Early childhood education is a special time of learning. Preschoolers acquire a great deal of their knowledge and abilities participating in hands-on activities that engage all of their senses. St. Michael Preschool provides experiences that appeal to the interests and abilities of children ages two through five, allowing them to feel a sense of achievement in a safe learning atmosphere and setting the foundation for future learning.
Developmental learning objectives are the specific competencies and understandings that classroom teachers assist children in learning. Both teacher-guided and child-directed classroom activities can support mastery of these learning goals.
Thematic units help the child explore a wide variety of concepts while reinforcing developmental skills through play. Topics of special interest to the children determine classroom themes.
Learning centers create the environment for experiential learning. They normally include activities generated from the theme.
Areas of Development delivered through the standards:
- Spiritual
- Social and Emotional
- Approaches to Play and Learning
- Cognitive (Language and Literacy, Mathematical and Scientific concepts and abilities, thinking, reasoning and problem-solving skills)
- Physical Development and Health (Fine Motor and Large Muscle development, Self-Help, Health and Safety)
St. Michael Preschool follows a Pre-K curriculum written by the Diocese of Raleigh. It focuses on five areas of development; each area covers developmentally appropriate goals for two-, three-, four- and five–year-olds. CLICK HERE to learn more.
Classroom environments stimulate experiential learning and encourage exploration and discovery. They include art activities, block building, dramatic play, writing, library, manipulatives, puzzles, sensory tables, math and science materials.
Special Classes in Music and Creative Movement are offered as well as enrichment in the Cultural Arts through in-house field trips.
Faith Education is integrated throughout the early childhood curriculum, including Church Morning, and Bible stories with clergy. A variety of religious education materials are utilized. The goals of faith education for the child are to:
- Learn about Jesus’ life and teachings
- Grow in relationship with God
- Discover and appreciate God’s creation
- Worship God in prayer and song
- Begin to experience the Catholic traditions
- Exhibit Christian respect for self and others
PROGRAM ENTRANCE AGE REQUIREMENTS
2-year-old must be 2 by 8/31
3-year-old must be 3 by 8/31
4-year-old must be 4 by 8/31
5-year-old must be 5 by 10/31
The director reserves the right to extend the cut-off date for all programs. Children in our three, four, and five-year-old programs must be independently toilet trained. NO EXCEPTIONS. Neither pull-ups nor diapers are permitted.