FAQs
What is program philosophy?
How do you teach religion?
What are the days and hours of operation?
What age groups can attend the preschool?
Does my child need to be potty trained to attend?
Do I need to provide a snack?
What kind of snacks are served?
How should my child dress for school?
What is your student-teacher ratio?
St. Catharine Preschool offers an early childhood educational program to children of registered parishioners, alumni, and if enrollment allows, children from surrounding communities, who are two and a half through five years of age.
Our staff is dedicated to meeting the individual needs of each child in the areas of religious, social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development while providing a loving and safe environment. Our goals are for each child to develop a lifetime love for learning and a positive self-image.
All academic areas are addressed—language arts, mathematics, music, science, and social studies—in a developmentally appropriate, multi-sensory rich environment where children learn best through play and active experiences through experimenting with the process of concrete materials and project based learning. Our curriculum is influenced by the Reggio-Emilia Approach which believes that children’s natural development and relationships with others should guide their learning opportunities. Further information on the Regio-Emilia philosophy can be found at www.reggiochildren.it.
What are the days and hours of operation?
See Program and Tuition Information
What age groups can attend the preschool?
We offer programs for children, ages 2 1/2, 3 and 4. Your child must turn 2 1/2, 3 or 4 by October 1st.
Does my child need to be potty trained to attend?
Children in our 2 1/2 year old program may wear diapers or pull-ups. Staff members will change a child when necessary.
Children in all other programs should be fully trained and be able to independently use the toilet facilities and care for themselves. Please advise us if your child needs additional accommodations. Visiting our restrooms with your child may ease some anxieties. We suggest that parents of little boys introduce their child to the urinal at the start of the school year.
No, daily snacks, which are nut-free and processed in a nut-free facility, are provided by the school.
What kind of snacks are served?
Healthy nut-free snacks are served, including UTZ pretzels, Pepperidge Farm Goldfish, Nabisco Graham Crackers, fresh fruit, milk and filtered water.
How should I dress my child for school?
Children should be dressed in play clothing appropriate for painting, cooking and large muscle activities. Dress children in weather-appropriate clothing for year-long outdoor play (hats, mittens, etc.). Include a change of clothing (shirt, pants, socks, underwear/ diapers and wipes) in a zip-locked plastic bag and store in your child’s tote bag. Remember to restock when necessary.
What is your student-teacher ratio?
At the 2 1/2 year old level, there are 3 adults to 11 children. For our older age groups, 3-4s and 4-5s, we have 2 adults to 11 children. We never go over 11 children in a class.