Early Childhood Program

"We’ve loved our experience at St. Theresa, and our three year old is so excited to go to school every day. The Pre-K program is a great introduction to school with small class sizes, nurturing teachers, a fun curriculum, and the full resources of a grade school to leverage. It is evident that all of the teachers and staff at St. Theresa's are focused on our child's academic and spiritual growth. " - Maggie Pre-K3 mom

 St. Theresa’s Catholic School PreK Program plays an important role in our overall educational objectives. Our Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 teachers are dedicated to helping each student become increasingly independent by promoting self-motivation and initiative. We aim to help your child grow spiritually, emotionally, socially, physically, and intellectually. 

Schedule Options:

• Full day 5 days a week (7:50 AM - 3:30 PM

• Half day 5 days a week (7:50 AM - 1 PM)

• Afterschool Care offered daily until 5:45PM
  
  

• Prospective Pre-K3 students must complete a school facilitated assessment to measure the child's Motor Skills, Concepts, Language, Self-Help, and Social Development . Students will also complete a play date observation. Please read the Pre-K FAQs for additional information about the Pre-K program.

• Prospective Pre-K4 students must complete a school facilitated assessment to measure the child's Motor Skills, Concepts, Language, Self-Help, and Social Development  
• Students must be potty trained and independent in the bathroom.

• Pre-K 4 has experienced teachers and classroom aides
• Religion is taught daily, and students participate in weekly Mass with the entire school
• Incorporation of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program 
• Weekly classes in Art, P.E., Spanish, Library, and Music
• Individual assessment is provided throughout the school year 
• Students experience two (2) exclusive field trips 
• Classes enjoy special guests and participate in most school-wide celebrations 
• Pre-K 4 students partake in special class performances and activities
• Participation in school-wide service projects and class specific service projects

How old does my child have to be to enroll in the program?

Pre-K3 students must be 3 years old by Sept. 1st of the school year in which they are applying. 

Pre--K4 students must be 4 years old by Sept. 1st of the school year in which they are applying. 

Does my child have to be potty trained before entering the Pre-K program?

Yes. Your child must be potty trained and independent in the bathroom.  Our teachers will assist the child who may have an occasional accident.  We will request a change of clothes for all PK-3 students.

Will the Pre-K students wear the school uniform?

Yes.  They will wear the school uniform.  

What are the operational hours for Pre-K?

Pre-K will have the same hours as our existing school program (7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. M-F with an optional 1:00p.m. pick up.  STCS also offers an after school Extended Care program to provide coverage to families until 5:45 pm along with several afterschool enrichment programs 

Will Pre-K go to Mass?

Pre-K4 begins attending Mass in September. Pre-K3 does not attend Mass.

When will Pre-K have lunch, recess, snack?

Pre-K3 will have lunch in their classroom and Pre-K4 in the lunchroom. Both have two recess times. One recess will take place in the morning and the other will be in the afternoon. Pre-K3 has a morning and afternoon snack. Pre-K4 has one snack.

Will there be designated rest time?

Yes. Rest time will incorporated into the student schedule ionly.

Will Pre-K go on field trips?

We will work to have special events/visitors exclusive to PreK in the fall and one field trip in the spring. Parents will transport children and are highly encourage to attend (must be EIM certified).  

Will Pre-K go to Specials (Art, Music, Spanish)?

Yes, Pre-K will go to Specials and have a designated library time.  They do not go to technology class.

What will the Pre-K curriculum focus on?

Pre-K will be play-based.  Our intent is to provide a foundation for age 3 children that will support their transition to the Pre-K4 program.  Our Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 teachers will work closely to curriculum plan and vertically align a scope and sequence for learning.

Will the PreK-3s have to take the school assessment prior to admission?

Yes, but the intent is to gather information on their level at entry.  At this age, the assessment is just a “snapshot” indicator to help support student learning.

Will I be able to drop off my child early?

Pre-K will have early drop off  (7:30 a.m.), similar to our current early drop off schedule.  There is no charge for early drop off.

Will there be a priority list for this program?

Yes.  Current STCS families with an incoming PreK student will be prioritized.  Otherwise, spaces will be extended to outside families seeking entry.

“I am committed to teaching young children about God and the world in a Catholic setting.  I look at this position as my ministry where God wants me to be and use the talents He has given me in the best way to serve Him…I believe this school is doing God’s work.” – Debbie Crowley, STCS Teacher