Creative Curriculum

Our teachers use Creative Curriculum, a research and evidence based method that fosters decision making and critical thinking skills through both child and teacher directed activities. We believe that children learn best through play. Our teachers observe and take part in the children pretending, exploring, experimenting, and playing. Teachers are then able to ask children questions and expand their thinking. Teachers incorporate new skills such as identifying letters, mathematical concepts and literacy through play and experimentation, as well as daily small group interaction. We want children to be learners: to love to learn, to love their school environment, and to feel at ease in the classroom.

Daily Schedule

The children participate in morning meeting, free play, music, outdoor play, snack, art, and story time. All of these activities promote socialization, self-regulation, language development, collaboration, and cognitive growth. Learning takes place throughout the day as individuals, as small groups, and as a large group, depending on the activity.

Teachers

Our teachers are fully certified according to the standards set by the NJ Department of Human Services. All teachers and administrators are certified in First Aid and Child CPR. Our maximum class size is 12 students for 2s and 3s classes and 13 students for 4s and 4+ classes.

Lunch Bunch

This optional program is available to all children attending SJNS. At Lunch Bunch, students bring their packed nut-free lunch from home and spend time socializing and eating with their peers under the supervision of SJNS teaching staff.

Lunch Bunch is offered as follows:

2s students: 11:30am - 12:30pm

3s, 4s, and 4+ students: 12:30pm - 1:30pm

Enrichments

Optional afternoon programs are available to the 3s, 4s, and 4+ classes. Enrichments run from 1:30pm - 2:15pm. These classes are taught by outside teachers or SJNS teachers and provide an opportunity for children to learn new skills and allow for further socialization with their peers. Past enrichment classes include: Soccer, STEM Classes, Cooking, and Irish Step Dancing. SJNS offers three different enrichment sessions during the school year.

Summer Camp

Preschool Pals Summer Camp is available to toilet-trained children who are enrolled in the current SJNS school year. Camp is offered for the two weeks after school ends; children may sign up for one or both weeks. SJNS staff runs camp Monday through Friday from 9AM – 1PM. Camp details and registration forms are available in April.

School Events

Birthdays

All children’s birthdays are celebrated at school. If your child has a summer birthday, we will celebrate his/her half birthday! The parent and teacher will decide on a mutually agreeable date to recognize the birthday child with a classroom visit and special snack for the class.

Holidays

Children enjoy holiday celebrations at SJNS throughout the year! Some of our favorites include our Halloween Parade, Christmas Sing, and Valentine’s Dance. We recognize many holidays at SJNS in an effort to teach the children about various cultures and nationalities. We encourage parents to share their holiday traditions with us. There are many opportunities for parents to volunteer their time for these fun events, should they be interested in doing so.

Volunteers

We encourage parent involvement! During orientation, parents may choose to volunteer for holiday parties. Numerous additional volunteer opportunities are available to parents throughout the year.