PROGRAM GOALS:
PHILOSOPHY
We are dedicated to the philosophy that young children grow in an orderly and sequential manner with predictable stages of development. We recognize that each child is unique and accept each child at their current stage of development. It is our intention to nurture the development of the whole child-physical, emotional, social, cognitive and spiritual growth.
The program shall provide each child with age appropriate experiences, which will encourage:
1. Self-esteem and positive self-image
2. Social interaction
3. Self-expression and communication skills
4. Creative expression
5. Large and small muscle development
6. Intellectual growth
7. Spiritual Development
The program schedule shall be planned to provide a flexible balance of:
1. Active and quiet activities
2. Individual and group activities
3. Indoor and weather permitting outdoor activities
The thematic approach is used for curriculum development at St. John’s. Thematic teaching enhances learning by allowing children to make connections between the various experiences during a school day.
Themes may include the following:
Family, Zoo Animals, Shapes, Farm, Self Concept, Seasons , Colors, Holidays, Pets
Religion
1. Create Christian atmosphere in the classroom.
2. Children will see themselves as God’s children.
3. Feel secure in God’s love and care.
4. God made us all special.
5. Listen to God and Jesus stories.
Self
1. Points to facial features
2. Drinks from a glass and eats without mom
3. Begins to understand cleanliness
4. Helps put things away
5. Identifies self by pictures
Math
1. Understand concept of “one”
2. Counts to 5
3. Points to big and little objects
Science
1. Knows names of three animals
2. Associate words like block, car, and crayon with objects
3. Matches two color samples
Art-Fine Motor Skills
1. Applies glue to paper
2. Paints with large brush
3. Colors with crayons and markers
Play
1. The child will be provided with plenty of opportunities for play.
2. Children will be able to choose what they want to play and with whom.
3. Child development shall be fostered through selection of a variety of equipment.
a. Provide for large muscle development
b. Provide for construction activities & for the development of manipulative skills
c. Encourage social interaction
d. Provide for intellectual stimulation
e. Encourage creative expression
Music
1. Music will be used to help teach all concepts of the curriculum
2. Sing and praise God
3. Play simple rhythm games
Creative Movement
1. Develop large muscle coordination
2. Simple games
3. Move creatively to different types of music
Discipline
1. Children will learn to make appropriate choices & be accountable for their choices.
2. Teachers will talk with children about inappropriate behavior & discuss alternatives.
3. Time out will be used at the discretion of the individual teacher.
4. Parents may be asked for a conference to discuss chronic discipline problems.
5. The school has the right to terminate the enrollment of any child that hinders the learning and safety of other children.
