Academic Curriculum
Our academic curriculum is written by staff with the oversight of the director who has over 40 years of experience in education and curriculum development studies. Our end goal is that each student will be introduced to the most positive learning experience possible as well as being more than prepared to succeed in the public school system. Assessments are done for students 3 times per year, September, December/January and April. That way we are able to make recommendations to parents as necessary.
We pull from several curriculum such as Handwriting Without Tears and ABeka. We allow our teacher the flexibility to include lessons that they find inspirational for their students. Some units will never be found in purchased curriculum. Units such as our simple machines and arctic units. Studies introducing concepts include: literature, mathematics, patterning, art, music, movement, science, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and perhaps most importantly, proper social behaviors.
We believe that it's the quality of the teaching staff, with continuing training, that makes the difference to create a vibrant program, .
Arts and Crafts
Arts and crafts are an important part of the preschool learning process. They provide an opportunity for freedom of expression and creativity. They build motor and hand-eye coordination, and develop visual-spatial perception. In addition the children have an opportunity to produce a product which relates to the current area of study or holiday.
Bible Story Time and Activity
Our Bible curriculum is created and developed yearly by the director. Our annual plan is built each August. Our focus is to teach spoonfuls of the Gospel message, amounts that are appropriate for preschool age children level of understand. Our lessons are basic Bible lessons that are often reinforced during class time activities. All classes are on the same lesson, and have the same memory verse.
Painting
Painting is a wonderful expressive activity for preschoolers. We encourage you to send your child to school in clothing that will not be ruined by a little paint. All children will wear smocks to cover their shirts however; there is no way we can avoid all paint spills – although we make every effort to keep accidents to a minimum.
If your child does get tempera paint on his/her clothes, the following is the recommended way to remove it:
1. Allow paint to dry – Tempera returns to a powder state when the water evaporates.
2. Brush out the remaining powder with an old toothbrush.
3. Rub in some laundry detergent.
4. Launder as usual.
Playground
Every class has an opportunity to go out to the playground on a daily basis for a minimum of 15 minutes, weather permitting. Unless it is raining or snowing please plan for your child to go outside. In the winter it is especially important to dress them accordingly, including hat, gloves and coat.
Our playground is regularly inspected for safety by a licensed playground safety inspector. All pieces of equipment have been chosen to challenge the ages of our preschool students.
Show and Tell
Teachers may schedule a Show and Tell time. Children may bring objects to show or they may tell about something. Please have items clearly marked with your child’s name. It is school policy that guns, knives and swords must never be brought, even for Show and Tell. Please explain this to your child so we won’t have to take the toy and return it to the parent. They will not be allowed to show these items during Show and Tell. Please do not send anything that is irreplaceable or valuable to school.
Snacks
The school provides water for the children each day. Parents provide snacks for their child every day. Some suggestions for snacks are: fruit pieces, carrot and celery sticks, cheese slices, crackers, goldfish crackers, pudding bars, yogurt, etc. If you forget to pack a snack, the office will provide a snack for your child that day, however please send in a replacement snack so we can keep our pantry stocked.
Food restrictions will be reviewed annually, and addressed as per the needs of our student community.
PE, Movement
Each Thursday all classes will receive a PE/movement class. Those lesson plans are based on age appropriate developmental expectations. Movement is key. We will use a variety of equipment including scarves, ribbons, bean bags, hoops, balls, fields and hills. Music will be introduced through movement time throughout the school year. Our PE teacher is Mrs. Rebecca Lotane who has a degree in Health and PE and 40 years of experience in dance education and well as fitness education. A love of fitness and movement is our goal.
