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OUR PHILOSOPHY

​At St. Peter’s Episcopal School, we believe that early childhood is a critical period in the development of the intellectual, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual growth of children. Our program goal is to create a warm, loving atmosphere in which a child feels accepted and has the opportunity to participate in a variety of stimulating learning experiences. We emphasize learning through play, self-sufficiency, and problem-solving. Encouraged by the example of our staff, children learn to respect the uniqueness of others. Teachers offer praise and assistance when needed, and help children express their feelings in an honest and constructive manner. 

OUR CURRICULUM

Our program seeks the development of the whole child. Our teaching is guided by the latest research in child development as promoted by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). We believe in the importance of developing relationships with our students, as this is the foundation that allows young children to seek security, explore their surroundings, and work on their self-identity. Good preschool teachers set developmentally appropriate expectations and provide each child with the right mix of challenge, support, sensitivity, and stimulation. Our teachers are committed to promoting and enhancing every child’s learning in the following areas:

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  • Art

  • Sensory Exploration

  • Dramatic Play

  • Fine & Gross Motor Skills

  • Language Arts / Literacy / Writing

  • Mathematics 

  • Science / Social Studies

  • Self Help Skills / Social and Emotional Skills

  • Cooking

  • Music

  • Spiritual Development
     

Instruction at St. Peter’s is guided by The Creative Curriculum, Frog Street, and Heggerty Phonemic Awareness, all of which emphasize learning through play and hands-on experiences. Teachers are intentional facilitators who create a classroom environment that fosters children’s learning, creativity, self-expression, and security through both child-selected and teacher-directed activities. All three curricula are approved by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).

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OUTDOOR PLAY

Research has proven time and again the importance of outdoor play for young children.
According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC),
some of the benefits of outdoor play include:

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  • ï‚·Opportunities for children to learn about science and nature

  • Improved gross motor skills, balance, and flexibility

  • Opportunities for social interaction and collaboration

  • Better sleep

  • Increased brain development

  • Chances for taking appropriate risks

  • Engagement of all 5 senses

  • Development of STEM skills like exploration, experimentation, and discovery

  • Anchoring children to the real worldï‚·

 

We are fortunate at St. Peter’s to have access to several wonderful outdoor areas – our
playground, our Nature Center, and the expansive Church grounds, which include trees
to climb as well as a Labyrinth maze to explore. We make use of these areas every day.
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CHAPEL TIME

Although young children operate on a concrete level, we believe they are capable of becoming aware of God's love. Through our acceptance and love of the children, we hope to reflect God's acceptance and love. Chapel Time at St. Peter's is a very special time and celebration of this relationship. For the last section of the school day, your child is involved in learning Bible stories and understanding Christian values. We partake in storytelling, songs, movement, role-play, short video segments, and prayer.

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