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Introducing Little Fireflies Academy
Little Fireflies Academy is an innovative early childhood education program designed to prepare children ages 3–5 for kindergarten through purposeful play, hands-on exploration, movement-based learning, and intentional instruction. Built within an indoor play environment, Little Fireflies Academy redefines early education by transforming play experiences into meaningful opportunities for academic, social, emotional, and physical development.
Children are encouraged to explore, create, problem-solve, collaborate, and build confidence in a safe and engaging environment. The program combines the benefits of a traditional preschool readiness model with the unique advantages of an active learning environment, allowing children to learn through movement, discovery, creativity, and connection.
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Program Philosophy
At Play Dates Academy, we believe children learn best when they are actively engaged and excited about learning. Our approach recognizes that play is not separate from learning; play is the pathway through which young children develop critical skills. Through intentional activities and guided experiences, students will strengthen:
- Kindergarten readiness skills
- Communication and language development
- Early literacy and mathematics
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Social-emotional awareness
- Creativity and self-expression
- Independence and confidence
What Your Child Gets Every Day
✅ Experienced preschool teacher with hands-on early childhood education experience
✅ Evidence-based learning built around free play, hands-on activities, and guided games
✅ Kindergarten-readiness skill building
✅ 9:00 AM–1:00 PM daily, Monday through Friday (or your selected days)
✅ Dedicated play time on our indoor playground
Note: Children must be potty-trained to enroll. Families provide their own lunch each day. While the classroom is based in the party room, students enjoy indoor playground time in the Play Plex on designated days each week.
Daily Schedule Example
TIME
ACTIVITY
9:00 AM
Arrival & free play
9:30 AM
Guided learning games (readiness skills)
10:30 AM
Hands-on activity / creative exploration
11:30 AM
Gross-motor play — on our indoor playground (designated days) or party room activity time (other days)
12:00 PM
Lunch (bring your own)
12:30 PM
Story time / quiet activity
1:00 PM
Pick-up
Important Enrollment Details
This is a tuition-based program — similar to private school or summer camp — not drop-in child care.
Please review before enrolling:
-
Families provide their own lunch each day.
- Tuition is due monthly, whether or not your child attends every scheduled day. Tuition is non-refundable for absences.
- Enrollment is for the full school year with fixed schedules to secure your child's spot. Mid-year changes are subject to availability and current enrollment caps
- Enrollment is for the full 2026–2027 school year, beginning August 24, 2026.
- Program hours are 9:00 AM–1:00 PM, regardless of the schedule you choose.
Need occasional care outside these commitments? Check out our drop-in childcare option.
Program Outcomes
Through participation in Little Fireflies Academy, children will:
- Enter kindergarten with stronger academic foundations.
- Develop independence and confidence.
- Strengthen communication and social skills.
- Build curiosity and problem-solving abilities.
- Develop positive relationships with peers and teachers.
- Discover the joy of learning through play.
Choose Your Schedule
Part-Time Mon / Wed / Fri
$260/month
Part-Time Tue / Thu
$170/month
Full-Time Mon–Fri
$440/month
Registration fee: $30 (non-refundable), due at enrollment.
Have more than one child enrolling? Call (919) 429-4222 for a 5% sibling discount — this discount isn't available through online registration.
🎉 First 12 Spots Get 50% Off Your First Month's Tuition! Enroll now to lock in your spot and your savings. 🎉
Goldsboro Families Are Choosing Play-Based Readiness
Unlike a traditional preschool classroom, your child spends their day inside Goldsboro's Largest Play Plex Indoor Playground — learning through movement and hands-on play in a space designed for kids, not desks.
With only 24 spots available for the 2026–2027 school year, Register today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What age group is Little Fireflies Academy for?
Our program is specifically designed for children ages 3 to 5 years old who are preparing for kindergarten entrance.
Does my child need to be potty-trained?
Yes, all children must be fully potty-trained before enrollment in Little Fireflies Academy.
Is lunch provided?
Families are required to provide a packed lunch for their child every day.
Can we change our schedule during the school year?
Enrollment is for the full school year with fixed schedules to secure your child's spot. Mid-year changes are subject to availability and current enrollment caps.
Is play-based learning effective for academics?
Absolutely. Research shows that young children learn core academic concepts best through active movement, multisensory discovery, and collaborative play.
How many spots are available?
24 spots for the 2026–2027 school year, enrolled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Is care available on teacher work days and holidays?
Day camps are available on select teacher work days and school closures for an additional fee — contact us for details.