Preschool Program (3-Year-Olds)

Curriculum and Learning Approach: The Preschool program at St. Columbkille Catholic School is designed to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment for three-year-old children. Our curriculum focuses on fostering a love for learning through play-based and hands-on activities. Key areas of development include:

• Social and Emotional Development: Encouraging positive interactions with peers and teachers, promoting sharing, cooperation, and developing a sense of independence and confidence.
• Cognitive Development: Introducing basic concepts in literacy and numeracy through engaging activities. Children explore letters, numbers, shapes, and colors in a fun and interactive way.
• Physical Development: Enhancing fine and gross motor skills through activities such as arts and crafts, playground time, and movement games.
• Language Development: Expanding vocabulary and language skills through storytelling, songs, and group discussions.
• Faith Formation: Introducing simple prayers, Bible stories, and the basic tenets of the Catholic faith, fostering a sense of spirituality and community.

Classroom Environment: Our preschool classrooms are designed to be warm, welcoming, and safe. Each room is equipped with age-appropriate learning materials and resources that inspire curiosity and creativity. The low student-to-teacher ratio ensures personalized attention for each child.

Pre-Kindergarten Program (4-Year-Olds)

Curriculum and Learning Approach: The Pre-Kindergarten program at St. Columbkille Catholic School builds on the foundation established in the Preschool program, preparing four-year-olds for the transition to kindergarten. The curriculum is more structured and focuses on key developmental milestones:

• Academic Readiness: Emphasizing early literacy and math skills, children engage in activities that include letter recognition, phonics, writing, counting, and simple math concepts.
• Social and Emotional Growth: Further developing social skills, problem-solving abilities, and emotional regulation. Children learn to work in groups, follow instructions, and develop a sense of responsibility.
• Physical Development: Continuing to refine fine and gross motor skills through activities like cutting, drawing, and physical play.
• Language and Communication: Enhancing language skills through more complex storytelling, and verbal expression activities.
• Faith Formation: Deepening the understanding of Catholic teachings through Bible stories, prayer, and participation in school-wide religious events.

Classroom Environment: Pre-Kindergarten classrooms at St. Columbkille Catholic School are vibrant and engaging, with various learning stations that cater to different areas of development. The environment is structured to encourage independence and a love for learning. The small class sizes allow for individualized attention and support.