Class Descriptions
Risen Savior provides children an opportunity to grow in a Christian environment where each child is recognized for his/her own uniqueness. Qualified teachers work in partnership with families to serve the needs of the total child. A strong Christian foundation is developed through participation in chapel, Bible stories, songs and prayers.
The EARLY LEARNING CENTER provides extended care for infants through five year olds. These classrooms are accredited and have the same curriculum as our preschool. Center hours are 7am to 6pm Monday through Friday and only closes six days per year for holidays.
THE TWO YEAR OLD GROUP is a classroom setting in which children develop the social and verbal skills so important for a happy, well-rounded child. Classes are 2 ½ hours per session. Goals include encouraging the children to interact with others of the same age. They learn to use verbal skills as a replacement for more physical interaction (i.e. ask for a toy rather than grab; tell him it’s your toy rather than hit). The group gives the children, in gradual steps as they are ready, experience with accepting limits, structure and routine. They gather with the teachers for morning meeting, which progresses as the year goes along from a couple of short songs or fingerplays to listening to a story as a group. Through the use of many sensory activities, such as finger painting, soap suds, play dough and earth clay, the children receive opportunities to explore different creative mediums. Children must be potty-trained by the first day of school. Alyssa Church teaches these classes.
THE THREE YEAR OLD GROUP meets for 2 1/2 hours a day. There is a choice of a two or a three day a week program. The class works toward helping the children verbalize their feelings and needs and developing positive social relations. “Tell him how you feel” is heard often with three-year-olds. At three, there is more role-play and more cooperative play. By the end of the year, playgroups have often increased in size with four or five children interacting in the housekeeping corner or on the playground with fire hats and hoses. There are group times, which include songs, stories, finger plays, music and fun body movement activities. Kristy Styx teaches 4 of these classes (MWF AM< MWF PM< TTh AM, and TTh PM). Nancy Gatti will also teach a TTh AM and PM class.
THE FOUR YEAR OLD GROUP stresses the development of the whole child and the skills needed to participate in a social group. The day consists of a three-hour block of time. Older fours at the end of this program may be eligible and ready for Kindergarten. Many children in these age groups begin to see the art materials in a more complex way. Their drawings become representational, the picture looks like something recognizable, and some of the children enjoy telling the teacher about their picture and having it written down. During the year, the children are more eager for more cognitive materials. A variety of table games and activities, which may include number and letter Bingo, opposites and sequence games, are introduced. Morning meeting may include keeping a record of the weather or a calendar and sharing time. Nancy Gatti teaches these classes.
PRE-KINDERGARTEN meets for a three-hour block of time and includes a wide variety of school experiences made possible by four back-to-back school days. All children in this group, by age, will be eligible for Kindergarten the following year. A typical day in this program will provide developmentally appropriate experiences in all domains: cognitive, social, emotional, physical and spiritual. The four-day program allows for more structured small and large group activities. This theme and center-based program allows children to utilize materials in more complex and extended ways. Near the end of the year, the staff discusses with the parents their perception of the children’s readiness for Kindergarten. Julie Capistran teaches a morning and afternoon Pre-K class. Jeanne Hernandez teaches an afternoon class on M-Th.
EARLY KINDERGARTEN is half day Pre-K program that includes children who will be five by year-end. This five day a week program focuses more intensely on Kindergarten readiness and provides developmentally appropriate experiences in all domains: cognitive, social, emotional, physical and spiritual. Jeanne Hernandez is the Lead Teacher.
ENRICHMENT is for all preschoolers whose parents need a little extra time in the day. It begins when their morning class ends. Children are served lunch, have quiet time, and then experience hands-on activities that are developmentally appropriate and focused on Arizona’s Early Learning Standards. Enrichment is available Monday through Friday on a drop-in basis, which means reservations are made at the School Office each morning. Class size is limited and filled on a first come, first served basis. Parents may schedule in advance.