Program Overview
The Center for Early Childhood Education at St. Mary's Prep provides a safe, friendly, nurturing envi-ronment which supports a child's wants and needs. We offer an opportunity to develop their natural creativity and a love of learning. Each day is balanced with opportunities for discovery and generous outdoor playtime.
The curriculum is structured to instill in each student a strong foundation of social, emotional, physical and cognitive skills. Large and small motor skills are used every day to ensure each child is prepared to enter Kindergarten. One of the main goals of the program is to educate the whole child. Therefore, chil-dren learn manners and respect for themselves and others through everyday interactions.
Additionally, the children will be given the opportunity to develop self-confidence and practice deci¬sion-making skills. Children are encouraged to progress at their own place according to their abilities in an effort to ensure that their learning experience is fun, as well as rewarding.
The Center for Early Childhood Education at St. Mary's Prep offers educational programs for 3 and 4 year old children. The following sessions are available:
5 full days — 8:00 AM — 3 PM
5 half days — 8:00 AM — 11:30 AM
Please call the main school office to discuss optional schedules. Before and After Care are available.
Program Curriculum
Our curriculum is facilitated in both small and large group settings and aims to achieve the following learning objectives:
Reading Readiness: Letters, sounds, rhyming words, connect the dots, oral directions, simple stories, upper & lower case letters, first & last names, listening skills.
Math Readiness: Numbers in & out of sequence; shapes — square, circle, rectangle, triangle; more & less; first, second, third, fourth & fifth; matching & sorting
Religion: Sign of the Cross; introduction to traditional Catholic prayers; Christian values — God, love, friendship & sharing; holidays & their meanings.
Science: Recognize loud & soft sounds; sort objects according to size, length & shape; plants & growth; seasons; five senses; magnets and transportation.
Social Studies: Address, phone number, dialing 911, citizenship & family life, community helpers & careers.
Art: Use of different materials; cut, paste & paint; following directions; being creative; improvement of muscle control; color sorting & matching.
Music: Nursery rhymes, songs, finger plays, clapping, marching & dancing, use of instruments, music appreciation.
Our curriculum will also include weekly computer, library and physical education lessons.
