PHILOSOPHY AND PROGRAM
 
The Pre-School Program is geared toward helping children discover rich years of living so that they can live those years with the greatest of joy, using their physical, intellectual, social and emotional powers to the fullest.  A sound Christian setting will provide the stimuli in establishing basic values for their future.  Religion is incorporated into all aspects of Pre-School life - Loving, Caring, Respecting.  We look upon each child as unique and special, therefore we will strive to meet the child “where he/she is.”  We draw upon the family as a source of support and assistance in the learning process of their children.
 
Our curriculum consists of many experiences based on the needs in these areas: 

• Children need opportunities to observe, experiment and manipulate. 
• Children need opportunities to express themselves through language, art, music, dramatic play and creative movement. 
• Children need opportunities to develop motor skills for better control and coordination.

  
OBJECTIVES 

• To provide a setting where “LOVE” comes first and permeates the atmosphere.
• To build a positive self-concept and pride in each child. 
• To provide appropriate and meaningful play experiences that are based upon individual needs, interests and age levels.
• To provide the opportunity of being with the same peer group for development of wholesome social relationships. 
• To develop creative and intellectual abilities.
• To build an atmosphere that recognizes the importance of a caring relationship between child and adult.

  ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
 
The program is designed for 3 and 4 year-old children whose birthdays are prior to December 1.  Children must be toilet trained and have no serious medical or behavioral problems that would hinder participation in the program.
 
New York State requires that a doctor’s health form must be filled out and returned to the school before the first day the child attends school.
 
SESSIONS:

PreK-3 AM	2 Days-Mon., Wed.	8:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
PreK-3 AM	2 Days- Tues, Thurs.	8:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
PreK-4 AM	3 Days - Mon, Wed, Fri	8:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
PreK-4 PM	3 Days - Mon, Wed, Fri	11:45 a.m. –  2:15 p.m.
OR:
PreK-4 AM	5 Days - Mon- Fri.	8:30 a.m.  – 11:00 a.m.
PreK-4 PM	5 Days - Mon- Fri.	11:45 a.m. –   2:15 p.m.

Wrap-Around Program  for PreK -3 and PreK- 4   11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
 
CLASS SIZE: 

PreK-3     Max. class size – 16 students  Student-Teacher ratio 8:1
PreK-4     Max. class size – 22 students  Student-Teacher ratio 11:1

 
SAMPLE OF A DAILY PROGRAM (A.M. or P.M.)
 

TIME	ACTIVITIES	GOALS
8:30 - 8:45	Arrival, greetings	Social growth, self-esteem and health awareness
8:45 - 9:00	CIRCLE TIME: Prayer Calendar Topic Talk	Learning to express themselves Taking turns Listening to others
9:00 - 9:15	RELIGION	Awareness of God
9:15 - 10:00	GUIDED PLAY Individual/group play Arts-crafts-cooking Exploring Interest Ideas: Dramatic play Blocks - puzzles Fine motor activities Individual work with teacher on folders	Developing personal relationships and interactions Fostering ability to make choices Teaching care of materials Increasing fine motor skills
10:00 - 10:15	SNACK - REST - QUIET	Develop responsibility for own needs Awareness of others’ needs Experiment with new foods
10:15 - 10:30	Story - filmstrips Finger plays Nursery rhymes	Increase listening and memory skills Dramatic exploration
10:30 - 10:45	MUSIC Songs Creative movement Rhythmic activities	Express imagination and creativity Increase auditory skills Increase large motor skills and coordination
10:45 - 10:55	Prepare for dismissal	Evaluation of day

SPECIALS:

PK3 – Music Special once a week in music room
PK4 – Music and Phys Ed once a week