About the Program

St. Raphael's Nursery School offers an early childhood program for children three and four years of age, including a transitional program for four-plus. The goals of the school are the development of the whole child - psychologically, mentally, spiritually and socially - so that he or she can have a pleasant school experience and a good beginning toward a productive life.

What's a typical day at St. Raphael's? The teaching staff greets the children personally at the door, welcoming them to school. Free play usually follows, with the children doing everything from dress-up to puzzles to playing in a tepee. Each day includes at least one planned art project, generally geared to a theme (my family) or the season (Christmas). Individual art projects allow each child to freely express creativity. Playing outside, in the sandbox or on the swings and slides, is always a favorite, but on rainy or cold days, the gym provides lots of space for balls and hoops. Circle time involves stories, songs and finger plays, as well as basic concepts such as holidays, seasons, spatial relationships, colors, letters and numbers. Our music teacher comes every two weeks to teach the children songs. Sharing time allows each child a chance to bring in a favorite toy or something special from home to share with the others. At the end of the class, the children leave, excited to share with their parents the fun of the day.

Our four-plus class has the same format as our other programs but is geared to older 4-year-olds. The children are introduced to basic science, math and language skills through hands-on activities such as planting seeds, baking and letter sounds.

Special events are also part of the fun. Events include flannel board stories, nature talks, and neighborhood helpers. Field trips to places such as the Pumpkin Patch, Brookside Nature Center and the library provide an opportunity to learn and explore. Baking and cooking special treats give the children a special sense of accomplishment.

All these activities are designed to foster both the social-emotional and cognitive skills in a warm, supportive environment. In group play, the children learn confidence, friendship, sharing, leading, following and cooperation. Their play and projects teach them about the world around them and how they fit into that world. They develop the skills that enable them to function as well-adjusted children, happy with themselves and their environment.

Registration Requirements 2010-2011

St. Raphael Nursery School Registration is going on-line! No more sleepovers! No more lines! Register for the 2010-2011 nursery school year from your home or office on Friday, January 15th at 11 am.

St. Raphael’s Nursery School offers an early childhood program for children three and four years of age including a four-plus program for children turning 4 by March 31, 2010. Lunch bunch is available Monday- Friday and several enrichment programs including music & art, science, fitness & nutrition, and Spanish fiesta are available throughout the week. The goal of the school is the development of the whole child – religiously, psychologically, mentally and socially so that he or she can have a pleasant school experience and a good beginning toward a successful life within a Christian environment. To view our list of classes, obtain more information about St. Raphael’s Nursery school, and find more information about on-line registration visit www.straphaels.org/nursery_school.htm See you on-line!

Questions: 301-762-2143x121 or tdwyer@straphaels.org.

Lunch Bunch

A supplemental program, Lunch Bunch, gives the children the opportunity to enjoy their lunch in the company of their classmates, as well as to participate in outdoor play. Lunch Bunch runs for one hour and is available for a nominal fee.

Please sign up at the Nursery School office.

Application forms are also available to download from the list above.

Invitation to visit

We welcome you to observe classes in session. Please call 301.762.2143 to discuss the class in which you are interested.

Organization

The school began in the spring of 1969 as a semi-cooperative organization run completely by parents. Effective in 1989, the school began operating under the auspices of St. Raphael Catholic Church. The curriculum incorporates basic Catholic tradition but there is no formal doctrinal instruction. A parent Board advises the parish council on policy matters and assists in the day-to-day operation of the school.

Parents are expected to participate in the school by selecting from a wide range of various projects. Working and at-home parents can find options to fit their talents and schedules. This environment allows parents the opportunity to observe and participate in their child's education.

Staff and Facilities

Our staff consists of a director, teachers and aides. Professional staff members are degreed. Most have extensive experience in early childhood education. Each teacher is assisted by a qualified aide.

The typical class size for the four-year-old program and four-plus is 16 and 14 for the three-year-old program. Ideally there is a staff-child ratio of one adult per seven children for the three-year-olds and one per eight for four-year-olds and four-plus.

Each classroom is equipped with modern teaching and play equipment designed to provide a safe and stimulating environment for young children. The children have access to a large gymnasium and a spacious outdoor recreation area. The facilities provide a framework in which intellectual and social development go hand in hand.

Weather (Snow) Policy

During inclement weather, we are closed when Montgomery County Schools are closed. When County schools have a delay, we open one hour late. When public schools have an early closing, there will be no afternoon classes. Contracts for our staff run September through May, consequently, we do not add snow make-up days to the end of our school year.