Preschool Curriculum
In keeping with the Diocesan Schools standards, the preschool curriculum is based upon the philosophy of The Creative Curriculum. This is a hands-on approach to learning where the classroom is designed to promote learning through exploration. Learning centers are set up, and materials are provided to foster the growth and education of each child at their own developmental pace. A combination of teacher-directed and child-selected activities are offered within a daily framework and schedule to ensure that your child’s self-esteem is fostered on a daily basis in a risk-free nurturing environment.
Using an integrated thematic approach, weekly themes and daily activities are provided to help foster a Catholic identity, social and emotional development, physical development, cognitive skills, and creativity. In preparation for more formal education, language development, reading readiness, math concepts, and problem solving skills are explored, built upon, and developed to meet the developmental level of each child. Our preschools classes use the Zoophonics program. This method teaches a whole brain approach. We develop children to be strong readers and excellent spellers. Children learn by hearing, speaking, seeing, moving and touching. All PreK classes will be introduced to Spanish (via conversation, songs, picture books, and visual/manipulative aids) on a weekly basis. Music, Art, and Physical Education are also incorporated into our program on a daily basis.
Basic Catholic values are intertwined with our program throughout each day. Classes begin and end with prayer, both traditional Catholic prayers and personal prayers. In addition, children are provided with a weekly take-home religious newsletter, Allelu!, which pertains to the Liturgy of the week in a format that is age-appropriate. We would also like to invite you to attend our weekly Courtyard Prayers with your child, in which we will gather as a faith based community to show our thanks to God for all of his blessings. Our students will visit Our Lady of Joy church for prayer, religious teachings, and Eucharistic Adoration.
Stewardship is a large component of your child’s spiritual education. In this program, we hope to assist you in educating your child on the importance of what it really means to be a disciple of God, and to serve and love one another. We will strive to help your child become aware of his/her unique place in God's heart, by teaching life-long skills based on respect, appreciation for multi-cultural diversity and civic responsibility. With your assistance, we will make available opportunities for your child to practice stewardship within Our Lady of Joy Parish, his/her family and our community.
Our preschool welcomes new learning experiences from our community. Just a few are the Phoenix Herpetological Society, Scientist for a Day and the local Fire Department. We have family functions such as Family Pasta Night, Thanksgiving Feast, Donuts with Dad, Muffins with Mom and Grandparents day, just to name a few. OLOJ Preschool is an amazing school community; please contact the Director, Mrs. Jessica Snook at 490-346-3059 to come in for a tour.
