PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Age Requirements/Class Set-Up

Preschool students are between the ages of 2½ and 6. They may attend our morning or afternoon session, 5 days per week. In each group, children learn at the pace most comfortable for them without the pressure of competition. The advantage of a mixed age-group is that children can work with those younger or older than themselves, according to their skills, yet still mix socially with children of their own age. This works well for children who function academically at one age-level and socially at another. It also enables kindergarten-age children to experience a year of leadership in a class with a familiar teacher.

A Little Insight into Your Pre-Schooler's Experience…

Life Skills

Alongside having fun in a warm, loving environment, children will develop fundamental life skills which will benefit them in all aspects. Activities are devised to refine small-motor development and help children learn to focus, concentrate, follow a sequence, foster independence and develop good work habits.

Religion

We believe that a Catholic preschool should develop a love of Jesus and knowledge of the presence of God in the lives of the children it serves. Foundations are laid in the Catholic faith as children experience positive interaction with Christian adult role models. The goal of our religious philosophy is for each child to develop a unique relationship with God. Children need to experience God's love everyday through celebrations, prayer, biblical stories, music and a sense of community. Our curriculum incorporates the liturgical calendar and monthly themes include elements of religious education appropriate for preschoolers. These joyous experiences take place ongoing and naturally within the context of the school day. This integration will encourage children to live as Christians in every aspect of their life, instead of just on Sunday.

Diversity

Our goal is for children to practice the teachings of Jesus, by accepting and celebrating differences with respect and compassion. Our diverse enrollment provides every child with the opportunity to embrace the uniqueness given to each of us. We truly believe that through compassion and understanding a family community based on God's love is founded.

Social Skills and Etiquette

Children learn to respect themselves and one another and how to be a positive member of a community. Cooperation, friendship, exercises in grace and courtesy and independent problem solving are integral to the learning process. Group time allows your child to talk, listen, share, take turns, cooperate, interact with friends, and learn the value of giving and receiving feedback. Positive reinforcement helps children realize the importance of being a team player and refines skills needed to flourish in a classroom environment.

Creativity and Imagination

Your child's creativity and imagination is key to their growth and will be encouraged every step of the way. Dramatic play, music and art activities give children the opportunity to showcase their abundant creativity, and are an important part of the curriculum. We encourage all children to express their ideas in order to help build confidence, independence and imagination.

Sensorial

All of the materials and techniques used are individually tailored to every child's needs, and therefore ensures the most comprehensive development of each child. The hands-on materials isolate one concept at a time and guide a child to discriminate sound, color, size, weight, texture, shape, taste and smell, and are in direct preparation for academic learning.

Language and Literacy

Children will be taken through a series of pre-reading and phonics activities that lead to the development of reading, writing, spelling, grammar, and dictionary skills. We introduce a large selection of high-quality children's literature to promote a love of reading. Our daily activities focus on age-appropriate literacy objectives, including letter recognition, letter sounds, and emerging reading and writing skills, in a non-intimidating format.

ASL (American Sign Language)

Besides being a fun way to communicate, American Sign Language is a complete and formally recognized language, enriching the lives of all who learn it. Children will be introduced to ASL during special classes, taught once a week by a certified ASL guest teacher. ASL will also be incorporated within the context of the school day, so children can really reap the benefits of this fascinating language. The benefits of learning ASL include:

American Sign Language is currently the third most used language and is formally recognized. This makes it a great second or third language for your child to learn and be skilled in.

Promotes the development of language skills.

Reinforces language skills already developed.

Reduces frustration at not being able to express needs.

Increases speed of spatial reasoning development.

Develops understanding of language for communication of emotions.

Creates feelings of satisfaction and accomplishment, in turn increasing your child's self-esteem.

May increase IQ.

Increases creative thinking.

Reduces unexplainable emotional outbursts.

Increases early literacy skills.

Sign Language can broaden your child's social skills.

Helps overall communication between children, parents, and teachers.

Mathematics

Activities will incorporate not solely numbers, but manipulative materials. Children will engage in the exciting world of numbers as they sort, construct, classify, and match. They also learn counting, measuring, and a variety of math skills, in a non-traditional hands-on kind of way. Children learn at their own pace, and all activities are tailored to their specific needs and learning capacity.

Science

We believe that nothing compares to experiencing nature first-hand, and therefore have developed an outdoor experience for your children like no one else. Our incredible outdoor facilities allow for children to spend much time outdoors, and learn all aspects of science hands-on, rather than simply through books and puzzles. Your child's mind for science will become stronger and they will be eager to learn and discover. Children will have the opportunity to learn about flowers, trees, fruits, vegetables, animals and insects. They will learn about growth cycles, actually plant seeds and be able to observe the growing process. They might watch butterflies hatch from chrysalises, observe birds building nests, or even build something of their own.

Music and Creative Arts

Singing, rhythm, movement and music appreciation are essential to the complete development of your child and will be incorporated into the weekly curriculum. Participation in creative arts and music allows for children to discover and showcase their unique talents. In addition, occasionally exposing children to works by master artists and allowing them to create their own interpretation inspires children to find their own unique voice and develop both sides of their brain.

Physical Development

We will work with children to develop their large motor skills. This includes activities such as running, jumping, throwing and kicking; as well as practice coordination skills, such as writing, drawing, cutting and other activities.

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