St. Mark's Preschool
Where lifelong learning begins.
Professionalism
Teachers and administrator have professional training and credentials
- Each classroom consists of a minimum of one teacher with a B.A. degree in elementary education or child development
Teachers and director relate well with children
- Respect differences among children
- Encourage children to express ideas
- Set limits using positive discipline (no physical punishment, scaring or humiliation)
Teachers are well supported
- Time is set aside for daily planning and ongoing program evaluation
- Teachers participate in ongoing professional development
Relationships
Building Positive relationships among teachers and families
- Sensitive to family concerns
- Teachers communicate regularly with the parents via newsletters, emails, phone calls and conferences
- Teachers willing to work together to contribute to the success of the total program
Parent Involvement
- Parents are welcome to visit the classrooms at any time
- Parents are encouraged to participate in classroom and school events
- Available opportunities for children to engage in classroom experiences with family members
Curriculum
- Consistent yet flexible and responsive to the needs of the individual children
- The schedule includes daily indoor and outdoor (or gym) experiences
- Teachers use proven strategies and approaches to tailor the learning opportunities for the group and individual
- A variety of materials and equipment are used to implement the curriculum
- Children experience daily time for: Play, Self-initiated learning, Creative expression, Large and small group experiences
- The curriculum fosters development in the following areas: Social, Emotional, Physical, Language, Cognitive, Creative
- Learning is primarily active rather than passive
Classroom
Class Size
- Two-year-olds - 12
- Three-year-olds - 12
- Four/Five-year -olds - 14
Physical Space
- The facility meets developmental appropriateness and safety
- Health and safety standards assure cleanliness and reasonable protection against illness and allergies
Displays
- Assist the children to reflect on and extend their learning
- Displays are at children’s eye level, when possible
- Bulletin boards remain current and updated
- Children’s work is present throughout the building
Evaluations
- Teachers evaluate each child’s progress on an ongoing basis
- A formal evaluation is conducted once a year and shared with the parents
- Teachers and director are evaluated at the end of the school year
- St. Mark’s School Board conducts a parent survey, as needed
