The Preschool Program at St. Elizabeth Seton consists of four programs: Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten, Preschool Plus (formerly Enrichment) and Child Care. These programs serve children from the ages of 3 through the fifth grade and are available from 6:00am to 6:00pm.
If you have any questions or would like to visit our Preschool Classroom, please contact: Jana Thies, Preschool Director, or Marcia Werner, Admissions Director at 605-348-1477
Preschool
This program promotes the development of the child as an individual along with the social, emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual development of each child. Preschoolers are finding their independence by expressing themselves with words, phrases and sentences. As they begin to understand others around them and their ideas grow, their environment becomes larger. Preschoolers are growing physically and gaining strength, agility, and coordination. Our Three and Four year old programs are well-rounded. They offer weekly sessions of Physical Education; a very enjoyable, fast-paced class full of laughter and smiles taught in the school gym by the Physical Education teacher. Students learn various games to promote health, wellness, and physical activity. In addition, the Library is introduced where weekly sessions of story time are directed by the school librarian. We are proud to offer “Catechesis of the Good Shepherd” as our Religious curriculum. This curriculum offers the children an opportunity to ponder the question, “Who are you, Jesus?” They learn that Jesus was a real person who walked on this earth. Other opportunities offered, include; ‘Special Persons’ Day, Christmas programs and Prayer Services.
Three year old program
This is a program offered for children who are three years’ old by August 31st of the current school year. The main focus of this class will be on the social aspect of learning, developing routines in the classroom, and working to give the child a great start to their school career. We help the children with the developmental tasks of separating from home, sharing, and ease of task switching. Activities provide opportunities for exploration through dramatic play, role-playing, toys, blocks and games. The program requires that the child is 100% toilet-trained and is self-sufficient in the bathroom.
Class size: 20 (State ratio is 1 teacher to 10 students)
2-, 3-, or 5-day weekly sessions:
Tuesday-Thursday—8:00-11:00 a.m.
Monday-Wednesday-Friday—8:00–11:00 a.m.
Monday-Friday—8:00-11:00 a.m.
Four year old program
This program is for children who are four years’ old or older by August 31st of the current school year and is an exciting time of growth and independence. Our goal is to make learning fun! Students are provided the opportunity to learn the skills needed to become successful at the Elementary level starting with a hands-on approach for cognitive development. Our program incorporates reading readiness, language development, vocabulary, thinking and listening skills, phonics, math readiness, and printing readiness.
This development is enhanced by exploring and using their imaginations to understand what is being presented.
Class size: 20 (State ratio is 1 teacher to 10 students)
2-, 3-, or 5-day weekly sessions:
Tuesday and Thursday—8:00-11:00 a.m.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday—8:00-11:00 a.m.
Monday thru Friday—8:00-11:00 a.m.
Pre-Kindergarten
Pre-Kindergarten is offered for children who have completed a four year old program and need another year to develop physically, socially, or academically prior to entering Kindergarten. Pre-Kindergarten serves as a bridge for children who need the Gift of Time- time to mature and be developmentally ready to enter a more academic Kindergarten class. It allows the children to become more confident as they move to the next level of academic achievement. This program promotes enthusiasm for learning. It is our goal that the children will be successful and independent with confidence to function in their environment. This class is a preview of academic skills for Kindergarten in a relaxed environment.
Class size: 20 (State ratio is 1 teacher to 10 children)
3-day or 5-day weekly sessions:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday – 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
or
Monday thru Friday – 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Preschool Plus
Preschool Plus is for children enrolled in any of the SES preschool programs who need an all-day program from 8:00 to 3:00. This program promotes all of the skills of Preschool and has a relaxed atmosphere. Opportunities are provided for independent decision-making and social interaction with peers. The children have weekly themes, follow a classroom routine, and have the opportunity to expand their learning.
Class size: 20 (State ratio is 1 teacher to 10 students)
2-, 3-, or 5-day weekly sessions:
Tuesday-Thursday – 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Monday-Wednesday-Friday – 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Monday-Friday – 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Lunch time preparations begin at 10:40 a.m. ~ Lunch time from 11:00 a.m. to 11:20 a.m.
Child Care
Child Care is for children ages 3 – 11 who need to be at school before or after school. The hours are 6:00a.m. to 8:00a.m. and 3:00p.m. to 6:00p.m. the days school is in session. You may drop off or pick up your child at any time on the days you have reserved. During this time, children are encouraged to relax, make good choices, and enjoy themselves. Our AM childcare is available for 20 students and our PM childcare is available for 45 students with 3 teachers. We use the child development rooms and the gym. An after school snack, provided by the school, is served daily.