What is a PARENT COOPERATIVE? Our program values parents as the first and last teachers of their children, so parental involvement is of the utmost importance. The parent co-op achieves this involvement by having parents of children enrolled in the program aid on a rotating basis. What is the EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY of the school? The program is developmental in nature, focusing on the cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and spiritual growth of the child. Since each child progresses at a different rate, the program is individualized as much as possible to meet the needs of each child. How is RELIGIOUS EDUCATION incorporated into the program? This is accomplished by creating an atmosphere of Christian community in which the child learns to love and respect God, himself, his parents, teachers, and friends. Further, the child learns that his love will be returned. What type of CURRICULUM is provided for the children? Usually the curriculum revolves around weekly or monthly themes such as seasons of the year, self awareness, holidays, community helpers, and more. Related art projects, stories, songs, fingerplays, and visitors are introduced to teach and reinforce these themes. What TEACHING TECHNIQUES are used? CIRCLE TIME - this is a social time in which the children come together as a group for stories, musical activities, games, physical activities, and fingerplays. INTEREST CENTERS - areas are set up around the room containing materials, toys, and games which the child can explore at his own interest and level of readiness. Centers include art materials (crayons, fingerpaints, play dough, easel paints, collage materials), waterplay, blocks, manipulative toys, math, science, reading readiness, books, and dramatic play. The young child is energetic, full of life, eager, and enthusiastic. He must be doing, exploring, and discovering the world around him. HOLY APOSTLES PARENT COOPERATIVE PRESCHOOL helps the child to accomplish this in a creative and caring way.
