PRESCHOOL
The St. Theresa School Preschool program is designed to expand and stimulate children's minds and provide them with an unparalleled first academic experience. Our students will learn in an environment enriched by faith that allows them to explore, discover, imagine and play! Children emerge as happy, productive,
and successful learners who progress to Kindergarten with the tools and confidence to succeed at every stage of their education.
Preschool Program:
St. Theresa offers a variety of multi-aged preschool programs ranging from 2, 3 or 5 days per week:
- 3 / 4 years (Blue Birds)
- 4 / 5 years (Red Birds)
- Mornings: 8:00 AM- 11:00 AM
- All-Day: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Before and After School Care is available for students who are in the All-Day program (6:30 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.)
- Convenient drop off and pick up
Stay and Play:
- Stay and Play runs from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- The schedule coincides with our morning kindergarten program ending at 12:00 noon
Preschool Overview:
- Thematic-based learning, focusing on pre-reading, pre-writing, and Jesus as our friend - developing a sense of purpose, helping students understand that actions are important
- Enhanced curriculum including; Handwriting without Tears - a developmentally based program that will assist your child in learning letter formation and how to correctly hold a pencil
- Enrichment classes including music & movement, storytime in the library, process art, and gross motor (see below for additional content)
- Reading Buddies - opportunity to interact with students in intermediate grades
- Outdoor recess in private playground, emphasizing gross motor skill development and socialization
- Lunch and afternoon nap time (all-day program)
- Parent participation opportunities (room parents, mystery reader, classroom celebrations)
- Maximum class size of 20 - with a teacher and aide in each classroom (10:1 student teacher ratio)
- Before & after school care beginning at 6:30 AM until 6:00 PM St. Theresa Extended-day Program
Enrichment Classes:
Our dedicated preschool enrichment teacher meets with students up to 4 times per week.
- Gross motor time encourages balance, coordination, strength, vestibular input, and age appropriate motor skills & milestones.
- Creativity is an important part of childhood development. Students explore the basic principles of art such as color, line, shapes, and texture through open-ended activities, cooperative class murals, and guided projects.
- Music time is engaging and fun! Children love the handheld instruments like shakers, bells & tambourines. The class includes singing, clapping, stomping, rhythmic patterns, and a lot of dancing. This class is a wonderful opportunity for your child to develop the love for making music and moving to the rhythm.
Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapy:
St. Theresa School has partnered
STEP FORWARD Therapy for parents who are seeking additional services for their preschooler (based on therapist availability) at school. Licensed and credentialed staff provide free screenings and consultations.
Our Classrooms:
Our spacious classrooms allow children to move around freely. Each classroom has plenty of windows to allow natural sunlight and fresh air. Preschool classrooms are equipped with washrooms. Our full time nurse continuously and carefully monitors our students safety and well being.
In addition to helping your child grow into a confident learner, we also practice getting along and respecting others as we learn to live our lives as a reflection of God. Young people involved in Faith communities are more likely to feel supported, valued and empowered.
Schedule Options:
You may choose Morning or All-day
- Tuesday/Thursday (2 days per week)
- Monday/Wednesday/Friday (3 days per week)
- Monday through Friday (5 days per week)
Requirements:
Your child must be. . .
- 3 years old on, or before, September 1st.
- Toilet trained with no pull-ups
- Immunized per Illinois law
The St. Theresa preschool program goes through a rigorous evaluation process and is recognized by the Office of Catholic Schools and the Illinois State Board of Education. Our programs follow Illinois State Board of Education Early Learning Standards. The learning environment meets nationally recognized criteria for high quality such as those set forth by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
St. Theresa's preschool program is less expensive than daycare. It is staffed by caring teachers dedicated to providing your child with the tools s/he needs to grow emotionally, socially, academically, physically, and spiritually.
Come see how St. Theresa School can make a difference in your child's life!
