“La Maternelle”, the French preschool is essential in the French educative system. Although school is not mandatory before 5 years old, most of children are enrolled in preschools by age 2½ to 3½ years old. It has been proven that early education provides high academic and cognitive achievements.
As in France, teachers at La Maternelle have 3 to 5-year college degrees. They have training in child psychology and physical development, as well as in education. They have experience working with young children. They are First Aid and CPR certified. They also attend training on child development throughout the year.
Preschoolers / Trés Petite Section 2½ – 3½ years old
Pre-Kindergarten / Petite Section, JK 3½ – 4¾ years old
Kindergarten / Moyenne Section, SK 4¾ – 6 years old
The French curriculum is organized as a series of multi-year Cycles, during which students must acquire specific knowledge and demonstrate given competencies. The concept of Cycles acknowledges that learning occurs in a different way, and at a different pace, in every child. For example, some may be proficient readers very early, while others, equally bright, take longer. Children begin to speak in French, to count, to sing, to read and to write at the start of Petite Section (JK) . By the end of Grande Section (SK) grade, which is also the end of a Cycle, all children should be bilingual.
France’s renowned École Maternelle has been imitated in many countries. The French preschool is an integrated and essential first phase of the educational system. Maternelle teachers, who have the same 4-year college degree as primary teachers, have solid training in child psychology and physical development, as well as education. They begin preparing the youngest children for the work they will be asked to do later in elementary school.
In the Pré-school Les Petits Princes aims to instill in children a curiosity for learning, as they develop their own skills and talents. They work in a supportive yet stimulating environment which is responsive to individual needs and differences. Although children follow an intensive curriculum in French at that level, language, culture and basic learning skills are emphasized.
The curriculum program at the Kindergarten and Junior Divisions is structured in such a manner as to integrate all subject matters and to foster accelerated learning and achievement. The methodology at the early stages is based on concrete pedagogy and is gradually phased out at the end of Senior Kindergarten. Although the classroom environment is informal at the Kindergarten Levels, the curriculum is structured and has very clear objectives.
It Includes:
uring circle time we focus once again on language development, following rules and socialization.
The following is a list of various stations available to the children:
Basic math concepts, which include counting, addition, subtraction, classifying, spatial relationships
• Creativity
• Numbers
• Self-expression
• Small muscle development
• Problem solving
Select books for individual needs and interests
Follow simple story lines in stories read aloud
Listen to literacy selections for personal enjoyment
Distinguish between real and make-believe
Develop eye-hand coordination and small muscles
Learn a variety of readiness skills: sorting, comparing, counting, identifying patterns, sequencing, making predictions, classifying
Make decision and choices
Pouring liquids without spilling
Table manners
Hanging jacket on hook
Blowing nose and throwing away tissue properly
Dressing oneself
Social skills: sharing, negotiating, creating and following rules, taking turns
Motor development: opportunity to develop and refine large muscle skills
Free play
To download the full curriculum, please click on the following link:
NOTE: There is a 15% discount on tuition fees for the second child; 25% discount for the third. Please contact us for a list of fees if you have several children participating.
Time
7:50 – 8:45 am
4:30 – 5:50 pm
4:00 – 4:30 pm
Fees / month
0$
100$
$ 160
If you wish to find out more about our school, We will be happy to send you a package containing expanded information material, and an application form.