Pre-K 3 (Mrs. Quirk)

We are thrilled to be entering our eighth year of offering full-day programming for three's at St. Ambrose. Our curriculum is developmentally appropriate and designed in accordance with the NYS Common Core Learning Standards. Our daily schedule is broken into 30-minute increments that alternate between gross motor "moving" activities and more stationary ones. Our 'center based' environment allows students the freedom to pursue self-selected activities as well as small group, teacher-initiated instruction (3-4 students per group). Being outdoors is very important to us and we go outside year round. Whether we're on the playground, taking a walk, or just walking from the back door of the school to the front, this daily "breather" supports our immune systems as well as our muscles and brains! Beginning with the school celebration of All Saints Day in November, the three-year-old classroom attends all school masses, prayer services, and religious celebrations.  Morning snack and lunch are eaten daily in the classroom. This arrangement allows our students to enjoy their meal at their own pace. Socialization and dining etiquette are modeled and praised by the teachers at these times. Nap/rest time happens between 1:00 - 2:00pm. Each student has a cot and parents supply their child's bedding. Since storage is tight, we prefer small travel pillows and "toddler" size bedding. Your child's bedding will be sent home for laundering periodically throughout the year and as needed, however, parents are always welcome in the cubby room to "swap it out"! Parent communication happens formally and informally on a daily basis. Brief notes can be exchanged via your child's folder (that goes back & forth from home in the bookbag), through e-mail with the teacher, and briefly face-to-face at drop-off and pick-up.  Developmental Assessments and formal parent/teacher conferences are conducted for each student in November. In addition, we are happy to sit down with you at any time to talk about your child's progress in our program.