Good Shepherd Nursery School

The Pre-Kindergarten program is geared to children who will probably be attending Kindergarten the following year. The emphasis is toward successful group interaction, self-awareness, body control, and beginning academic skills. The children explore their world through observation, experimentation and creativity with a wide variety of materials. Children are encouraged to participate in the establishment of classroom rules during circle time discussions, to help with the set up and alteration of the classroom areas, and to share their ideas about various policies and procedures that impact their day at school. Activities to promote school and Kindergarten readiness are an important part of our curriculum. The children in the Pre-K4 class explore the subject under study, as well as beginning academic skills, in more depth, through additional activities in math, science, literacy, and art. The children are evaluated for age appropriate skills (physical, social, emotional, and academic) throughout the school year. At all times, children are encouraged to explore new activities and knowledge at a pace driven by their interest and developmental level. Conferences with parents are held in November and April and as needed.

The Primary program is geared to children who will not be attending Kindergarten the following year. The main emphasis is on social skills: learning to be part of a group, taking turns, sharing, consideration of the rights and feelings of others, self-control, separation from parents, being assertive, taking direction from other adults, patience, self-confidence, manners, etc. The children are encouraged to participate in the establishment of classroom rules through discussions during circle time and to impact their school environment by helping to rotate toys periodically, contribute during clean-up time, and share ideas about arrangement of classroom furniture. Independence is encouraged in the areas of self-care (toileting, washing hands, dressing, cleaning up after play and snack). The children have constant supervision, and assistance is provided as necessary. The children’s developmental progress is assessed throughout the school year. Conferences with parents are held in November and April and as needed.