• Classes are held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
• The AM class meets from 9:00 to 11:30.
• The PM class meets from 12:30 to 3:00.
• The maximum class size is 14 children (7:1 child to adult ratio).
• The child must be 4 by December 1 of the attending school year to enroll.
• Parent-helping and non-parent-helping options are available in ONLY the AM class (See “What Is a Co-Op?” for more information).
• A paid teacher’s assistant works in the afternoon class and occasionally in the morning class.

Curriculum:
The goal of the Pre-K classes is kindergarten readiness. The program is designed to provide the children with an enriching pre-kindergarten experience with the opportunity for social development under the guidance of a skilled teacher. Dramatic play and social interaction are balanced with teacher-directed activities, which encourage the mastery of basic skills. This is done with hands on learning experiences and through interactive games, music and movement, group activities, and exploration. Basic skills include, but are not limited to, listening, speaking effectively, following directions, motor coordination, colors, shapes, names, letters, counting numbers, opposites, and patterns.

Children are encouraged to become independent and be involved in their own daily care. Examples include using the bathroom, getting coats and boots on to go outside, and putting away classroom activities. Children learn to get along with others by practicing taking turns, sharing, negotiating play situations, and using words to appropriately express themselves.

Sample daily schedule:
15 min.   Transition/Table Toys
25 min.   Calendar Time and Release to Free Play
40 min.   Free Play and Clean-up
35 min.   Lesson/Project
15 min.   Snack Time
20 min.   Outdoor Play/Big Room/Music and Movement

• Sample topics/themes covered: community helpers, dental health, seasons, farm animals, plants, and holidays
• Sample field trips: pumpkin farm, Springdale Farm, recycling center, Walt Disney School kindergarten class
• Special activities: cooking activities, holiday parties, trick-or-treating at the retirement home behind the church, special visitors (mail carrier, police officer, etc.) and a graduation ceremony  

                     Mrs. Schudel                                       Mrs. Czolgosz

Pre-K Teacher: Mrs. Donna Schudel has been working in the field of early childhood education since 1990 and has been teaching at GCCNS since 2001. She has extensive experience working with children of all different ability levels and backgrounds. Her dedication and enthusiasm for working with children is quite clear. She is creative, energetic, patient, and finds a way to incorporate learning into every part of her students’ day. 

Teacher's Aide: Mrs. Patty Czolgosz came to us with experience being a teacher's aide through BOCES.  The children enjoy her pleasant and easy-going personality.  She is a wonderful addition to our team.