The philosophy of the Ascension Preschool Program is to provide a positive, joyful, beginning school experience for each child entering the classroom. We place a special emphasis on each child’s individual nurturing and self‑esteem, and each child has a unique place in our classroom community.
Preschool Enrollment Options
ACS Preschool follows the curriculum set forth by the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas — education in the subjects of religion, personal development (i.e., physical, social, and emotional health and development), literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, music, art appreciation, creative movement, and cooking activities are also included.
Understanding that a child may be stronger in one area or method of learning allows us to help each child grow and learn. For this reason, we incorporate best practices from a variety of different philosophies, including Montessori Method, Emergent Curriculum / Reggio Emilia, and Constructivist Approaches.
Theresa earned her undergraduate degree from Benedictine College with an emphasis in Theological Studies and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership.
Over the past 20 years, she has served as an educator in schools throughout the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. In addition to classroom experience, Theresa spent summers tutoring students of all ages. She especially enjoys working one-on-one and in small groups, as it allows her to build meaningful relationships with students and help them grow in confidence while meeting their individual learning needs.
Catholic education has always been a passion of Theresa’s, and she is grateful for the opportunity to nurture our youngest learners as they grow academically, socially, and spiritually in their faith.
Our modified Montessori approach incorporates high-quality materials that strengthen fine motor skills, especially in practical life centers. Children use individual work rugs and trays for activities such as pouring, spoon transfer, and tong work, helping define personal workspace and promote independence. We foster peacemaking by encouraging respectful hallway behavior, care for classroom and playground spaces, and the use of “peaceful hands and bodies.” Each child is honored through a special “Celebration of Life” for birthdays and half-birthdays.
We emphasize children’s capability and resourcefulness. Their voices, ideas, and interests guide lessons and projects, while classroom environments evolve throughout the year to encourage collaboration among children, teachers, and families. This participatory approach nurtures democratic values and the joy of contributing to a shared community.
Our constructivist philosophy supports individual needs through small-group instruction and developmentally appropriate, child-initiated experiences. Recognizing that all children learn differently, teachers provide thoughtful accommodations to ensure every child thrives in a supportive, collaborative, child-centered environment.
Subjects within the curriculum include the following: Prayer, Social and Emotional Development, Language Arts Development, Fine Motor Development, Handwriting, Cognitive Development (Science/Social Studies), Cognitive Development (Math), and Practical Life. Examples of thematic units within the curriculum include:
The activities within the preschool program are designed to begin and enhance the young child’s total development — spiritual, social, emotional, intellectual, and physical. The students continuously explore their surroundings, share emotions, learn limits, and make new discoveries in their interactive play.
Each child has his or her own unique rate and way of developing, and we understand that development is a fluid process that cannot be rushed. At Ascension, we nurture the development of the whole child, accepting that intelligence is only one part of development.
Child-directed play time is a vital part of the preschool experience. Play allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, their dexterity, and their physical, cognitive, and emotional strength. As they master their world, play helps children develop new competencies that lead to enhanced confidence and the resiliency they will need to face future challenges.
Practical Life is the part of the curriculum in which the child develops coordination, manipulation, and basic self‑care skills in his or her environment. Teachers plan and guide activities that encourage the child to do things independently with a minimum of assistance. Each activity isolates one particular skill, allowing the child to master it one step at a time. Practical Life activities help children develop an inner sense of order, a greater sense of independence, and a higher ability to concentrate and to follow a complex sequence of steps.
Everyday kindness and courtesy are vital Practical Life skills. Each child is treated by her teachers and classmates with dignity and respect. The children come to understand and accept that we all have responsibilities to other people. They develop a clear sense of values and absorb every day ethics and interpersonal skills from the earliest years.
Here’s how Practical Life skills are incorporated into everyday classroom activities:
