Q1: Is there an opening for my child?

Individual classroom enrollment can change several times during the course of a year, or a classroom registration can remain constant. Please call the Preschool Office, (949) 552-1967 for openings for your child.

Q2: Are the Half Day Children and the Full Day children in the same classrooms?

No, there are separate rooms and individual curriculum for each program.

Q3: Is your program developmental or academic? What are the differences?

Our program is a developmentally academic philosophy that is based on the fundamental principles of the growth of children. The emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual stages of children occur in a predictable, orderly pattern. For example, throughout the world, children sit before they crawl, crawl before they walk, and walk before they run. However, the time sequence of these stages is unique to each child. In addition, each child has his/her individual style and rate of learning. Developmental curriculum is planned so children can advance through the developmental stages at their own rate of growth. At Good Shepherd, children are presented with academic concepts through exposure of shapes, numbers, and letters at the developmentally appropriate time frame. In small groups, various opportunities are provided to explore the many wonders of our world through "hands on" experiences utilizing the five senses.

Q4: Is my child just going to be "playing" at preschool or will he/she be "learning"?

Our diversified program will offer the following activities to form a strong basis for school readiness: Chapel is a special time when children hear Bible stories and learn songs and prayers about being loved in God's world. Language is encouraged through the use of dramatic play, blocks, creative art, stories, problem solving and social interactions. Small muscles necessary for writing are strengthened with fine motor activities such as scissors, playdough, sign language, stringing beads, and pasting. Perceptual and conceptual development are improved with the use of science, puzzles, board games, fingerplays and books. Motor development enhances growth of large muscles with obstacle courses, balancing boards, and games with scooter boards and balls. A music teacher brings songs and creative movement that develops listening skills, rhythm patterns and attention span.

Q5: Are snacks and lunches provided?

Nutritious, low sugar snacks are provided by the Preschool in accordance with the nutritional requirements set by the State of California. These snacks are served mid-morning and mid-afternoon and at 5:00 p.m. for children still at school. Snack calendars are posted on parent boards in each classroom. Parents provide the lunches for the Full Day children.