Philosophy
Our Lady of Mercy Preschool is a Catholic faith-based preschool. Mindful of our mission to be witnesses to the love of Christ, we include children of all races, religions, ethnic origins, and abilities. We believe each child is a unique gift from God, and each has individual learning styles and growth patterns. We believe in fostering an environment conducive to stimulating spiritual, cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. We believe children learn best in a consistent, safe, and loving Christian program that permits freedom to explore and discover. We believe parents are the primary educators of their children and we serve as partners/facilitators to guide the learning process.
Preschool Operation
Our Lady of Mercy Preschool began as an extension to the K-8 program in 1971 serving children 2 to 6 years. Presently, about 70% of our students continue in the K-8 program and 30% enroll in public elementary schools.
Our preschool classrooms are divided into four age groups: a 2.5 to 3 year old classroom, a 3 to 3.5 year old classroom, a Young 4-Pre-K classroom, and a Pre-Kindergarten classroom. The preschool session is from 8:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M. In our classrooms, parents may choose from a three to five day per week preschool program. In addition to preschool, we offer an extended childcare program for preschool students from 7:30 – 4:00pm. A summer enrichment program is offered in the months of June and July.
All staff members meet the requirements for preschool teachers in the State of California and the Diocese of Fresno. The Preschool abides by the Our Lady of Mercy School’s policies.
Our preschool classrooms are divided into four age groups: a 2.5 to 3 year old classroom, a 3 to 3.5 year old classroom, a Young 4-Pre-K classroom, and a Pre-Kindergarten classroom. The preschool session is from 8:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M. In our classrooms, parents may choose from a three to five day per week preschool program. In addition to preschool, we offer an extended childcare program for preschool students from 7:30 – 4:00pm. A summer enrichment program is offered in the months of June and July.
All staff members meet the requirements for preschool teachers in the State of California and the Diocese of Fresno. The Preschool abides by the Our Lady of Mercy School’s policies.
A day in the life...
The curriculum at OLM Preschool focuses on developmentally appropriate learning activities, which are designed to nurture the total child.
The daily schedule is planned to provide a balance of activities involving:
The preschool also participates in school-wide programs and the Pre-K classrooms attend Mass on the 1st Friday of each month. Each preschool student has a reading buddy that visits the classroom once a week. The older classrooms go to the school library once a week and the school librarian reads to the 2.5-3.5 year old students weekly. (COVID Policies permitting)
The daily schedule is planned to provide a balance of activities involving:
- Indoor/outdoor
- Quiet/active
- Individual/large group/small group
- Large muscle/small muscle
- Child initiated/staff initiated
The preschool also participates in school-wide programs and the Pre-K classrooms attend Mass on the 1st Friday of each month. Each preschool student has a reading buddy that visits the classroom once a week. The older classrooms go to the school library once a week and the school librarian reads to the 2.5-3.5 year old students weekly. (COVID Policies permitting)
Health, Safety and Parent Participation
The health and safety of our students is a top priority. Each child has a health evaluation by accepted medical personnel along with immunization record on file. Emergency contact information is on record and each teacher has a copy in her classroom. All teachers and assistants are CPR/First aid certified. First aid supplies are available in all classrooms. Fire, earthquake, and lock-down drills are scheduled routinely and staff members are trained to know the evacuation plans.
Parents and Grandparents are encouraged to participate in many of the preschool and school activities. Those who assist in the classrooms are fingerprinted and cleared by the Department of Justice and have attended a Safe Environment training class. Regular volunteers also provide immunization records. Preschool parents and grandparents are encouraged to join the school board and participate in parent club activities. (COVID Policies permitting)
Parents and Grandparents are encouraged to participate in many of the preschool and school activities. Those who assist in the classrooms are fingerprinted and cleared by the Department of Justice and have attended a Safe Environment training class. Regular volunteers also provide immunization records. Preschool parents and grandparents are encouraged to join the school board and participate in parent club activities. (COVID Policies permitting)