The Pre-K Programs include two classrooms:
- Pre-K 3 ~ 3 & 4 year olds (children must be fully potty trained) (1:10 ratio)
- Pre-K 4 ~ 4 & 5 year olds (1:10 ratio)
Christ Centered Values
The Christian message of God’s grace, love, and forgiveness is the foundation of all learning at Open Arms. The Pre-K program at Open Arms encourages children to grow in all developmental areas while experiencing God’s love. On a daily basis there is a Bible lesson, carried out through music & movement, language development, motor skills activities, creative arts, social/emotional development, sensory exploration, and outdoor play. The children also attend chapel every Wednesday with the pastor and every Friday the children participate in devotions at the center. Most importantly, the teachers at Open Arms incorporate Christ’s love into their lesson plans and demonstrate His love throughout each and every day.
Safe, Secure, and Nurturing Environment
Children of this age have an increased attention span, activity level, and need to satisfy their curiosity. We create a more structured environment, increase opportunities for exploration, and place an emphasis on cognitive skills.
Curriculum concentrates on faith development, pre-reading, pre-mathematics, science, creative arts and music. Planned activities reinforce the natural learning that is a part of every activity in a child’s day. The children select activities from a variety of interest centers that reflect a weekly theme. Learning activities alternate with classroom and outside activities. Field trips and other special experiences extend the children’s knowledge of the world around them.
Consistency is given through routine, while a variety of activities stimulate all areas of development. Social interaction is encouraged, communication and cognitive skills enhanced, and emotional and spiritual development carefully nurtured.
Open Arms Learning for Pre-K
Quality child care begins with quality programming. Pinnacle Early Childhood Curriculum™ is designed to engage children in developmentally appropriate activities that move them toward their potential. Pinnacle Curriculum for three-, and four-year-olds, follows a daily activity format that matches the ever-changing needs of each rapidly developing child! Each age group has a separate curriculum that is specific to their educational and emotional needs, interests, and activity level. Pinnacle Curriculum provides for these age groups small and large group time activities, along with center-based activities for as many centers as a classroom can hold. The activities in Pinnacle Curriculum meet learning objectives that will help each child move towards their potential as they explore and experiment with materials and activities in the classroom.
Units of Learning in Pre-K
- Music & Movement
- Bible Focus
- Language & Cognitive Development
- Fine & Gross Motor Skills
- Social & Emotional Development
- Creative Arts & Expression
- Sensory Exploration
- Outdoor Learning
In the Pre-K program each child’s developmental growth and development are assessed on an ongoing basis. Each child has an Individual Child Profile which consists of anecdotal notes, observations, and work samplings. Report cards are completed for each child twice yearly. The teachers use the information collected in the Child Profile to individualize instruction so that the growth of each child is maximized.