Our Cohort Model: Building Lifelong Bonds

At Sea Island Sprouts, we believe that early childhood education is about more than just learning—it’s about creating a strong sense of community, fostering meaningful relationships, and providing stability for children as they grow. That’s why we’ve adopted a cohort model for our classrooms, designed to promote connection, continuity, and lasting friendships.

Why We Don’t Move Children Based on Their Birthday

Many preschools move children into new classrooms as soon as they reach a specific age, typically to maximize revenue by keeping classrooms full at all times. However, this approach can create constant disruptions for both children and teachers.

Imagine a class of 12 children: if children move classrooms when they reach their birthday, there is a high likelihood that one or more children will transition in or out of the classroom almost every month. This constant change can:

Interrupt the development of friendships and bonds between children.
Disrupt classroom routines and create uncertainty.
Make it harder for teachers to develop strong relationships with their students.

At Sea Island Sprouts, we prioritize stability and community over revenue. Children remain in their cohort for their entire duration at the school, forming deeper connections with their peers and teachers. This creates an environment where children feel secure, supported, and ready to explore and learn.

Why We Use September 1 as the Cutoff Date

To align with K-12 school systems, we’ve chosen September 1 as the cutoff date for determining the age group your child will join. This means that the age your child is on September 1 will determine their cohort for their entire time at the school.

By adopting this approach, we:

Prepare Children for Kindergarten: Aligning with public school systems ensures children are grouped with peers they will likely move through school with, making the transition to kindergarten smoother.
Promote Age-Appropriate Learning: Grouping children by age as of September 1 allows us to provide developmentally appropriate activities for each cohort.
Provide Consistency: Families can plan confidently, knowing their child’s cohort won’t change mid-year.

A Community-Focused Approach

At Sea Island Sprouts, we’re proud to take a different approach—one that puts children’s needs and well-being at the center of everything we do. Our cohort model is about more than just managing classrooms; it’s about building a foundation of stability, friendship, and belonging that supports your child’s growth and happiness for years to come.