Early Childhood Program

Religious Studies Students pray daily and learn the lessons taught by Jesus and the saints. Children in the Early Childhood Program come together regularly for prayer services developed specifically for their level of development. 

Math and Science Discussion and recognition of body parts and shapes in their environment. 
The calendar and weather are introduced and discussed daily at circle time. Concepts of  
counting, pouring, sifting, shaking and sorting are explored through teacher-led play times. 

Reading Readiness Capital letters are studied daily and children are taught to recognize their printed name. Interest in books is developed through reading and listening to books. learning to follow left-to-right prepares children for reading. 

The Arts Rhythm is explored through singing, dancing and playing simple instruments. Art 
projects enhance sensory studies through painting, coloring, drawing and shaping with clay and other tactile materials.

Life Skills  Children are taught to follow oral direction, listen quietly to stories, speak clearly and show respect and concern for people and things. Students learn to dress, use the restroom and wash and dry their hands independently. Learning to make friends, playing and sharing cooperatively are emphasized through daily activities. 

Children practice decision making when choosing their area of play throughout the day. Activities such as puzzles, building blocks, bead stringing, books, train table, art materials and dramatic play are available to help develop fine motor coordination and stimulate 
cooperative play. 

Writing. painting, gluing and scissor skills are developed with teacher assistance. Assembling puzzles and building with blocks during play time enhance fine motor skills. Daily indoor and outdoor play time gives children the opportunity to expand gross motor skills.  

Religious Studies Bible stories and Christian values are the major focus of this special time each morning. Every month has a different religious theme. 

Reading & Language  Various language experiences with finger plays, songs and stories are enjoyed each day. Phonetic sounds, letter recognition, application of letter sounds, sight words and vocabulary are introduced the second half of the year. 

Mathematics Introduction to number quantity, cardinal numbers recognition, ordinal numbers, 
patterns, geometric shapes, sequencing, graphing, and spatial relationships is provided. The calendar, days of the week, months of the year, birthdays and holidays are discussed during the daily math lesson.

Children practice decision making when choosing their area of play throughout the day. Activities such as puzzles, building blocks, bead stringing, books, train table, art materials and dramatic play are available to help develop fine motor coordination and stimulate 
cooperative play. 

Fine motor activities as well as hand coordination skills gradually increase in difficulty as students become more proficient. Activities with paper crafts, paint, clay, scissors and worksheets are aligned with the monthly theme. 

During the Kindergarten year, the children participate in varied activities presented through incremental development, allowing new learning to gradually build upon current knowledge with regular practice reinforcing both. Students learn through hands-on experiences, discussions, explorations and oral and written practice.

Kindergarten teachers institute a program that fosters independence, self-confidence, self-control and problem solving through the following curriculum: