For many young families, choosing a preschool is one of the most important first steps in their child’s educational journey. BASIS Beginners Preschool offers a play-based learning environment where curiosity is encouraged, confidence grows, and strong academic foundations begin to take shape.
We sat down with Director Kellie Kunzman, who leads the BASIS Beginners campus with warmth, experience, and deep passion for early learning, to learn more about what makes this program stand out.
Q: Can you share a little about yourself and what brought you to early childhood education?
“Education has been the heartbeat of my career for 20 years. It started with a degree in Japanese and a move abroad to teach, where I first fell in love with the classroom. Over time, I realized my passion truly lies in early childhood education—there’s something incredibly special about laying the foundation for a child’s very first school experience. I take great pride in creating a nurturing environment that makes children excited to learn for years to come.”
Q: How would you describe BASIS Beginners to a parent who has never heard of it before?
“BASIS Beginners is an academic-forward preschool that blends global standards with play-based discovery. Our students, ages 3–5, learn through creativity, curiosity, and guided exploration. We fully prepare children both academically and emotionally to become confident, independent learners ready for kindergarten and beyond.”
Q: BASIS Beginners uses a STREAM approach (Science, Technology, Reading and Writing, Engineering, Arts, and Math). How does that come to life in the classroom?
“STREAM is woven into every part of our day. The focus shifts from ‘what’ we learn to ‘how’ we learn. You might see children using technology to watch a volcano eruption or measuring their engineering tower with math. This hands-on approach helps students take ownership of their learning and explore their interests in meaningful ways.”
Q: Why is a content-rich, play-based curriculum so important for children ages 3–5?
“Play is how young children make sense of the world. Our content-rich curriculum surrounds them with quality materials and expert teachers who guide exploration. This combination builds both academic understanding and social-emotional resilience—so by kindergarten, our students are not just 'ready,' but eager, confident, and joyful learners.”
Q: How do your teachers balance playful learning with academic foundations?
“Our teachers bring creativity to every lesson. During our space unit, for example, you might walk into a classroom transformed with planets, a spaceship corner, and astronaut costumes for dramatic play. They incorporate storytelling, movement, and music to make core academic concepts come alive. They’re experts at making learning fun—and our students love it!”
Q: If a parent could peek inside a typical day, what would they see?
“From drop-off to pick-up, students experience a balance between structure and independence. They learn to manage their belongings, participate in math, phonics, and handwriting lessons, and explore STREAM centers. There’s time for discovery, three recesses for movement, and a restful recharge period. You’ll see joyful, engaged children who are thriving.”
Q: What skills are children building during open play time?
“During before- and after-school open play, children practice communication, teamwork, creativity, and imagination. They learn to share, take turns, and think independently—all vital life skills that will serve them far beyond preschool.”
Q: How do you support families through the preschool transition?
“We know this is a big milestone for families. Often, it’s more emotional for parents than for children! We create a nurturing integration period and keep an open-door policy for parent communication. Our ‘Family Promise’—displayed at our entrance—reminds everyone that we are a team committed to the well-being and joy of every child.”
Q: What do you hope students carry with them from their time at BASIS Beginners?
“I hope our students remember their laughter, friendships, and the teachers who believed in them. If they leave with a love for learning and the confidence to explore new ideas, then we’ve done our job.”
Q: What would you say to families exploring preschool options?
“Preschool is about finding the right fit for your family. I encourage parents to take a tour and see our students in action—learning joyfully, connecting with caring teachers, and building a foundation for lifelong success. You’ll see immediately what makes BASIS Beginners so special.”
Schedule a tour or attend a virtual info session to learn more about our academic and play-based approach for ages 3–5.