Woodbury Academy of Learning, which is accepting applications for its fall 3, 4, and 5 year-olds' programs, plans open houses from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday June 4, and 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 7.

Andrea Roden and Christine DeCicco created the preschool a year ago at 20 Sherman Hill Road with an open and airy classroom floor plan; bright colors and fun learning centers that foster their students' love of learning.

The preschool has bright colors on the wall, circle time, an ABC rug, learning stations, chalk boards, art projects, little cubbies and little chairs and tables. There are books and fun toys specifically designed from a child's eye level.

"This is the foundation to kindergarten," Co-Director Andrea Roden explained. "We want every day to be a great day.

"Our curriculum is organized into theme-based units. This helps children develop their skills and confidence. Each unit incorporates language, math, science, creative arts, music, motor skills and social development."

What makes Woodbury Academy of Learning so special is the nurturing environment, Co-Director Christine DeCicco added.

"Our preschool can have up to 25 students. This number keeps us small and able to give individual and nurturing attention. Each child moves at their own pace; both Andrea and I are committed to this," Chris said.

Andrea and Christine are certified educators and have seven children between them.

"We have our teacher hat and Mom hat on all the time," Chris said.

Andrea is mom to Andrew 11, Jillian 8, Madeline 4, and Benjamin 3. Chris is mom to Nicholas 11 and 9-year-old twins Taylor and Megan.

"Every child is unique and we don't let ourselves forget this," said Andrea.

A typical day at Woodbury Academy of Learning balances playtime and learning, monthly thematic units, learning units on dramatic play, creative arts, language and reading development, sensory exploration, developing confidence and parent-teacher communication.

Andrea and Chris are dedicated to providing and fostering communication with parents.

"This is your child. We don't lose sight of this as teachers and as moms ourselves," the two noted. "We foster our parent connections. We also give parents our home phone numbers."

Andrea and Chris have designed a preschool curriculum that teaches language, literacy, math, creativity, physical development, routines, responsibility, learning strategies, confidence, self-esteem and transition in a warm learning environment.

Woodbury Academy of Learning has a fun outdoor play area and plenty of backup on inclement weather days inside, with marching band, the parachute, hokey poky and lots of singing and dancing activities.

Woodbury Academy of Learning will host summer programs starting on July 6.

The programs are titled Summer Fun, Ocean Life, Dinosaurs, Eric Carle Fun and Beach Party.

"Our first camp, Summer Fun, will have a beach-themed book unit, indoor and outdoor activities," Andrea explained

Andrea and Chris encourage all parents to keep reading to their children especially during the summer time.

With the school year coming to an end, the teachers reflected on the time they have spent teaching their students this year.

"The kids just get so excited to learn," Andrea said. "They love to learn. This inspires me everyday."

"The look on their faces, their enthusiasm to learn what's next and when they have those 'ah ha' moments, that truly inspires me," said Chris.

Woodbury Learning Academy at 20 Sherman Hill Road may be reached by calling 203-266-0100.