CURRICULUM

The goal of the preschool is to achieve proper and adequate development of students in terms of academic learning, spiritual growth, and healthy social, emotional, and physical performance. The preschool program involves activities designed to encourage growth and development in all five of these areas. For example, academic learning is encouraged through exposure to letters and sounds, stories told and read numbers and counting, colors and their names, etc. Weekly chapel, formal and informal prayer, daily Bible teaching, and applications appropriate to the age of the children encourage faith in God and an understanding of His love through Jesus. Growths in social and emotional skills are encouraged as teachers and students relate to each other in daily interactions. Physical skills and development are encouraged through activities that involve large and small muscle coordination. Outdoor activity takes place every day that the weather allows. We also have a full size gym that we utilize for physical activity during adverse weather.

2½--3 yr. old Program: We use Abeka Curriculum for phonics, language development, and numbers. We also use Thompson Delmar Learning to provide hands on activities in Art, pre-math, and pre-science. Children have both direct instruction and group activities to enhance their learning. We utilize circle time, centers, and small group activities. Upon completion of this program the student should have a solid foundation of the basics and make a smooth transition into our Pre-kindergarten program.    

4 yr. old Pre-kindergarten Program: We use Abeka Curriculum for Phonics and Counting. We also use Essentials Curriculum for hands-on math, science, social studies, and art activities. By blending the two curriculums it gives the students a well-rounded program of study. We base our program of study upon the Milestones of Learning Guide established by the State of Virginia. Students who have completed our Pre-kindergarten program are well prepared to enter both private and public kindergarten classes.

Daily Schedules: Daily activities are scheduled to incorporate all areas of learning and development. Regularly scheduled activities in the preschool may include circle time, calendar, weather, Bible stories, academic studies, developmental learning centers, snack time, chapel, lunch, outdoor activities, naptime, and story time, music and art.

Assessment: Assessment forms are used to record children’s progress every nine weeks. Teachers use anecdotal records, portfolios, and visual and oral observations as methods to determine assessment. These assessments are used by the teacher to develop lesson plans and to keep the parent informed on how the student is progressing in his/her development. Formal parent/teacher conferences are held at least twice a year to discuss the child’s progress, care, and education. Parents are encouraged to participate in the goal setting process for their child.