Children entering the Pre-Kindergarten program must turn four years old before September 1st. The child must also be fully independent in the bathroom before being admitted into the program. Readiness is a developmental process, which is different for every child. Neurological, psychological, and intellectual maturation, experience, and even gender are factors that may influence reading readiness. Readiness occurs at different ages in different children. One cannot wait for readiness, nor can it be accelerated. It must be provided through proper environment and activities through both the home and school experience. Our Pre-Kindergarten curriculum is designed to help the four-year old or five-year old develop his/her beginning reading skills to the fullest potential.
The Pre-Kindergarten program provides a hands-on learning approach that engages each child through play, providing them with meaningful learning experiences. The classroom is center based, which is guided by our highly qualified and certified teachers and staff. These centers include: dramatic play, a writing center, blocks, art, a sensory table, library, table toys, and much more. These learning centers allow the children to explore their world in a way that is fun and engaging. In addition to the learning centers, the children will also learn through lessons centered on the weekly theme. These lessons will be based on the Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards, and will be catered to the learning needs of each child.
*Language Arts – The children are introduced to a new letter each week but not limited to just that letter. They will also learn their corresponding sound using sign language. When a child learns a new letter, they not only learn the sound the letter makes, but they also learn to sign the letter that corresponds with the sound. The children will develop their writing skills by learning how to hold a pencil correctly, practice writing each new letter, and learning how to write their first and last name. They will be given a sight word each week to help prepare them for reading readiness.
*Mathematics - The children will learn the four standard areas of mathematics: Numbers and Operations, Algebraic Concepts, Geometry, and Measurement, Data, and Probability. The children will learn through various activities and projects that will allow them to learn at their own pace. These activities include sorting various objects (like leaves in the fall) by color, shape, and size. They will also create and continue patterns with beads, counting bears, etc. The children will learn basic and solid shapes by using molding clay to construct their own solid shapes. With number operations, the children will be given hands-on learning through manipulatives, games, and projects that will also incorporate interpretation of data collected by the students. Measurement will be used while creating their own play-doh, and through other sensory materials. Students who are ready to add and subtract will be given the opportunity to learn how to use these skills, including greater than, less than, and equal to.
*Science - To begin learning the scientific method, the children will begin to learn to use simple scientific tools and experience God’s creation by learning how and why. Science experiments will be conducted weekly based on the weekly theme.
*Social Studies - Throughout the year, the children will explore the world by learning about other cultures. There will be themes throughout the year that will allow the children to experience the lives of other children in the world. After learning about these cultures, they will use their accumulated knowledge to engage in a dramatic play experience.
*Arts and Crafts- Increasing fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination allow students to use simple tools such as scissors and pencils. The children also practice how to follow simple two-step directions through the process of art.
*Bible- The children will learn that we can have a relationship with God, as well as develop proper relationships with one another. Students will also be introduced to the Biblical character traits of listening, faith, forgiveness, joy, orderliness, sharing, giving, fairness, and loyalty. They will learn these Biblical principles through verses, lessons, and songs.
Sample of Pre-Kindergarten’s Daily Schedule:
7:40-8:00 - Arrival and free play
8:05-8:35 - Prayer, Pledges and Circle Time
8:35-8:45 - Bathroom Break
8:45-10:00 - Learning Center Fun and Individual/Team Table Time
10:00-10:15 - Snack
10:15 - 10:20 - Bathroom Break
10:20-10:50 - Gross Motor Fun (outdoor or indoor recess)
10:50-11:00 - Wrap Up and Prayer
11:00 - 11:15 - Dismissal
*Our Full Day Program is available for Preschool students. The description of the program is listed below.
