PROGRAM OVERVIEW

St. John the Evangelist's preschool program, offered for three and four-year-olds, provides our youngest children with the opportunity to grow in a positive Christian atmosphere. The program is designed to meet the needs and interests of the young child based on the following goals:

• Enable children to be aware of God's love for them.
• Provide a happy and caring environment that nurtures growth and respect for self and others.
• Create opportunities for each child to act and interact in a positive and relaxing atmosphere.
• Teach with kindness, encouragement and direction.
• Help each child develop fine and gross motor skills.
• Promote reading, writing and math readiness skills.

At St. John the Evangelist, we consider it a privilege to serve our children and their parents. We strive to provide enriching and loving experiences for each child, helping them grow gradually in cooperation and independence.

PHILOSOPHY

In early childhood, we believe that all children can learn naturally, in a social environment. Each individual's cognitive, physical, social and emotional growth needs to be nurtured and supported. SJE's preschool program is based on the premise that children construct knowledge through discovery in free play as well as through social interactions with peers and adults.

We provide an enriched environment for reading and math readiness skills. Children use hands-on activities in order to learn by meaningful experiences and relevant connections to the world around them. Our role is that of facilitator; whereby we help children to become responsible for their own learning and at the same time, provide opportunities for children to refine their social skills.

CURRICULUM

SJE's program is designed to suit the developmental needs of young children, promoting their spiritual, emotional, social, physical, and intellectual growth. The curriculum is comprehensive and well-rounded and includes the following components:

• Religion
• Reading Readiness
• Math Readiness
• Language
• Dramatic Play
• Art
• Music
• Sharing
• Health & Safety
• Personal & Social Development
• Multicultural Awareness
• Independent Play
• Following Directions
• Fine & Large Motor Skills

The curriculum uses a "hands-on" approach to learning in general. Multi-sensory activities enhancing the total development of the children are planned according to a thematic unit.

THREE-YEAR-OLD PROGRAM
(for children who are 3 by August 1st)

FOUR-YEAR-OLD PROGRAM
(for children who are 4 by August 1st)

St John the Evangelist follows NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) guidelines for student/teacher ratios; 8/1 for three-year-olds and 10/1 for four-year-olds. Classes are taught by a degreed, licensed preschool teacher supported by two teacher assistants.

More detailed information about SJE's preschool program is available by contacting the school at 219-365-5451.