Preschool

The St Francis Preschool philosophy can be best described through the following principles:

• We are fortunate to be able to provide a faith based education to the children in our program.
  The foundation of everything we teach begins with the teachings of God. We pray, we love each other, we show kindness and mercy toward one another. We are teaching them to be good people, a quality that is vital to our future.

• The child is the most important teacher in our program.
  Keeping in mind that no two children are alike or learn in exactly the same way, it is our responsibility as educators to recognize and adapt to the individual needs of the children in our program.
• The early years of children’s lives are the most critical when it comes to their development.
  They are growing and learning at a phenomenal rate. We believe that it is very important to have a child in an environment that is consistent and secure. The environment of the classroom, as well as the school and playground, are places to explore freely with all the senses as well as areas to create, climb, construct, pretend, read, and daydream. Simply being in a loving and nurturing environment forms a positive learning foundation. This foundation sets children up for a successful elementary, middle and high school and beyond career. We strive to provide an environment where children are as comfortable here as they are in their own homes.
• Children play.
  Play is powerful and it is how young children learn. It is their work. Children do not develop skills in isolation. A child is simultaneously developing as an individual emotionally, physically, and cognitively and in a group setting they are developing socially. We provide a positive environment for children to learn those social and emotional skills while learning respect for themselves, and others, as well as kindness, compassion and love. Children learn by the example they see. We are committed to fostering an atmosphere of respect and kindness in all of the relationships that surround the children in our care-child to child, adult to child, and adults to each other.

As your child’s teacher…

I will strive to provide a safe, comfortable, stimulating, fun, and educational environment with a structured day plan. Activities will include free playtime, structured playtime, gross (large) motor skills playtime, fine (small) motor skills activities, story time and theater activities, arts and crafts, music and dance activities, nature and ecology awareness, nutrition, cultural activities, and other educational yet fun activities. I will also encourage good personal hygiene skills and manners.