Classes & Programs
Core Classes
At STPS, we believe that each child is a unique individual who learns in his or her own way. To meet each child's needs, we provide a rich variety of activities and experiences. With help from parents and by means of a curriculum that is sensitive to individual development, teachers guide children as they grow toward maturity and selfhood.
See the Schedule
Kid's Workshop
Our KID’S WORKSHOP extended day program is available from 12-2:30pm Monday - Friday.
- This program is available to families throughout the year beginning in mid-September and ending in mid-May.
- Children bring a lunch from home.
- Activities include outdoor nature-based activities, creative play and creation, yoga/mindfullness, story and quiet time / rest time.
No refunds will be made for missed days or cancellations due to a child’s illness or inclement weather.
Drop In: If space is available, children may drop in our Kid’s Workshop program. Parents must stop by the office prior to class to register their child and pay the drop-in fee.
Please note: Not all children are ready for our after-school program. The final decision is made collaboratively between the Director and the Lead Teacher after observation of the child.
Summer Fun
St. Thomas' Preschool Summer Fun Program is connected to our school year philosophy and is a great way for children, ages two through six, to enjoy some fresh air and fun in a relaxed, developmentally appropriate setting.
Our 4 week program is staffed by highly qualified and experienced teachers who are dedicated to providing each child with a rewarding summer camp experience. Families may sign up for 1-4 weeks, depending upon individual needs. This program is available Monday - Friday from 9am - 12pm with specific dates listed below.
Activities will include plenty of outdoor time for bike and trike riding, sand and water play as well as exploration of the natural world. Indoors, there are opportunities for creative expression through painting and crafts, open playtime, cooking, singing, story time and more. A snack is provided daily.
2024 Registration
Summer Fun 2024 Themes
Monday-Friday 9AM-12PMWeek 1: Atelier/Art Studio
June 3 - June 7 ($250)
Week 2: Birds of a Feather
June 10 - June 14 ($250)
Week 3: Marine Wildlife Discoveries
June 17 - June 21 ($250)
Week 4: Insects and Outdoor Creatures
June 24 - June 28 ($250)
Curriculum
For decades, our school has used the Reggio Emilia approach to learning. The Reggio Emilia Philosophy is an innovative and inspiring approach to early childhood education, which values the child as strong, capable and resilient; rich with wonder and knowledge. The child is encouraged to initiate activities and their learning based on their own curiosities and aims to assist them with understanding their world and who they are in it.
The Child. The Environment. The Teacher.
- Children are encouraged to form their own hypotheses and to seek answers to their own questions. Long before they can read and write, children naturally engage in complex thinking.
- Teachers support this by providing a rich variety of art materials and activity areas that stir children’s imaginations and allow them to express their ideas.
- To a large degree, this complicated process looks like play. Through close and careful observation, teachers are able to guide students in their exploration, encouraging the extention of play ideas toward new areas of discovery .
- Concepts from all academic areas, including mathematics, science, literacy and social studies, are integrated throughout the day.
- Quality children’s literature is emphasized in each classroom and is the centerpiece of the teacher-directed part of the school day, when young children begin to learn to listen and think critically about the world around them.
The Benefits: Encouragement. Exploration. Problem-Solving.
- Each day, in every classroom, children are given a large amount of time for continuous self-initiated play. Through this process, they develop meaningful relationships with peers and teachers, strong communication skills and a sense of empathy.
- Students gain self-confidence by using problem-solving skills, developing flexibility in their thinking and finding creative ways to express themselves.
- As the children become developmentally more ready, challenges are increased so that by the time a child is in kindergarten, they are able to manage themselves successfully throughout a complex school day filled with lessons requiring focused attention, transitions from activity to activity and the need to work both collaboratively and independently with teachers and peers.
- The curriculum for our older students includes special area classes in art, music, physical education, science, and French.
- In all of our programs, whether serving twos, threes, fours, pre-kindergartners or kindergartners, emphasis is placed on the age-appropriateness of the learning environment so that the unique qualities and learning potential of young children at each age can be fully developed.
- As a result our children form a deep love of learning that moves with them to elementary school and beyond.
Licensure
Our school has been approved by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) for Child Care and Educational Programming, in compliance with the Office of Childcare regulations. Our Kindergarten is an MSDE accredited program, with highly qualified and certified teachers. Our teachers participate and complete professional development throughout the year, including a minimum of 12 credit hours of MSDE approved coursework each year.
