectations of Kindergarten.

Backed by Science
Curiosity
Environment
Community
Expression

Registration & Scheduling Options

Tuition is billed in 10 equal monthly payments during the school year.

30-day notice needed for all scheduling adjustments 

  • $75 Registration Fee per Child
  • $300 Yearly Facility Fee per Child
5-Day Program (8:30 AM - 3:30 PM) Monthly Tuition
5 Days
$1,914
Days per Week Early Drop Off (8 AM) Extended Day (3:30 PM - 6 PM)
5 Days
+$185/month
+ $683/month
4 Days
+ $148/month
+ $556/month
3 Days
+ $111/month
+ $424/month
2 Days
+ $74/month
+ $293/month
1 Day
+ $37/month
+$156/month
Drop-in Options Cost per Day
Full Day 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
$114
Full Day + Extended Hours 8:30 AM – 6 PM
$155
Backed by science

Why Choose Springboard?

  • Building Independence & Executive Function - Ages 4–5 are critical for developing focus, self-regulation, and planning skills. In Springboard, children practice independence through managing materials, making choices, and following multi-step routines, supporting true Kindergarten readiness.
  • Curiosity Fuels Deeper Learning – The Reggio Emilia approach follows children’s natural interests, which has been proven to increase engagement, motivation, and long-term retention..
  • Collaboration Strengthens Social Readiness – Studies in early childhood education show that collaborative problem-solving improves communication, empathy, and adaptability. Inside the Springboard classroom, children work in small groups, negotiate roles, share ideas, and resolve challenges together, mirroring the social dynamics they will encounter in Kindergarten.
  • Intentional Environments Support Focus & Confidence – Thoughtfully designed classrooms improve concentration and confidence. Springboard spaces encourage sustained attention, creative expression, and meaningful discussion.

Inside the Classroom

At SHED, the classroom is more than four walls. It’s a living space shaped by children’s ideas, questions, and discoveries. Guided by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, we design environments that invite exploration, creativity, and collaboration. From nature walks to project work, every experience is an opportunity for children to wonder, test, and grow together.

The Power of Thoughtful Spaces

At SHED, classrooms are intentionally designed to support how children grow, think, and learn. learning.

Rooted in the Reggio Emilia concept of the “third teacher,” our spaces are thoughtfully arranged to support calm, focus, creativity, and independence.

Research shows that well-designed environments can lower stress, improve attention, and strengthen a child’s ability to engage deeply in learning. At SHED, the classroom does not simply hold learning; it actively shapes it.

Curiosity in Action

Facilitating learning one question at a time.

A fleeting moment of curiosity becomes something more when a teacher recognizes it, nurtures it, and builds from it. This is where the work of Reggio comes to life. Our educators listen closely, observe intentionally, and respond with purpose. What starts as a simple wonder becomes a meaningful, child-led investigation that unfolds over time.

Explore how wonder turns into meaningful projects.

Dandelion Honey

Why do dandelions exist if they’re just weeds?”

Meet Our Springboard Educators

The team guiding learning, one question at a time

Springboard educators work as a collaborative team, bringing deep knowledge of child development and a shared commitment to the Reggio Emilia philosophy. They carefully observe each child to design learning experiences that challenge, engage, and support individual growth.

Karlina

She/Her

Sheila

She/Her

Ali

She/Her

As educators at SHED, we believe children are capable thinkers who learn best when their ideas are taken seriously.

Our role is to guide, extend, and scaffold learning so children leave Springboard feeling confident and prepared for Kindergarten.

Parents Welcome

Join Us in the Classroom

At Monarch, we see parents as partners in learning. We invite you to step into the classroom and share your unique skills, stories, or passions with our children. Whether it’s leading a simple art activity, playing an instrument, teaching a recipe, or sharing a cultural tradition, your presence enriches our community and deepens the children’s learning. Together, we make the classroom a place where curiosity and creativity truly flourish!

Parent Experience

Read testimonials from parents like you about their child’s experience at SHED Children’s Campus

5/5

I cannot speak highly enough of SHED

The overall culture of the staff and administration fosters an amazing (and rare) sense of independence, curiosity, creativity, community, and kindness. So grateful to have a program like this in Andover - I wouldn't leave my girls anywhere else!

5/5

I am very happy with SHED/Kids club.​

Our kids use the bus to go from school to SHED. They are able to choose the activity they would like to do in the afternoon and they love it. The management goes above and beyond to help. We have had a wonderful experience at SHED

5/5

Our son loves SHED and so do we.​

The clinic offers top-notch services and a welcoming atmosphere. The doctor took the time to explain everything in detail and offered practical solutions to improve my health naturally. My only suggestion would be to reduce wait times, but overall, it was an excellent experience.

5/5

My daughter absolutely loves spending time at SHED.​

The people who take care of the kids are amazing. The activities are endless, and the rest of the staff are very welcoming and helpful.

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Discover Springboard for Yourself

Rooted in curiosity, community, and creativity, Monarch is where children grow into confident, joyful learners.
Schedule a campus tour today and see what joyful, curious, and child-led learning looks like.