Our program challenges students academically while allowing a broad continuum of developmental activities into each school day. God’s Word is woven throughout our total teaching program.
Preschool & Pre-Kindergarten ~ Full-day Options
We offer full day options (minimum of two days) with our Focused Learning Time from 8:30-12:00 daily.
Curriculum
Our curriculum standards are those set forth by the state of PA . The PA Early Learning Standards are referenced by each teacher in lesson plans submitted to administration on a weekly basis. Biblical truths are integrated with every lesson.
Preschool and PreK teachers have created thematic units of study which are incorporated within all domains of learning. Units consist of hands-on materials, manipulatives, and age-appropriate activities. Preschool and PreK students have periods of Spanish, music, gym, STEM and art classes taught by teachers who hold degrees in these disciplines (see Activities listed below).
Pre-kindergarten teachers use a comprehensive program from MacMillan McGraw-Hill Publishing titled “Little Treasures” which incorporates elements of science, math, literacy, social studies, music and language to provide the pre-kindergarten child with a solid foundation for kindergarten. (see Activities listed below)
The Bible program is supported using Hands On Bible curriculum for Preschool and PreK, published by Group Publishing. Bible truths are integrated into the entire curriculum.
Activities
Bible is integrated into our program through formal and informal methods through verse memorization to stories and songs. God’s Word serves as integral part of our total program.
Learning Stations occur as students choose from a variety of available activities including math, art, science, language arts, dramatic play. Learning center periods offer children opportunities to experience hands-on activities that strengthen motor skills, practice academic skills that have been introduced, provide social interaction and practice using social skills, and provide children with time for self-initiated activities. Center time also allows the teacher opportunities to model and guide learning and behavior.
Language Experiences occur during Circle time using children’s literature, role play, and imagination as well as social experiences and teacher directed activities.
Small Motor Experiences may focus on finger and hand control to paint, draw, mold clay and play dough or construct with building materials such as Legos.
Physical Education classes are held weekly in our full-size gymnasium (or outdoors, weather permitting). Students in preschool will learn basic loco-motor movements (i.e. hopping, jumping, galloping, and sliding). They will begin to throw, roll, kick, and catch various objects. Students will learn how to move in space, and be aware of others around them through various games and activities. Pre-Kindergarten students will begin to master loco-motor movements and add movements such as skipping and animal movements. The students will continue to throw, roll, catch, kick, and begin to strike various objects. The students will focus on following directions and learning how to follow them the first time given through various activities and games.
Music classes are part of each week taught by a faculty member who has attained her degree in this discipline. Students will be exposed to a wide variety of musical styles and explore musical pattern maps and instrument families. Rhythm instruments are used to teach the basics of music notation, rhythm and meter. They will learn opposites as they apply to music (ie. loud (forte), soft (piano), fast, slow, high, low) and use their bodies and voices to explore the differences. Students will also be exposed to basic musical concepts: rhythm, and pitch.
Ipads are located in each classroom and used to supplement learning activities appropriate for each developmental level or age. Timers are used in order that each student who desires may have opportunity to experience learning through the use of technology.
Art classes are taught weekly in the art classroom by a certified art instructor.
Spanish classes are taught weekly by a certified Spanish instructor.
STEM classes are taught monthly by a certified STEM instructor and incorporate a variety of hands-on learning.
Student Assessment
Student assessment through Teaching Strategies GOLD is reported to parents by way of Progress Reports and Family Reports. Progress Reports are a guide to your child’s progress conducted through on-going formal and informal evaluations and assessments conducted by the teacher(s). Parent-teacher meetings or conferences are held near the end of January and May and are available at the parents’ discretion throughout the school year.
