Professionalism

•    Teachers and administrator have professional training and credentials

  •  Each classroom consists of a minimum of one teacher with a B.A. degree in elementary education or child development

• Teachers and director relate well with children
  • Respect differences among children
  •  Encourage children to express ideas
  • Set limits using positive discipline (no physical punishment, scaring or humiliation)

• Teachers are well supported
  • Time is set aside for daily planning and ongoing program evaluation
  •  Teachers participate in ongoing professional development

• Building Positive relationships among teachers and families
  • Sensitive to family concerns
  • Teachers communicate regularly with the parents via newsletters, emails, phone calls and conferences
  • Teachers willing to work together to contribute to the success of the total program

• Parent Involvement

• Parents are welcome to visit the classrooms at any time
• Parents are encouraged to participate in classroom and school events
• Available opportunities for children to engage in classroom experiences with family members

• Consistent yet flexible and responsive to the needs of the individual children
• The schedule includes daily indoor and outdoor (or gym) experiences
• Teachers use proven strategies and approaches to tailor the learning opportunities for the group and individual
• A variety of materials and equipment are used to implement the curriculum
• Children experience daily time for:
  • Play
  • Self-initiated learning
  • Creative expression
  • Large and small group experiences
• The curriculum fosters development in the following areas:
  • Social
  • Emotional
  • Physical
  • Language
  • Cognitive
  • Creative

• Learning is primarily active rather than passive

•  Class Size
  •  Two-year-olds         12
  • Three-year-olds       15
  • Four-year -olds        17

• Physical Space
  • The facility meets developmental appropriateness and safety
  • Health and safety standards assure cleanliness and reasonable protection against illness and allergies

• Displays
  • Assist the children to reflect on and extend their learning
  • Displays are at children’s eye level, when possible
  • Bulletin boards remain current and updated
  • Children’s work is present throughout the building

• Teachers evaluate each child’s progress on an ongoing basis
• A formal evaluation is conducted once a year and shared with the parents
• Teachers and director are evaluated at the end of the school year
• St. Mark’s School Board conducts a parent survey, as needed