Early Childhood Program

At St. John Brebeuf School, we help our preschool students and their families approach the school environment with curiosity, eagerness, and joy.

Young children are drawn to learning, and the SJB Preschool is founded on the learning through play model.

At SJB School, our preschool staff are professionals in early child development. We offer half-day and full-day options for both 3 and 4-year-olds, and families can choose 2, 3, or 5 days per week. This enables each parent to choose the combination of hours and days that is best for their child.

Our staff members are:

• Mrs. Michelle Grzeda, Pre-K 3 Teacher
• Mrs. Joanna Oliva, Pre-K 4 Teacher
• Mrs. Jackie Smolicek, Preschool Aide
• Mrs. Alyson O'Brien, Preschool Aide

Philosophy

The St. John Brebeuf Preschool program is based on the belief that each child is unique, and blessed by God with special gifts that need to be developed.

Our goal is to provide a school experience for preschool children that appreciates and supports the individuality of each child. Our program encourages cognitive, emotional, social, creative, and physical development integrated with religious guidance.

The preschool program is based on well-documented research on how children learn. Developmentally appropriate activities are offered and the child’s play is respected, as children of this age learn best through play. We are dedicated to promoting a partnership with parents.

Our Daily Schedule -- Mornings (full-day and half-day)

This schedule is presented between 8:30-11:45. The curriculum is based on the Illinois Early Learning Standards. We give our learners a broad background in cognitive and sensory experiences, pre-reading and pre-math skills, and small and large muscle skills necessary for success in their future school years. Our preschools engage in a great deal of socialization.

Gathering Time Our daily routine includes a Gathering Time of conversation, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Guided by the Illinois Common Core Standards, the children are presented with a cross-curricular theme of interest that will be experienced and enhanced in the learning centers throughout the classroom.

Center Time The children engage in various activity centers set up for their explorations. Math, science, and language arts concepts are explored by hands-on use of age-appropriate materials. Each classroom has centers that include:

• Bible Center
• Blocks and Building Center
• Math, Science, and Discovery Center
• Language Arts Center
• Dramatic Play Center
• Story Area
• Play-Doh
• Manipulatives
• Music and Movement
• Arts and Crafts
• Daily Craft Projects

These centers encourage role-playing, imagination, building, creating, observing, and experimenting, using both cognitive and sensory skills. Children can experience the joys of music and the written word. Children learn through play and experience.

Group Time We reinforce the wide range of experiences and activities being explored throughout the room that helps prepare the children for what they should be able to learn, know, and do before they start kindergarten.

Outdoor, Gym Time or Special Area Class Children develop their large muscles and coordination, get some fresh air and exercise, engage in large muscle motor skill activities, and develop social skills. The children have a gym, music, and Spanish class.

Snack Time The children use the washroom before sitting down together for a snack followed by quiet reading. Your child’s teacher will provide specifics about the classroom’s snack procedures.

Story and Music Time Stories, singing, finger plays, dancing, and creative dramatics conclude our morning.

Afternoons (full-day) St. John Brebeuf offers full-day preschool programs. The afternoon schedule consists of:

• short playtime
• lunch at 12:00 in the classroom
• rest time
• outdoor playtime (weather permitting)
• structured time playing with manipulatives
• story time
• daily or weekly art projects

3- and 4-Year-Old Preschool:

Half Day 8:30 AM – 11:45 AM

Full Day  8:30 AM - 2:50 PM (1:50 Tuesday)

• 2 Day: Tuesday, Thursday
• 3 Day: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
• 5 Day: Monday through Friday

Before/After School Extended Day  6:30 AM – 8:05 AM; 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Age Children must be three years old or four years old by September 1 to enter the respective classes.

Potty Trained Children must be completely potty trained, able to clean themselves after using the potty, and able to dress themselves. Diapers and pull-ups are never allowed.

We invite all interested parents to visit us and tour the school. Information about our tours is here: