Early Childhood

In Early Childhood, nurturing teachers help children explore their curiosity, think critically, express their ideas through hands-on activities, explore their identity, and develop independence.

An open dialogue between students and teachers encourages students to investigate, create, and problem-solve as various subject matters are integrated. Technology is thoughtfully integrated into the curriculum to enhance student learning experiences in developmentally appropriate ways.

A Look Into our Curriculum

Literacy

Day in the Life of an Early Childhood Student

Join us for a day in the life of a Early Childhood student for a glimpse of all the amazing things your child will do each day at Catherine Cook!

*Enrichment

Early Childhood students enjoy a wide variety of enrichment classes as part of a well-rounded educational experience. Enrichment classes can take place in homeroom classrooms or a different location within the school, providing students the opportunity to learn how to transition as a classroom unit.

World Languages (French and Spanish)
Art (SK)
Physical Education
Movement
Music
Computer Science
IDEA & AV (Integration)
Science (SK)
Library
Social-Emotional Learning Class (SK)

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Early Childhood In Action

Diving Deep

Judy Wahl

Read Her Biography

Read Her Biography

With more than 25 years of experience, Ms. Wahl most recently was the Assistant Head of School at Midwest Academy for Gifted Education. She has been a lead teacher in preschool through 2nd grade classrooms, including 10 years at Roycemore School. She also spent time as the Academic Program Director at Black Bear Academy, as a consultant at the Northwestern University Center of Education and Social Policy, and is the founder of Sprout Gifted Services. Ms. Wahl holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with a focus on Literature and Child Psychology from Loras College.

Early Childhood Admission Information

Age Requirements for Early Childhood

Preschool FAQ

Q. What are the Preschool schedule choices?

A. The schedule for Preschool is five days a week and will be offered as follows:

Morning Half-Day Program (8:10-11:50 a.m.)
Full Day Program (8:10 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.)

Q. What is the deadline for committing to a half or full day of Preschool?

A. Preschool full or half day choice selections are needed as soon as possible and before admission decisions are sent. Your choice will not impact our decisions; we need to know so we can send appropriate acceptance letters and contracts. If families are having a hard time making a choice or would like to make a change to their choice, they can reach out to the Admission Office anytime.

Q. What will my child be doing if they stay for the afternoon?

A. After nap/rest time, Preschool students will have recess, free choice time, snack, and story time activities.

Q. Will we be able to choose fewer than five days a week for Full Day students to stay in the afternoons?

A. Full Day is a five-day program. Over time, Full Day curriculum will include projects that last over time and so children may feel that they are missing out if they are absent from afternoon sessions.

Q. Do you require children to be toilet independent by enrollment for Preschool?

A. Yes, we do require children to be toilet independent. However, we do partner and collaborate with families when needed. To learn more tips on toilet training, please click here to view our most recent virtual workshop.

Lunch & Snacks in Preschool and Junior Kindergarten

Q. How does lunch work?

A. All Preschool and Junior Kindergarten students will eat lunch in their classrooms. Parents can either sign up for the Lunch Program or send a lunch prepared from home. Please do not send lunches with peanut butter, peanuts, coconut, or any kind of tree nuts to protect students with allergies.

Q. How do snacks work?

Parents will provide two daily snacks for their children. The school has spare snacks on hand in case a child occasionally forgets one. Please make sure the snacks you are sending to school are allergen-free and that you inform your child’s teacher and the School Nurse of any food allergies or sensitivities your child may have so that we can ensure everyone is bringing snacks that are safe for the whole classroom.

Q. How do you handle allergies, sensitivities, and other health issues?

A. We encourage all families to learn about how to protect children with food and other allergies, asthma, and other health issues. To learn more, see the Catherine Cook Allergy Guidelines. Children wash hands with soap before snacks and lunch and after bathroom visits and recess; each classroom has a bathroom and hand sanitizer. Prior to the beginning of each school year, the School Nurse, teachers, and the Division Head will meet with families of children with allergies or other health issues to learn about your child’s specific health needs, and to develop an Allergy Action Plan or other protocols to keep your child safe and healthy at school.

Nap/Rest Time in Preschool and Junior Kindergarten

Preschool nap/rest time is scheduled for 60 minutes. We recognize that many three-year-olds may resist or not need to go to sleep, but they need this quiet time to consolidate the learning and to refresh for the afternoon and evening. Children may lie down or sit on their cots and relax with a book if they do not sleep. Each child may bring three items for rest time comfort (e.g. a blanket, a stuffed animal, and a favorite book).

Junior Kindergarten nap/rest time is scheduled for 60 minutes at the beginning of the year with the expectation that this amount of time will diminish gradually over the year. Like Preschoolers, four-year-olds may resist or not need to go to sleep. Children need quiet time to consolidate their learning and to refresh for the afternoon and evening. Children who do not sleep can relax with a book. Each child may bring three items for rest time comfort (e.g. a blanket, a stuffed animal, and a favorite book).

Early Childhood Faculty

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