Pre-K Program

Philosophy Given the current academic pressures placed on children in Kindergarten and the individual developmental growth of children, not all five year olds are ready to make the transition to Kindergarten.  At First Pres Preschool we believe strongly in supporting each child by meeting them where they are at developmentally.  The goal of our Pre-K program is to provide a nurturing environment filled with experiences designed to develop and encourage problem solving, social maturation, and emerging reading, math, and writing skills. Our intention is to provide a nurturing classroom environment rich in literacy skills with a hands-on thematic approach to math and science.  Children will be encouraged to be independent problem solvers with an emphasis on community with each other.  Curriculum will be age appropriate and at a pace for all to feel successful and gain confidence.

DAILY PROGRAM
The Pre-K class is in session Monday through Friday afternoons from 12:30-3 p.m.

Settling in Time
Children are responsible for taking care of their belongings, signing in for the day, checking out their library books from the classroom, and beginning their journal writing.

Community Circle Time
Children share their journal entries and news, contribute to the class sharing bag, and lead the calendar and weather duties.

Shared Reading A lively, noncompetitive atmosphere where children are engaged in reading-like behavior through new and familiar songs, poems, chants, music, and rhythmic activities. Familiar books and new books are introduced during this time.  Predictions are made by the children, and prior knowledge is shared.  This time promotes a community of learners where everyone has something to contribute and learn from each other.  The focus is always on the text and meaning of the story but allows for an opportunity to teach pre-literacy skills.

Letter recognition and phonemic awareness are taught throughout shared reading time and throughout the day.  Writing in front of children is modeled every day.

Whole Group Project
During this time, children are involved in thematic and unit-based projects that support the curriculum.

Choice Time
Free time where children can make choices at some of the following centers:  Art, Building, Drama, Fine Motor, Listening, Math, and Writing.

Math/Science
Math and science are taught using a spiral approach where concepts are introduced and then continue to be reviewed and reinforced throughout the school year.  Children will be involved in hands-on activities and experiments that support the thematic units being taught. 

Playground/Gym
Children will be outside or in the gym every day.

OBJECTIVES

• Promote social skills such as respect, kindness, and empathy.
• Enhance self esteem through individual accomplishment.
• Learn how to value another person's rights by teaching respect for others.
• Encourage cognitive development and reasoning skills.
• Encourage pre-literacy and early math skills.
• Strengthen small motor skills using scissors and independent projects.
• Develop an appropriate pattern of dependence and independence.
• Foster a sense of continuity between school and the outside world.
• Create a place of community, teamwork, and friendship.
• Explore creativity and self-expression.

GOALS
We strive to nurture growth in the following areas:

• Self awareness
• Large motor skills
• Eye-hand coordination
• Social cooperation
• Personal independence
• Verbalizing thoughts into sentences
• Curiosity and awareness of the world
• Listening to and following directions
• Completing tasks
• Maintaining a positive self-image
• Accepting and managing responsibility
• Taking part in vocalization and rhythmical activities
• Experiencing original and creative self-expression
• Achieving self-discipline

REGISTRATION
Registration for each school year is open to alumni and church families in January.   Open registration for the public begins in February.  Children entering the Pre-K Program must be 5 years of age by September 1st of the current school year.  Children are also admitted to the Pre-K program upon teacher recommendation.

Application for the Pre-K Program in Word or in Adobe Acrobat.

TUITION SCHEDULE
Tuition is $230 per month for nine months.  The first monthly tuition payment is due on July 1st.

Tuition payments may be made online using our Secure Transaction Form.

A $15 activity fee is due in September to cover the cost of Weekly Readers and field trips.

TRANSPORTATION Parents are responsible for transporting their child to and from school.  In a designated loading area, teachers guide children as they enter and exit cars. RELIGIOUS EMPHASIS First Pres Preschool observes Christian holidays, sings a brief prayer before snack time, and fosters the kindness and community of Christian living. LICENSING & POLICIES First Pres Preschool is licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services of Illinois (DCFS).  It is in compliance with health and safety standards established by DCFS and the IL Department of Public Health.  Further policies are set by the Preschool Staff with the approval of the Session of First Presbyterian Church.

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