St. Stephen’s Preschool seeks to offer a loving atmosphere for social, emotional and cognitive growth and to provide a child-centered program that fosters a love for God, a love for each other, and a love for the world.
Our Program
The 2’s
The 2’s (two-year olds) attend on Tuesdays and Thursdays or Monday Wednesday and Fridays from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm This class has a maximum of 12 children and 3 teachers.
The 3’s and Pre-K’s
The 3’s and Pre-K’s attend Monday Wednesday and Friday with an option of adding either Tuesday, Thursday or both from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm, with an optional extended day “Lunch Bunch” each day from 12:00-2:00 (see below for more info on Lunch Bunch). Each of these groups has 12 – 18 children with 2-4 teachers in each class.
Schedule and Structure
Our programs are offered on a schedule that starts in late August and is similar to the Orinda Union School District, continuing through May.
We have a structured schedule which includes experiences with art materials, circle times, snacks, music, stories and indoor and outdoor play. We offer a variety of themes during the year. We work on colors, letters, shapes and the value of numbers in an age appropriate manner and through the use of stories, descriptions, songs and games. The children learn to recognize their name and the alphabet in print.
We also work on taking responsibility for helping pick up our play things at the end of play times. The 2′s are just beginning this process, but the 3′s and Pre-K’s are capable and willing to help.
In all of these activities, we are learning to respect and enjoy each other, take turns and follow simple rules of behavior.
A short chapel service is held on Mondays for the 3′s and Pre-K classes.
Lunch Bunch
Monday through Friday from 12:00-2:00pm
Lunch Bunch is a drop-in program for which you do not need a reservation. The children who stay for Lunch Bunch bring their own lunch to school. We will have water to drink if you do not wish to send drinks.
Lunch
On the days that you will be using the program, please bring a nutritious (nut free) lunch for your child clearly marked with their name. Children love a lunch box! Do not pack more lunch than he/she would normally eat at home. Children will have adequate time to eat lunch.
Program
The Lunch Bunch program is designed to be an extension of your child’s Preschool day and can be the child’s “home away from home”. Staying for lunch with a teacher and friends can offer your child a pleasant experience in being away from home and family for a more extended period of time than the school day allows.
Structure
The structure of these afternoons will include lunch, enrichment activities and indoor and outdoor play.
Payment
The Lunch Bunch fee is $25.00 per afternoon. You will pay for the previous month at the beginning of each month (i.e. October Lunch Bunch fees are paid with the November Tuition).