PSU Little Gorillas Preschool
The Little Gorillas Preschool (PSU Early Childhood Preschool Lab) program at Pittsburg State University began in 1964. We are located on the south side of the Family and Consumer Sciences building on the campus of PSU. We are licensed by the State of Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) since 2012.
Learn, Play, and Grow with Us
Our Mission & Who We Serve
At Pittsburg State University’s Early Childhood Preschool Lab, our mission is to create a safe, caring, and nurturing place where children can learn, play, and grow. We welcome children ages 2 ½ to 5 years old from the Pittsburg community, including the families of PSU students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Every child is treated with warmth, respect, and kindness, and we celebrate families of all backgrounds, abilities, and beliefs. Our teachers use a developmentally appropriate curriculum that encourages curiosity, confidence, and social responsibility, helping children build a strong foundation for the future.
Enrollment Options
Our preschool is open Monday through Thursday, offering two sessions each day:
- Morning Session: 8:15 – 11:00 am
- Afternoon Session: 12:00 – 2:45 pm
To ease the transition, newly enrolled children may begin with a two-day schedule (Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday). Families can also select three- or four-day schedules as their child is ready.
Tuition & Fees
- Two Days/Week: $450 per semester
- Three Days/Week: $550 per semester
- Four Days/Week: $600 per semester
A $50 non-refundable holding fee is required when your child is accepted. This fee secures your child’s spot and is applied toward spring tuition. Fall tuition is due in June, and spring tuition (minus the holding fee) is due in January.
Waiting List
Because our preschool fills quickly, we maintain a waiting list for interested families. Children may be added once they turn two years old, and families are contacted each spring about enrollment for the upcoming school year. We also notify families if mid-year openings become available. Simply click on the button below to complete the waiting list application and take the first step toward joining the Little Gorillas family!
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The Preschool Day
Daily Schedule
Our daily schedule offers a structured yet flexible environment that enables children to learn through engaging play experiences. Children have time during each session to play, make choices, explore, interact with others, and practice budding independence.
Outdoor Time
Weather permitting, each session begins with outside time. Children can practice their large motor skills by using playground equipment, riding tricycles, swinging on the tire swing, playing catch, and more. There are also many opportunities to explore nature in our garden, such as catching bugs in the grass and playing in the sandbox.
Snack Time
Snack time provides an opportunity to encourage language and social skills through informal conversations and to introduce fine motor and math concepts to the children indirectly. To foster children’s developing independence, they pour their own drinks, count out snack foods, and clean up after themselves.
Large Group Meetings
We have two large group meetings per session. Meetings provide time for conversation, music, movement, and reading books, as well as visits from special guests and a chance to reflect on the events of the day.
Small Group Time
Small group time allows children to participate in activities planned by our teachers and assistants that target children’s emerging skills and interests. Small groups allow for more interaction and guidance.
Center Time
During center time, the children can explore the learning centers available in the classroom. The centers are designed to target all areas of development, including fine motor skills, literacy, math, science, dramatic play, arts, writing, and social skills. Activities and materials are frequently changed to provide children with a variety of choices and experiences.
Closing & Dismissal
After the closing meeting, children are dismissed to their cubbies to retrieve their jackets, backpacks, and other belongings. The children return to the playground with their teachers to be dismissed to their families.
Preschool Staff
Dr. Amber Tankersley
Professor, Preschool Lab Director
620-235-4460
Send email
Sarah Winters
Early Childhood Specialist / Preschool Supervising Teacher
620-235-4461
Send email