Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten Curriculum

The preschool and pre-kindergarten programs follow the guidelines for developmentally appropriate practice for two- to five-year olds, as recommended by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The curriculum is theme-based, and provides children with a wide scope of experiences to enhance and promote each child’s learning style. It is designed to reach the whole child – spiritually, physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively. Each theme is age appropriate and responsive to children’s interests.

Our preschool and pre-kindergarten programs are designed to foster the development of basic skills and an enthusiasm for learning that will lead to successful classroom experiences. Teachers provide a stimulating environment that includes a suitable mix of structured learning activities and unstructured playtime. The curriculum includes religion, language arts, math, science, art and music. Instruction by a special instructor in Spanish, music, and art begins in senior pre-kindergarten.

Our commitment to spiritual development is evident in the spiritual component of our preschool and pre-kindergarten programs that are based on the knowledge that “Jesus is our Friend.” Through various activities, the child becomes aware of our Heavenly Father, creation, and a sense of self while learning to relate to God and Jesus. Simple prayers are repeated in all the programs, and children’s songs, Bible stories, and creative dramatics are also used to further enhance the child’s connection to personal faith.

The junior preschool, two-year old program introduces the toddler to a nurturing, structured environment that encourages interactions with others. These young children are introduced to hands-on art activities, songs, finger plays, stories, and Jesus in a developmentally appropriate atmosphere. Themes are employed to help develop social and cognitive skills in the young child.

The preschool, three-year old program incorporates a curriculum that further enhances the socialization of the young child. Interactions with classmates, teachers, and teacher assistants are integral parts of the total program. The three-year old child is exposed to good literature, finger plays, music, art, and other sensory experiences. Skills are developed through the use of games, fine and gross motor activities, songs, and The Letter People.

The pre-kindergarten, four-year old program further develops the child’s place in the community. Pre-reading and pre-math skills are introduced in a engaging and enjoyable atmosphere. Jolly Phonics, a developmental phonics program, is incorporated into daily activities. Through the use of manipulatives and learning boxes, children learn such skills as sorting, patterns, attributes, numbers, comparison, letters, and simple phonics. Pre-kindergarten students can also participate in our Lunch Bunch/Extended Day Program.

Overall, Holy Family Catholic Academy strives to provide the best possible Early Childhood education in a faith-based, Catholic Christian environment. Specifically, our goals are:

• To provide a safe and nurturing environment for the young child;
• To provide an education that develops a life-long learner;
• To integrate the morals and values of the family and faith in daily learning;
• To provide experiences that enhance and enrich learning;
• To allow the child to appreciate his/her abilities and those of others;
• To foster a deep faith, based on the knowledge that “Jesus is our Friend.”