Curriculum: Early Childhood
Our early childhood curriculum is designed to nurture the spiritual, academic, physical, and social needs of the young child. Children learn by exploring and developing social, emotional, and cognitive skills. Centers and theme units are presented to challenge and stimulate the children through their hands-on participation. The children receive individual, small group, and whole group instruction, which develops their skills with letters, numbers, and writing. Creativity in art, music, role-playing, and storytelling is encouraged and stimulated through lively play and fun activities. Parental communication is a vital component of the program. Each class has a certified teacher and a full-time aide.
The religious education program consists of a multi-dimensional approach to developing the young child’s spirituality. Children learn about God and our faith through teacher-designed activities and by attending school liturgies. They learn to respect and appreciate others, and they develop an awareness of their place in the world around them. Pre-K4 uses the Pflaum Gospel Weeklies Faith Formation Program. Kindergarten uses the I Am Special religion series.
Our readiness curriculum is designed to provide the emerging reader with age appropriate reading and writing skills. Phonics is an integral component of the early reading curriculum. Children are read to each day. They may also choose books to read from the classroom library. Kindergarten uses the Rowland Reading Program: Meet the Superkids for reading development.
Number concepts and relationships are taught through the use of a wide variety of manipulatives and teacher directed activities. The program also develops problem solving and analytical thinking. Kindergarten uses the Harcourt math curriculum.
Children are given the opportunity for active, hands-on learning. Center activities are varied and rotated according to the weekly theme. Centers provide a multi-sensory approach to age appropriate learning.
The daily curriculum includes the additional core subjects of science, social studies, art, and music. Each day the students receive an enrichment class of physical education, computer, music, library, or guidance. In addition, Kindergarten’s curriculum includes one day of French.