PRESCHOOL - 3 DAY

The joy of the Lord is my strength! - Nehemiah 8:10

Carolyn Smith

Mrs. Smith has a Bachelor of Communications from Washington State University. Prior to staying home full-time with her two children, Carolyn was the Director for preschool swimming at the YMCA. In previous years she has also substituted in the St. Nicholas preschool program.

“I love that as a preschool team, we get to have an impact on their first school experience and help foster a love of learning. I look forward to creating a safe, warm and fun learning environment for our littlest learners. “

csmith@sncsgh.org

Your child is ready for preschool at SNCS if he/she:

  • Is 3 years old by Aug 31 of enrollment year

  • Is fully independent in the restroom (no diapers)

  • Can separate from parents

  • Follows simple instructions with minimal assistance

The St. Nicholas Preschool program is a play-based program for three year old children that is

rooted in developmentally appropriate practices and building a relationship with Jesus Christ.

We lay a foundation for a love of learning with reading readiness, number concepts, fine and

gross motor skills, listening and following directions. Our goal is to encourage children to

acquire self-esteem, compassion for others, a sense of community and a spirit of sharing.

CURRICULUM:

Religion

Children will get to know Jesus Christ, the Catholic faith, learn and practice prayers, and will celebrate the liturgical year (Advent and Holy Days).

Social skills

We place a large focus on social and emotional development and practice these skills through center time play and small group play. Our preschoolers learn to express emotions, work collaboratively with peers, resolve conflicts and interact in a respectful manner with adults.

Personal Skills

We focus on growing the whole child with great attention to kindness, sharing, love for others, respect of personal belongings, building relationships, self-confidence, working with peers and independent learning.

Pre- academics

Children are introduced to literature, pre-handwriting and our Zoophonics program that focuses on alphabet letter sounds. Basic math concepts are introduced through counting, patterning, sorting and one-to one correspondence. Children will build upon their natural curiosity to investigate and make sense of the world by focusing on scientific discovery. We will learn about self, family, school helpers, community helpers, traditions, celebrations, other cultures. Children will participate in projects to help others in need.

Motor skills

We use movement, art, song and dance and outdoor play to develop both fine and gross motor skills.

 During the school day children will have an opportunity to:

·         Have student choice

·         Work in groups and 1:1 with teachers to develop pre-academic skills

·         Listen and participate at Circle/prayer time

·         Outdoor/recess time: We play outside almost every day, weather permitting

·         Centers (learning centers that focus on math concepts, science, literacy, art or fine motor skills)

·         Snack