St. Charles Preschool Program provides a loving, nurturing, faith-based environment in which children are encouraged to grow spiritually, intellectually, physically, socially and emotionally. We realize that the needs of young children are very specific and unique. Teachers are therefore encouraged to personalize the curriculum to meet the needs of the children they are serving. Set in a true school environment, children benefit from a progressive curriculum that is proven to provide an easier transition to Kindergarten. The curriculum is theme based and early learning skills for pre-reading, math, language development, science, social studies, art, music and religion are incorporated into the various themes throughout the year. The preschool curriculum includes, but is not limited to the subject areas listed below.
Language Arts
At St. Charles, language arts at the preschool level focus on building listening skills, following directions, memory and comprehension, problem solving, letter recognition, phonemic awareness, and vocabulary. Finger plays, singing and rhyming, and predicting events are also part of the preschool language arts curriculum.
Mathematics
The Preschool mathematics program emphasizes the calendar and days of the week, charting weather. Students are taught sorting, counting, graphing, classifying, sequencing, patterning, problem solving. There is also an emphasis on shape and number recognition.
Science
Preschool students enter the world of science by learning about the seasons and weather, health and hygiene, the senses, nutrition, dinosaurs, farm animals, life cycles, space, plants and seeds, and magnets.
Social Studies
Students begin by building an awareness of themselves in the context of other human beings and their environment. This is made real by considering their homes, families, and neighborhoods along with the parish community of St. Charles. Students are introduced to the community of the wider world and learn about cultural differences. A favorite activity is the study of presidents of the United States.
Religion Awareness of God’s presence in ourselves, others and the world. Respect for self and others Prayer and song Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter Service to the community
Music/Fine Arts Express emotions through music Dance Instruments Loud and soft sounds Fast and slow rhythms Clay/playdough Markers, crayons, paints Collage making Texture differences Pride in individual accomplishments Visual discrimination Cutting and gluing Fine Motor Skills
Physical Education Gross Motor Skills Confidence Walking up and down steps Running with control of direction and speed Skipping, climbing, jumping, hopping, catching, throwing, swinging Cooperative play
Special Events/Programs Apple orchard Caroling at retirement center Fire station Peden farm Bowling Bookstores Library Wonder Lab Pet Week We Are One World Celebration Grandparents Day Reading Buddies Spring Concert Family Ice Cream Social Bryan Park Family Picnic
Registration Information We accept all preschoolers who have turned three (TTH AM class or five day all day) or four (MWF AM or five day all day) by August 1st and are potty trained. Non-Catholics as well as Catholics are welcome. We offer half-day and full day programs for three, four, and five years old with a lunch bunch option.
Registration materials can be obtained from the school office between the hours of 8:00 and 3:00. Questions can be addressed to Mrs. Theresa Alexander at 812-336-5853 ext. 101 or email talexander@stcharlesbloomington.org
Individual visits and tours are available upon request.
Registration materials are available through the school office and online.
Please call the school office at 812-336-5853 for information on class availability!