The Little Rays Early Learners curriculum is an introduction to our Junior Kindergarten program. With a focus on preacademic skills in literacy, math and fine motor, students will have a meaningful and positive introduction to school. A team of qualified and experienced teachers and aides create a structures, caring and Christ-centered environment with attention to recent early childhood research. A foundation for learning is laid through developmentally appropriate practices in the areas of emergent literacy, language, mathematics, science, religion and creativity. Opportunities for learning in all area are interwoven throughout the day with appropriate materials, activities, learning games, songs and centers involving dramatic play and construction. Our goal is to inspire children to build upon their understanding of the world and sparking their curiosity to keep them engaged and excited.

Academics in the program share the same importance as social interaction and building independence. Students are encouraged to “act as Jesus would act” when interacting with peers and adults. Love and respect for God’s creations, including each other, is emphasized, and students are given support to build a relationship with God through little acts of grace and prayer. Perseverance is taught while building independence through predictable routines, practice, support and positive encouragement. Each child is treasured and encouraged to do their best.

Religion - Early Learners-developing a positive self-image as a child of God, through the learning of prayers (Sign of the Cross, The Lord’s Prayer, Hail Mary, and Blessing before meals) daily bible stories, discussion and songs. Jr.

Junior Kindergarten (Pre-K)

Our Junior Kindergarten/Pre K 4 program uses a cross-curricular approach with the alphabet as its basis. The curriculum covers the major subject areas and is taught through the letter of the week. To enhance the learning process, children are taught in a hands-on environment where they are able to learn through discovery. Our program also focuses on handwriting and pre-reading skills that are taught through phonetic awareness. Introduction of vocabulary words, letter recognition, sight words, and sound recognition form the basis of our pre-reading curriculum. Identify upper & lower case letters, differentiate beginning sounds, writes first & last names, communicates with courtesy, answers questions, identify sight words from Dolch Pre-Primer sight word list. Mathematical skills are integrated throughout the day. Some of the Math concepts covered in the Junior Kindergarten include: patterning. Correspondence, and counting rote to 20, greater, less than, simple addition, recognize sequence of objects.

General information/Early Learners & Junior Kindergarten

We offer a 5 day, morning or full day program:

• Morning 7:45 am – 11:45am/ Full day 7:45am – 2:45pm
• Jr. Kindergarten attend Mass on Wednesday(beginning in October)
• Art, Music and P.E. are offered weekly, Spanish (Jr. Kinder only)
• All students wear the school uniform (see handbook for details)
• Parents provide a snack each day-students can bring a lunch from home or purchase for an additional cost
• Before and after school care is available, please contact business manager for more information

Art

Starting with our smallest Stingrays, students are introduced monthly to 4-6 pieces of famous art. Using all of the Elements and principles of art, the artworks are described and analyzed as a collaborative exercise. Follow up lessons are hands-on exploration of a broad variety of mediums.

Music

Students learn to feel the beat in music and sing tunefully through singing fun songs, playing rhythm instruments and moving to music.

Physical Education

Students are introduced to basic movement patterns, locomotor and non-locomotor skills. Students use a variety of manipulatives to practice basic skills and movement patterns such as throwing, catching, striking, kicking, jumping and landing. Students participate in beginning balance, dance and rhythm activities. The focus at this level is on movement exploration and gross motor development.