EARLY CHILDHOOD (PRE-K & KINDERGARTEN)
"I AM SPECIAL" is the theme of the early childhood program at St. Perpetua Parish for children 3 -4 -5 years of age and those in Kindergarten on Sunday mornings during the 9:30 Liturgy. Preschool explores the personal differences that make each of us unique and special. The wonders of seeing, touching, tasting, smelling, hearing, speaking, running and jumping are all explored during the first part of the year.

The excitements of the world around us in animals, fish, birds, air, water, soil and light fill the themes for the winter months. Through it all, we learn to give thanks to God who created all the wonderful life we explore.

The year ends with a look at family, friends and community as special parts of the young child's world. Special celebrations highlight the year, including a Christmas birthday party for Baby Jesus, and Easter explorations of colored eggs as signs of new life and weekly celebration.

It is very important to remember that preschool is a religious education readiness program. The children will NOT be taught formal prayers, although prayer will be a part of every class. They will NOT be taught formal Catholic doctrine, but they will learn who Jesus is and who God is. The atmosphere is relaxed and loving, and the children will learn more from example and from their senses than they will from words.

It is also important for the children to attend regularly for continuity. Sometimes parents feel that at this age, attendance is not that important, but it is to the child and to the whole attitude of just where religious practice fits into our daily lives and our Sunday worship.

Registration takes place in the spring and is ongoing throughout the summer. Classes will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Classes begin the last Sunday in September and end in late April.

For additional information please contact Catherine Giroux at (925) 283-0272#204 or cgiroux@stperpetua.org.