Our Preschool program is for children ages three and four (before Aug.1). We feel very fortunate to be able to offer a high quality program with a skilled teaching staff. All of our classroom teachers are degreed and are experienced in early childhood education. Qualified teacher assistants will also be assisting in the classrooms. Our program provides an up-to-date, imaginative and stimulating learning environment for your child in a well-equipped, child-centered school setting. The religious school atmosphere provides value-guided interaction and modeling for the younger child. Our early childhood program is designed to develop children's knowledge and skills in all developmental areas -- physical, social, emotional, and intellectual. All children must be completely toilet trained and able to manage bathroom needs independently. You may enroll your four-year-old child in our 4-year -old program for five days a week half day or full day. You may enroll your three-year-old child in our Preschool program for five full days, five half days or three (MWF) half days per week. The time for our Preschool K program is from 8:00 am until 11:00. Saint Michael Preschool classes take place from mid August to mid May and generally follow the Saint Michael School calendar. A separate childcare program is available at St. Michael for parents that need care for their children after the Preschool day ends. The hours of our After School Care Program are 2:30 pm to 6:00 pm.(All families are required to register and complete forms with St. Michael After School Care)
The most important goal at Saint Michael is for your child to feel good about him/herself and secure within our school environment. This will be the first school experience for many of the children. In the beginning of the year, we will concentrate on helping the children get comfortable with their new environment, make new friends, and learn a new routine.
Although the schedules and ability levels will vary, each class will spend part of the day in supervised “free choice” learning centers. This fosters independence in children, because they are able to make choices on their own. The centers will vary according to ability level and the weekly theme, but may include: art, home living, blocks, easel, manipulatives, computers, writing center, puzzles, books, listening centers, and games. These learning centers are fun for the children and provide one on one instruction with the teacher while reinforcing specific skills.
Another important part of each day will be spent in large group activities. This time will include stories, finger plays, songs, movement activities, listening games, calendar activities, as well as lessons on specific topics or themes. Emphasis will be on balancing activities to help the child's active interest. Large motor time with physical activities will be provided either indoors or outside.
We are excited about a new school year and are looking forward to meeting our new students. If you have any questions or concerns, you may leave a message at the School office at 502-267-6155 and Marica Carrico, Preschool Director, will be glad return your call as soon as possible.
