Magdalen's Preschool

From the Director:

Physical Growth (Large Motor Skills) language development Understanding relationships Sorting and Classifying Counting and measuring Discovering lines and pages The five senses Problem solving Exploring Creativity Self-esteem These skills will be fostered through a variety of appropriate play and child-oriented activities. An underlying Christian understanding is present throughout the program. It helps us work and grow together, as well as to deal with difficult situations.

Our Purpose and Philosophy...
The purpose of the preschool program at St. Mary Magdalen Church is to provide a Christian education, in a warm, caring, environment for the young children of the community. The primary objective is to teach the children about the love of their Savior, Jesus Christ.

Our program will provide opportunities for the children to grow spiritually, socially, intellectually, emotionally, and physically, and to gain confidence in their God-given abilities. It is designed to help build a solid foundation for success in future schoolwork.

The early childhood years are an important time in the development of the child. Most of the potential for learning is established by age six. During this time, children need a stimulating environment in which they can build on their knowledge and experiences through educational play, social interaction, problem solving, exploration, and discovery. Many opportunities will be provided for the children to explore and manipulate a variety of materials. "Play" is a very important part of the preschool classroom, and much of the learning takes place through teacher-directed and self-directed play activities. Through these activities, children develop social and language skills, learn to handle their emotions, and learn about God's wonderful world.

We believe that a Christian education in these early years lays an important foundation in the spiritual life and overall development of the child. The sharing of God's love permeates all that is done throughout the day.

Three-year olds will be working mostly on social development; sharing, taking turns, following a routine, sitting for circle time, etc. because of their maturity level. We will look at colors, shapes, months, days of the week, and numbers. Four-year olds and "Early Fives" will be preparing for kindergarten. Our plan is to make the transition from preschool to kindergarten as smooth as possible.

Typical Daily Schedule

15 Minutes ~ Free Play
Children arrive ~ Attendance is taken
Children choose from cognitively oriented manipulatives

20 Minutes ~ Chapel Time/Music Time/ Science
Children and teachers meet in Chapel for Prayer and Worship ~ (Music) Songs and Games ~ (Science) lessons for children attending third day.

10 Minutes ~ Bathroom Break
Classes break for "Potty Break" and Clean up before snack. Children are allowed to use barthroom facilities on a "on-call" basis whenever they need.

20 Minutes ~ Prayer and Snack

20 Minutes ~ Art Projects
Children in classroom and work on Art Project that accomplish curricular goals and theme lessons.

30 Minutes ~ Free Play
Free Choice Time - Children are free to choose from any area on the playground or in the playroom including blocvks, art, sensory table, computer, books, manipulatives, dramatic play, riding toys, and climbers.

15 Minutes ~ Circle Time
Children and teachers meet for circle time in classrooms for faith development and to wrap up the day with songs, dance, games, and "show & tell".

10 Minutes ~ Clean-Up Time
Children participate in bringing the room back to order.

10 Minutes ~ Dismissal
Teachers ready children to go home.

Open House, Monthly News Letter, Web site, and Student Evaluations.

We ask parents to leave their child with us. We will stay with the student until they feel comfortable. If the child is unable to calm down we contact the parent and work out a solution together.