Full Day Preschool Program

Upon entering the classrooms at the Nativity Early Learning Center (NELC), you will observe children participating in activities that combine play and learning. The NELC's preschool programs are structured to enhance educational and social outcomes for children's future achievements. 

Children engage in learning within their preschool classrooms, covering various academic areas. There are six primary areas of development focused on in the NELC preschool programs, in alignment with the Minnesota Early Childhood Indicators of Progress. An additional area emphasizing Religious Education is also included.

1. **Social and Emotional Development**: This area involves emotional growth, self-concept, social competence, and relationship skills.
2. **Different Approaches to Learning**: Focuses on curiosity, risk-taking, imagination, invention, persistence, and reflection.
3. **Language and Literacy Development**: Involves listening, speaking, emergent reading, and emergent writing skills.
4. **Creativity and the Arts**: Includes creating, responding, and evaluating.
5. **Cognitive Development**: Covers mathematical and logical thinking (number concepts, operations, patterns, spatial relationships, and measurement), scientific thinking and problem solving (observation, questioning, investigation), and understanding social systems (human relationships and worldview).
6. **Physical Motor Development**: Consists of gross and fine motor skills, physical health, and well-being.

**Religious Education**: Children learn about God, the Bible, prayers, empathy, respect, and values through developmentally suitable activities. This includes kindness and love for others, as well as the celebration of all Catholic holidays.