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 2008-2009

Current students: Parents interested in St. Raphael Nursery School for the 2008-2009 school year should call for class availability.

St. Raphael’s Nursery School will hold registration for the 2008-2009 school year on Friday, January 11, 2008. We will begin accepting applications at 7:00 AM in the Duffy Community Center. Last year the line formed early! Applications are prioritized according to our Handbook, which places siblings and parishioners at the top of the list. Children must be toilet trained and turn 3 by December 31, 2008 in order to participate in this year’s program.

Applications will be available on January 11, 2008. If you are a parishioner, please bring your envelope number. There is a non-refundable $50.00 registration fee. Registration ends at noon.

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.

Invitation to visit

We welcome you to observe classes in session. Please call 301.762.2143 x121 or x122 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 class size for the four-year-old program and four-plus is 16 and 14 for the three-year-old program. 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 one or two-hour 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.