Preschool Program

St. Matthew’s preschool is located in the heart of the campus’ pastoral setting.  Four classrooms and three spacious play areas provide an arena where three- and four-year-old children are introduced to developmentally appropriate activities and concepts.  We believe young children gain a sense of their identity and self-worth when they explore at their own pace and experience success at their developmental level.   Learning at this age is through experiential interactions with materials, ideas and other people. Play is one of the major ways in which young children learn about the world around them.  Through play, children learn about language, develop intellectual concepts, build social relationships and understandings, strengthen physical skills and deal with stress.  Children foster independence, strengthen skills and master concepts through learning experiences that feature:

• Time for children to play, to explore, to test out physical and social skills, to express their own ideas and listen to others
• Active, hands-on learning
• Teacher directed and self-directed learning
• Whole group, small group and individual experiences
• Curriculum that is emergent and integrated around themes meaningful to children
• Learning centers

Our program nurtures growth in all areas of human development: cognitive, physical, personal-social, creative, and spiritual.  We respect each child’s pattern of development, recognizing the uniqueness of each young person while creating a supportive and caring peer group and school setting.

Preschool Chapel

Preschool children attend a special weekly chapel in the St. Matthew’s library facilities and several special chapels in the church.  The school minister or a member of the clergy leads chapel.  Stories from the Bible or secular sources are used in the chapel program to reinforce the concept of God’s inclusive love and the uniqueness of each individual as a child of God.  Thoughtful and responsible behavior, honesty, kindness, consideration and empathy for others are important qualities that teachers reinforce daily at every given opportunity throughout the program.

Parent Involvement

Parent participation is an important part of the program as is the formation of a cohesive parent community.  Through periodically scheduled parent events and meetings, parents of our preschoolers get the chance to form connections and establish relationships both with the faculty and each other.