Pre-K & Early Learning
Open Parachute's early childhood program introduces simple strategies and tools early so that children can begin to build a solid foundation for resilience.
The teaching of foundational resilience will help young minds to develop Awareness of self and others. This will prepare children with the skills needed to enter school confidently, and relate positively to themselves and peers.
Grab-and-go Lessons that fit into any weekly schedule
Developmentally-appropriate content
Pre-prepared lessons (standalone and/or sequenced)
Diverse lesson types for effective differentiation
Supplemental activities provided to increase independent skill application
Translatable content for diverse language learners
Supplemental Materials to Extend Learning:
Lesson Themes
Lessons cover a variety of topic areas, including:
Identifying & naming feelings
Positive friendships
Self-management skills
Making helpful & respectful choices
Explore different Lesson Types:
Each lesson type is designed for a different purpose. Find the best fit for your early learners!
Brain Breaks
5-10 min lessons to embed well-being into classroom routines.
Skill Builders
5-10 min lessons that help students practice targeted mental health skills.
Student introduction lessons
Three brief developmentally appropriate lessons to introduce mental health and well-being, set routines and expectations before diving into the content, and get students excited about Open Parachute.
Student Voice
10-18 min lessons featuring videos of real children their own age with lived experience, guiding students to learn universal mental health skills for overcoming challenges.
What Early-Years Educators are saying
“My students have become much more open. The program has given them a common language they can use to talk about what they’re experiencing.”
Erin Riley
Clayton Elementary School
“Everything is laid out. It’s easy and straightforward. My students were asking, ‘Ms. Vassar, are we doing Open Parachute today?’”
Lavonne Vassar
Hope Lutheran Christian School
“I’ve used the program for two years and seen great success across the whole classroom—especially with children learning coping strategies I hope they’ll carry throughout their lives.”
Mindi Willems
Roosevelt Elementary
“My students connect really well with the videos because they see kids their own age, hear their voices and stories, and then feel able to share even more.”
Katie Hardy
Roosevelt Elementary
"Open Parachute was well thought out and gave me the support I needed.”
Carol Paquette
Moody Middle School
“I found it really effective and so user-friendly. It was easy for us to use, well laid out, and easy to explain.”
Laura Matthews
Parkview Elementary School
“The kids really learned that they’re not alone. You can see that they feel like their voices are being heard.”
Tibor Budai
Moody Middle School
"I don’t have a degree in psychology; I have a degree in early childhood education. When students are struggling, what do I do? Open Parachute gave me that toolbox.”
Mindi Willems
Roosevelt Elementary
"The kids all have a common language now. Even after we finished the program, they were starting to problem-solve on their own."
Samantha Dunlop
Tuc El Nuit Elementary
“My students have become much more open. The program has given them a common language they can use to talk about what they’re experiencing.”
Erin Riley
Clayton Elementary School
“We’re seeing students recognize how other children are feeling and understand that other people have different experiences. It’s really building their empathy.”
Reagan Petch
MVB Elementary
“I don’t have to prepare the materials, find the videos, or come up with the topics. They’re already there.”
Mindi Willems
Roosevelt Elementary
“I’ve seen my students have more opportunities to voice thoughts they might not have been able to share before.”
Katie Hardy
Roosevelt Elementary
“After two years, the students are still engaged—but now their responses are amazing. They’re sharing more, and the depth of communication is so much greater.”
Julie
St Raphael’s Catholic School
“Teachers may feel like it’s another thing on the list—another thing we don’t have time for. But I don’t think we have time not to do this.”
Katie Hardy
Roosevelt Elementary
A ready-made roadmap. Flexible ways to use it.
A See recommended starting points and lesson paths for Pre-K and early learning, organized by routine, theme, and classroom need.
For Youth, by Youth
Our core lessons feature videos of real peers with lived experience to guide your students through authentic narratives of growth and change. These peer stories help students grasp concepts quicker and practice skills faster, giving them more brain power for their academics.
Award-winning, easy-to-navigate online platform
- Search for lessons by keywords, competencies or tier
- 98% of educators find the platform 'very accessible'
- Good Design Award Winner for excellence in social impact
- ISO 27001 certified to safeguard school and user data
Not ready yet? View a sample lesson
