About us

The International Preschool is a play orientated preschool, as we believe that play is an essential stepping stone to future learning as it develops social skills and imagination. Play also builds strengths and interests - as it motivates a child to want to learn as they bring a part of themselves to the materials that they interact with, and therefore, allow self expression. Our schools are structured into classes according to age. All groups will be slightly different Please bear in mind that the needs of the children, flexbility and spontaneity are of utmost priority.

Ideology

The ideology behind The International Preschool is the same today as it was when it was first founded in 1989: "To acquaint children with diversity and increase their tolerance of dissimilar cultures. To equip them with a strong foundation of knowledge within a multicultural microcosm and prepare them to become better world citizens."

In 1989 American born Lisa Ferrazzoli founded the International Preschool. She believed that the cultural homogeneity in Swedish preschools did not fully reflect today's multi cultural society.

The International Preschool is the first privately owned English-speaking preschool in the country, to receive government approval, support, and recognition! We, at IPS are pioneers in English-speaking private preschools in Sweden! We have cleared the path and paved the way, for all others to follow, we are leaders, one and all!

Example of a daily schedule:

7:00 -9.00 Arrival time.
Activity in classroom. Breakfast is served.
08:00 Breakfast Time
Fruit and porridge, eggs or cereal with milk and yoghurt.
9:00-10:00 Circle time
A time to say good morning in the group and and opportunity to sing and dance together. A time to prepare for the day and check the calendar, count the children etc.
10:30 Activity time (based on monthly theme).
This could be indoors and/or outdoors. We encourage experiential learning and allow the children to work to their ability. This time will also include Letterland, Second Step, Mathematics, Science, Cookery, Arts and Crafts, Music and Movement.
11:30/12.00 Story time.
Each group will have the opportunity for story time before their lunch. The exact time will vary depending on the age group.
12:15-13:15 Lunchtime
the children bring their own lunch. (They may not bring any food containing nuts, including pesto - this is a government regulation). We encourage healthy food choices.
13:15-13:30 Rest time
this time is shorter for the older children and longer for the younger. This is a time to nap or chill out to music.
13:30-14:00 Quiet free play (puzzles, games etc.)
This is until all group is rested.
14:00 Activity time (based on monthly theme).
This could be indoors and/or outdoors.These activities should include fine and gross motor skill developemt.
15:00 Snack time
Fruit and a snack with milk to drink.
17.00 - 17.30 Preschools are closed.

What We Offer

The International Preschool is a preschool for children between the ages of 1 to 6 years of age. The school is open from Monday to Friday. The children are required to bring a lunch, however, morning breakfast and afternoon snack is provided. The language spoken at The International Preschool, is English. However, we embrace the way in which the English language is spoken differently all over the world, and that this in turn lends itself to the ideology of The International Preschool. The International Preschool is a play orientated preschool, as we believe that play is an essential stepping stone to future learning as it develops social skills and imagination. Play also builds strengths and interests - as it motivates a child to want to learn as they bring a part of themselves to the materials that they interact with, and therefore, allow self expression.

Our schools are structured into 4 classes according to age. All groups will be slightly different. Please bear in mind that the needs of the children, flexbility and spontaneity are of outmost priority. These are the 4 programmes:

Letterland
Letterland is a child-friendly, multimodal system for teaching children to read, write and spell. The secret of its worldwide success lies in its pictogram characters and their ability to make learning fun! Check out on www.letterland.com
Second Step
The Second Step program teaches social and emotional skills for violence prevention. The program includes research-based, teacher-friendly curricula, training for educators and parent-education components. Check out more information on www.committeeforchildren.com
Music & Movement

We encourage music in our preschools. We have a library of music from all over the world and encourage children and teachers to share their music choices. We enjoy making and playing instuments with the children.

The International Preschool also enjoys dance. We like to invite parents, guests and teachers to share the dances they know with each other.

We have also initiated the Gothenburg Video Project with some of our teachers writing and performing the song "Spread the Love". The video for this song was live on You Tube on 11th June 2010.
Green flag
The International Preschool has also worked towards and gained the "Green Flag" award for an ecological school.
www.hsr.se - Håll sverige rent

Who we are

We currently have over thirty staff members employed at The International Preschool in Gothenburg and represent all continents.

The Senior Management consists of

Lisa Ferrazzoli CEO and founder and owner of the school. American born. Swedish resident since 1984. Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Reaching experience in North America, Africa and Europe.
Sonu K. Deva Managing Director of The International Preschool. She is preschool manager for Biskopsgården and Guldheden. Born in India, she has also worked in Poland and Lithuania. She has worked in Hotel Management and has a Masters in education. She has been with The International Preschool since 2003.
Eileen Korczak Director of The International Preschool. She is preschool manager for Majorna and Älvsborg. Born in the UK. Swedish resident since 1999. Registered General Nurse, Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences. Certified Teacher and Certified Business Manager. Twenty years experience working in the British Health Service as practitioner, teacher and manager.