Welcome to

Our Classes & Child Care

Below is a list of the classes we offer for children from 2 through 5 years of age along with class level goals.  The tuition prices listed are for the 2010-2011 school year. If you would like a more detailed information packet, have any questions, or would like to register for classes, please call our office at 412-486-5591 or email us at kidsrus@nauticom.net.  
 

TWO-YEAR-OLD CLASS

TWO-DAY/TWO-YEAR-OLD CLASS - This class is an independent program for children who will turn two years of age by December 31st of the school year.  It is offered Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. at either our Ferguson Road Center or our McKnight Center.  This class includes language, music, art and motor activities designed to enhance the social and emotional growth of two-year-olds.  Gentle separation from home is achieved through fun activities and developmentally appropriate learning experiences in a play environment. The ratio of staff to student is 1:5.  This ratio is smaller than that required by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare which licenses early childhood education programs. (currently waitlisted for 2010-11 at both centers)
Tuition Cost - $1,035 for the year
 

THREE-YEAR-OLD CLASSES

THREE-YEAR-OLD CLASSES  - The three-year-old class has an emphasis on language development and beginning social skills.  The activities are designed to help children to begin to develop self esteem.  The art, language and motor skills are taught through small groups.  Their week includes show and tell, library and bike day.  Classes are offered either two or three days a week. 
The two-day class is offered on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. at both the Ferguson and McKnight Centers.  Children need to be three years of age by December 31st of the school year. 
The three-day program is offered on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at our Ferguson Center from 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.  At the McKnight Center, the three day class is offered Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings from 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.  Children going into this class must be three by August 31st of the school year.  Children do not need to be potty trained in order to attend the three-year-old program.  The ratio of staff to student is 1:7.  This ratio is smaller than that required by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare which licenses early childhood education programs. 
Tuition Cost - $990/2 days or $1,170/3 days
 

FOUR-YEAR-OLD CLASSES

FOUR-YEAR-OLD CLASSES - Classes for four-year-olds are offered three days a week.  Morning classes at both the Ferguson location and the McKnight location are held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.  At the Ferguson Center, the afternoon class is offered on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12:30 - 3:00 p.m.  The children in the above classes work on refining and expanding their social skills as they work together during play as well as during thematic units which include art, literature and motor skills.  In addition, show and tell, library time with language arts, motor skill practice and the beginning of pre-reading and writing skills are also being done.  This level begins to work once a week with resource teachers for music and science.  Children go on an off-site field trip in the fall and in the spring.  Children must turn four years of age by December 31st of the school year.  The ratio of staff to student is 1:8.  This ratio is smaller than that required by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare which licenses early childhood education programs. 
Tuition Cost - $1,188 for the year
 

FIVE-YEAR-OLD, Pre-K CLASSES
"Konnections to Kindergarten"

Our Pre-K curriculum uses the PA Early Learning Standards and has incorporated all the skills needed for a successful entry into the area school district Kindergarten programs.  Hampton, North Hills, North Allegheny and Shaler Area school districts have all offered information about what developmental skills they look for in children entering their Kindergarten program and what skills provide success for the children in this exciting beginning of compulsory education.  Our Pre-K teachers work on these skills daily.

FIVE-YEAR-OLD CLASS, FOUR DAYS - This class is offered on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons from 12:30 - 3:00 p.m. at both our Ferguson and McKnight locations.  The children in this class will work on kindergarten readiness skills, such as pre-reading, pre-writing and math, as they continue to get individual attention while working in smaller groups.  They will have the opportunity to develop themes for dramatic play and work together to plan projects and carry them out co-operatively.  Music and science resource teachers are a part of this curriculum.  Children in this program must turn five years of age by December 31st of the school year.  The ratio of staff to student is 1:8.  This ratio is smaller than that required by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare which licenses early childhood education programs. 
Tuition Cost - $1,530 for the year

FIVE-YEAR-OLD CLASS, FIVE DAYS - This class is offered on Monday through Friday afternoons from 12:30-3:00 p.m. at the Ferguson Center.  The children in this class will work on kindergarten readiness skills, such as pre-reading, pre-writing and math, as they continue to get individual attention while working in smaller groups.  They will have the opportunity to develop themes for dramatic play and work together to plan projects and carry them out co-operatively.  Music and science resource teachers are a part of this curriculum.  On Mondays, children will explore cooking activities three Mondays during the month and a mini literary day once a month with the Literary Day teacher.  Children in this program must turn five years of age by December 31st of the school year.  The ratio of staff to student is 1:8.  This ratio is smaller than that required by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare which licenses early childhood education programs.  Tuition cost - $1,845 for the year
 

RESOURCE CLASSES FOR FOUR AND FIVE-YEAR-OLDS

MUSIC AND MOVEMENT - The music and movement program is a weekly part of the four and five-year-old classes.  This program builds on elements of music theory, structured and creative movement, instrumental playing and music appreciation.  These are all presented in a child friendly format of interactive learning through singing, movement, games and improvisation using high quality children's music.

SCIENCE RESOURCE - The science program is a weekly part of the four and five-year-old classes.  The science program encourages creative problem solving, questioning and formulating hypotheses.  Utilizing the resources of the Carnegie Museum, the children learn about many varied subjects, such as density, hibernation and metamorphosis.
 

SUPPLEMENTAL PROGRAMS FOR FOUR AND FIVE-YEAR-OLDS

LITERARY DAY - This class is a supplemental class for children who attend either a four or five-year-old class.  It is offered on Friday afternoons from 12:30 - 3:00 p.m. at our Ferguson Center.  Literary Day helps children explore the wonderful world of children stories.  Projects are built around a story and include activities such as art, music, drama, cooking and creative story writing.  Each story will bring its own specific learning objectives.  Some of the books the children may experience are Little Blue and Little Yellow, If You Give a Moose a Muffin and Snip, Snip, Snow.   Cost - $390 for the year.  

DISCOVERY DAY - This class is a supplemental class for children who attend either a four or five-year-old class.  It is offered Friday afternoons from 12:30 -3:00 p.m. at our McKnight Center.  Discovery Day is a time to experience and investigate a variety of creative activities.  The class will explore cooking, drama, music, art, construction, dance and other creative activities.  Some of the units may consist of making puppets and putting on a puppet show, making dinner for parents, performing a play and many more activities.   Cost - $390 for the year.

LUNCH BUNCH - Lunch Bunch is offered on Fridays only from 11:30 - 12:30.  Children have a free play time from 11:30-12:00 and then enjoy their packed lunch with their friends.  Children must attend either a four or five-year-old program to enroll in Lunch Bunch.  Cost - $120 for the year. 
 

Tuition for the above programs can be paid in one, three or nine payments. 
There is an additional activity fee in the 3, 4 and 5 year-old classes which helps defray the cost of in-school visits and field trips.  The activity fee of $33 is due with the first tuition payment.
 

ASSISTANCE PROGRAM - The preschool has limited funds to help families who need financial assistance in order for their child to be able to attend our preschool.  Assistance is based on the government school lunch program requirements.  If you would like to apply for assistance you must call the preschool office by May 15 to receive an application.  For more information please call 412-486-5591.

McKNIGHT CHILD CARE CENTER

The McKnight Center of St. Paul's Preschool is pleased to announce the addition of our Child Care facility operating Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.  Children need to be pre-registered before they can use Child Care.  The program is for children from 18 months of age through Pre-K.  This program is on a drop-off basis so that once you have registered you may use the Child Care as you wish, based on availability.  We do require a minimum of one full day's prior notice so that we can have adequate staff on duty.  Children bring their own lunch and drink, and lunch is served between 11:30 and 12:15.  A mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack are also provided to the children.  Child Care can be used in conjunction with the preschool program, allowing you to drop off your child before preschool and/or have them go to Child Care after class.  There is a $25 registration fee (no additional registration fee if your child is attending St. Paul's Preschool) or $35 for a family. 
Rates:
     Toddlers, 18 months to 3 years:  $5.00/per hour
     Preschoolers, 3 to 5 years:         $4.50/per hour
Fees are to be paid on a daily basis by either check or cash with a minimum one hour charge.

Children will have the opportunity to experience music, large motor, small motor, games, puzzles and art time during their day.  Nap time will be provided to those children whose parents wish for them to have a nap during the time they are with us.

For more information or registration forms please call the McKnight Center at 412-364-6438.

Child care is also available at our Ferguson Center for children from 6 weeks of age through Pre-K.  Please call 412-486-4595 for Ferguson's current rates and registration information.
 

CLASS LEVEL GOALS

TWO-YEAR-OLD CLASS GOALS

Social and emotional growth
Gentle separation from home
Use hands for helping
Play next to friends
Begin to share toys

LANGUAGE:
Learn to listen for and respond to name
Learn a basic school vocabulary
Have many opportunities to talk
Learn finger plays
Use words to express feelings

MUSIC:
Move to music
Clap and follow rhythms
Sing simple songs
Use rhythm instruments
Enjoy all kinds of music
Use music in transitions

ART:
Experience many kinds of media
Be creative with paint, play dough, paste, paper, etc.

SMALL MOTOR:
Play with blocks and other manipulatives
Water and sand tables

LARGE MOTOR:
Lots of large motor activities everyday indoor and outside with bikes, trampolines, climbing blocks, slide cage, balls, etc.

DRAMATIC PLAY:
Dress ups
Home center kitchen area
Dolls

Our terrific two's have fun learning as they play and experience many exciting activities each day.

THREE-YEAR-OLD CLASS GOALS

To help children grow:

1.  Physically:

        A.  Our physical education program involves helping children
               1.  build a sound body
               2.  participate in and enjoy movement activities
               3.  help children develop coordination and balance
               4.  increase small and large motor skills

2.  Intellectually:

       A. Language
          1.  Help children move from physical to verbal communications
          2.  Learn to ask for what they need and learn vocabulary to communicate
               those needs
          3.  Learn language to solve problems and sustain play
          4.  Learn how to listen
          5.  Learn finger plays, poems, and stories
          6.  Associate print with words and stories
          7.  Begin to write name

       B.  Numbers:
          1.  Learn that numbers are a part of life
          2.  Numbers tell us how many
          3.  Numbers tell us the order of things

3.  Creatively:

       A.  Art
           1.  Learn to look deeply
           2.  Learn to use a pencil, marker, crayon to make marks and symbols
           3.  Give opportunities for using different types of art media

        Children will begin to move from scribbling to shapes to recognizing objects
        they have made.  The process of using and experimenting with materials is
        desired rather than making specific objects.

       B.  Music
              1.  Learn to move to music
              2.  Learn to sing a simple song
              3.  Participate in rhythm bands
              4.  Listen to many varieties of music

4.  Socially and Emotionally:

           1.  Learn to interact with peers and teachers in a classroom setting.
           2.  Move from parallel to group play
           3.  Feel good about self and others

 

FOUR-YEAR-OLD CLASS GOALS

In our four year old class we learn by doing.  Our busy schedule includes music, art, language activities, science and math.  Our aim  is to have children grow mentally, physically and socially.  There are many opportunities for the child to talk, listen and participate in small groups.  All of our learning tasks are progressive and programmed for success, helping children build self image by completing a job done well.

CREATIVE ARTS:

     ARTS:  Children begin to draw with intent
               Children have a chance to try many types of media
               Children take responsibility for care of art materials
               Children will be exposed to the work of many artist and illustrators

     MUSIC:  Children will experience many different kinds of music
                  Children will hear and experience many kinds of rhythm
                  Children will learn and create songs
                  Children will make music with simple instruments

LANGUAGE ARTS:

     TALKING -  Carry on a conversation
                      Ask for what they need
                      Use words to solve problems

     LISTENING - Take turns
                         Learn to look at and have eye contact with speaker

     WRITING - Link print with communication
                      Write name
                       Begin to copy letter and words

     READING - Listen to and enjoy stories
                      Finger plays, poems, act out stories, create own stories

MATH - Use numbers to measure and order everything
            Look for and develop patterns
            Solve puzzles

SCIENCE -  Nature science helps children learn about and understand the world
                 around them.

HEALTH AND SAFETY -  Learn to practice rules for good health
                                   Learn to stay with teacher
                                   Learn to dial 911 and begin to know address and
                                                 telephone number
                                   Learn fire safety

WEEK DAY SPECIALS -  Science
                                   Music and movement
                                   Library
                                   Literary Day
                                   Discovery Day

 

FIVE-YEAR-OLD CLASS GOALS

Children in the Pre-K class will be offered a totally new curriculum based on the development and needs of 5-year-olds.

The class size of up to 24 allows the children to get use to large group activities but continue to get individual attention working in small groups for language activities, science, music and art.

Children will have time to interact socially.  Five-year-olds can develop themes for dramatic play and work together to make plans for projects and carry them out co-operatively.

LANGUAGE ARTS:

Speaking - Children will have time for group discussion.  They will learn to take turns.  Vocabulary will grow as they discuss their units or themes.

Listening - Children will listen to stories, discuss characters and what happened, how problems are solved.  They will make experience charts and eventually dictate their own stories to their teachers.

Pre-writing - Children will learn about shapes, lines, and circles.  Children will examine letters and look how they are made.  In November children will use Native American picture symbols to copy and write stories.  Starting in January, children will have many opportunities to copy words, write letters and practice writing their name.  Alphabet books, puzzles, games will be used to facilitate learning.

Pre-reading - Experience listening to stories.  Use flannel board, puppet experience, sequence of events, interaction of characters and eventually write and dictate their own stories.

Number - Children learn that numbers are used to describe quantities and relationships and are useful tools for getting information  about the world they live in.  Children count class members, snacks, blocks, characters in stories, steps.  Eventually children will make their own number books.

Measurement - Children are interested in measurement and will observe and discuss how big, tall, small objects are.  They will have many ways to measure and chart their experiences.

Pattern - We will look for patterns in daily life, in design, in sequence of events.

Geometry and Spacial Sense - We will learn about our own space and the needs of others.  We will use tactile experience to fill space.

CREATIVE ARTS:

Art: Children will use many kinds of material for creating.  80% of 5 year olds draw knowing what they want to create.  They will study patterns and design.  They will be exposed to the work of many artists and illustrators.  They will be responsible for getting equipment and putting it away.

Music - Children will experience music by singing, listening, moving.  They will play and make instruments.  They will have the opportunity to create simple songs.

Science - The 5 year olds will continue to explore and learn about their natural environment.  They will have opportunities to learn the basic skills of observation, inference and prediction.  They will continue meeting with Mrs. Burke once a week.

Health and Safety - Children will demonstrate self-care skills
                              Cleanliness - wash face and hands
                              Learn about proper nutrition

Understand Safety Rules: Identify full name and address and phone number.

Traffic Safety - Identify traffic signs
                       Discuss safety in cars
                       Bike safety

Weekday Specials - Science
                             Music and Movement
                             Library Day
                             Bike Day

Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children