Programs & Curriculums
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Ages and Stages (ASQ & ASQ SE)
The first five years of life are so very important to your child because this time sets the stage for success in school and later in life. During early childhood, many experiences should be gained and many skills learned. It is important to ensure that each child’s development is proceeding without problems; therefore we are interested in helping you follow your child’s growth and development.
The development screening will examine the following areas with the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) developmental screening tool: Communication, Fine Motor, Gross Motor, Personal-Social and Problem Solving. (ASQ SE) will screen for Social Emotional development.
It is totally voluntary but is a great tool for both parents and teachers to ensure the success of your child’s development.
What Sets Us Apart:
Curriculum
The curriculum at St. Barnabas Christian Preschool aligns with the Illinois Early Learning Standards. Our teachers focus on multidimensional development of skills and competencies at each child’s unique pace. Each class integrates education with socialization, with time to be creative and physically active too.
Illinois Bronze Circle of Quality
St. Barnabas Christian Preschool is proudly recognized by ExceleRate Illinois with the Bronze Circle of Quality. The merit is indicative of the qualifications and rigorous professional development trainings our teachers and administrators have completed. The trainings include areas such as developmental screening tools, family and community, and finding a curriculum that works, amongst other topics.
Best of the Fox
Best of the Fox is a list from Shaw Local News Network ranking and compiling the best of local Fox River Valley businesses. We have been voted One of the Best of the Fox as early as 2015 and most recently we were voted the Best of the Fox Preschools in 2022.
C.A.T.C.H. Program
C.A.T.C.H. stands for Coordinated Approach to Child Health. This program empowers schools to align with local health and educational standards. It focuses on “an approach to education defined by policies, practices, and relationships that ensure each child, in each school, in each community, is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged.”
Terrific Twos
The 2 year old program is designed to help your child develop a positive self image through learning experiences. During this class a variety of games, songs and finger plays will be introduced along with free play. These new experiences will help your child grow socially, emotionally, intellectually, physically and spiritually. This is a parent/ grandparent/ adult and child class. Your child must be 2 years old by the start of class. No siblings in class please.
Program Overview
Circle Time
Free play with a craft
Community Clean Up
Snack
Songs, games, and story
Stretch-n-Grow once per month
Three Year Olds
In our Three Year Old classes our goals for our students include:
- Learning to separate from parents and feel comfortable in school
- Be respectful of others
- Learn to follow simple directions
- Introduce the Our Father and Pledge of Allegiance
- Manage self-care
- Take responsibility for their personal belongings
- Learn through play
- Use manipulatives for increased fine motor such as scissors, pencils, markers etc.
- Gross Motor activities
- Increase socialization and cognitive development
- Learning Colors, numbers, and shapes
- Introduction to Jolly Phonics
Three Year Old Class has two options:
2 days a week – Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00am-11:30 am
2 days a week – Mondays and Wednesdays 9:00am-11:30 am
Four Year Olds
In addition to everything in our Three Year Old classes, our goals for our Four Years Olds students include:
- Build a positive foundation for school
- Learn the Our Father & Pledge of Allegiance
- Jolly Phonics and sounds
- Writing stations
- Tracing letters, numbers, and shapes
- Recognizing letters
- Write their name
- Put on their own coat, hat, boots etc.
Four Year Old Class has two options:
3 days a week – Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 9:00am-11:30 am
4 days a week – Monday-Thursday AM 9:00am – 11:30 am
Mondays-Thursday PM 12:30pm-3:00pm
Pre-K
Our Pre-K Class is everything your child needs to be ready for school. This program covers:
- Introduce beginning sight words
- Journaling
- Faith and Prayer based centers
- Jolly Phonics
- Large Motor activities
- Science Experiments
- Math games and charts
- Challenging the kids with academics
- Preparation for Kindergarten
Pre-K Class
This age group meets Monday-Thursday from 12:30-3:00 pm.
Extend Your May
Looking for something to do with your preschooler until the end of May? Try our Extend Your May program for extra time at the preschool with us!
Summer Camp
Who doesn’t love a day camp? We offer week long day camps in June that will challenge and engage the physical, mental, and emotional resources of each child. Our camps are from 9:00am-1:00pm for preschool aged children.
Curriculum Includes:
Age-appropriate Christian-based activities and visiting “God’s House” are part of our weekly routine. Planned within the framework of the philosophy and purpose, our programs include:
- Starting the day with prayer
- Sharing and Conversation Time
- Stories
- Song and Finger Plays
- Creative Art Projects and Crafts
- Games and Large Muscle Activities
- Science and Nature Activities
- Exposure to Shapes, Colors, Numbers, Letters, and Sounds
- Celebration of Birthdays and Holidays
- Bi-monthly Stretch -n- Grow classes
Approximate Daily Program Schedule for the 3’s and 4’s
9:00-9:20 a.m. / 12:30-12:50 p.m. – Circle Time
9:20-9:30 a.m. / 12:50-1:00 p.m. – Story Time
9:30-10:00 a.m. / 1:00-1:30 p.m. – Group Time
10:00-10:40 a.m. / 1:30-2:10 p.m. – Socialization
10:40-10:50 a.m. / 2:10-2:20 p.m. – Clean Up
10:50-11:00 a.m. / 2:20-2:30 p.m. – Devotion
11:00-11:15 a.m. / 2:30-2:45 p.m. – Snack
11:15-11:30 a.m. / 2:45-3:00 p.m. – Music/ Gross Motor/Outdoors
F.A.Q.
What is the average class size?
All classes are licensed through DCFS for 20 children. The 3’s classes at most will have 16 due to the age of the children. Average class size is 12-15 with a head teacher and assistant, or two teachers.
How are drop-off and pick-up handled? Are there security measures in place?
All of our doors are locked and cannot be opened without a staff member opening them. We have Valet drop off and pick up to limit the amount of people that may access our building.
What does my child need to bring to class
We have supply lists for each class. Other than their supplies at the start of class, just themselves is great!
How is separation anxiety handled?
Our staff is extremely caring and most of our staff are moms. Kathy will always reach out to you and give you an update.
What are your discipline policies?
Our discipline policy is described in detail in the handbook that every parent receives prior to class. We ask all parents to read the handbook and sign the confirmation sheet at the end stating they did so. We’re happy to answer any specific questions if you want to reach out to us.
How are allergies/dietary restrictions managed?
We are a nut free preschool. In the past we have had children with life threatening allergies and we want every parent to feel confident that their child is safe at school. We ask for all allergy information at registration and we list all allergies in our food pantry, classrooms, and teacher folders.
Are the classroom toys and furniture sanitized regularly?
We sanitize each bin of toys, countertops, tables, and door handles after each class with a bleach disinfectant spray. We also have installed Air Purification units in each class and office for an added layer of germ protection.
Potty Training policies/what happens if my child has an accident at school?
We can change a child with a potty accident but DCFS regulations will not allow us to change B.M’s. The parent or guardian would be called.
What Our Families are Saying
