FIVE'S CLASS
Monday - Friday​
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The Transitional Five’s class is designed to serve young 5 year olds who would benefit from an additional year with a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum. The Five’s class has 18 children with two teachers who attend five days per week from 8:45am-12:45 with an early dismissal one day/week at 12:15pm.
Emphasis in the Five’s class will be placed on developing: successful social relationships, independent thinking skills, problem solving, and strengthening cognitive skills. All material is presented in a developmentally appropriate manner allowing children to be active participants in learning. In our language arts lessons our objective is to provide the necessary skills to build a strong foundation for your child’s reading and writing development as well as to foster an appreciation and enjoyment of literacy activities and a love of books. To that end, we use a combination of phonics and whole language abilities. Math, science, and social studies are woven in throughout the morning, as are the development of fine motor and self-regulation skills. Students will have daily opportunities to work collaboratively with their peers, sing songs, create art, engage in dramatic play, play outside, and practice important social skills.
Leslie Strong
With 29 years of teaching experience, including 16 years dedicated to kindergarten-aged children, Leslie brings warmth, and enthusiasm to the classroom. She is passionate about creating a nurturing, play-based learning environment where children can explore, discover, and grow at their own pace.
As a certified yoga teacher, she incorporates mindfulness, movement, and social-emotional learning into her approach, helping children develop self confidence. She believes that young children learn best through hands-on experiences, play, and meaningful connections with their peers.
A mother of three Leslie understands the importance of building strong partnerships with families. She has a special connection to University Presbyterian Preschool, as one of her own children proudly attended the school. She is excited to continue fostering joyful learning experiences and helping children build a strong foundation for the future.
Rachel Iglesia
Rachel is thrilled to be teaching the Superhero Fives class this year. After spending eight years living in St. Louis, Rachel and her family have moved back to Chapel Hill. Rachel graduated from Guilford College and then attended UNC-Chapel Hill for graduate school. She previously taught elementary Spanish in Chapel Hill. Rachel is enthusiastic about play-based learning and building community in the classroom. She loves seeing how curiosity and growth are nurtured and encouraged at UPPS, as both a teacher and a UPPS parent. Rachel enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, playing board games, cooking, and reading.