HISTORY AND BACKGROUND
St. Mark's Preschool & Kindergarten was founded September of 1966 with the desire of the church community under the pastoral leadership of the Reverend David Sholin to respond to the need for a kindergarten in Tucson. At that time, Arizona schools did not have kindergartens. Over the years the preschool program continued to grow, becoming a well equipped, professionally staffed, model early childhood program. Today, the preschool/kindergarten maintains its tradition of excellence, operating at a maximum capacity with an approximate enrollment of 120 children, from age two and half through kindergarten, and a staff size ranging from 16 to 18. St. Mark's nondenominational, educational early childhood program serves children and their families from varied economic, cultural, racial, and experiential backgrounds. Licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services, the school was reaccredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) in July, 2009.
PHILOSOPHY
St. Mark's Preschool & Kindergarten provides a supportive community within which young children expand their learning and development. We view children as feeling, thinking, creative, and growing individuals. At school, children move into a miniature version of the larger society where they have an opportunity to test themselves and to develop in a supportive environment. Children are encouraged to become problem-solving, sensitive, contributing, and responsible members of the "school community" as initial preparation for adulthood in a complex society.
The curriculum at St. Mark's is child-centered and focuses on thematic units and playas a dynamic form of learning that involves a wide range of intellectual, social, emotional, and physical capabilities. The creative arts and play activities throughout the school day provide opportunities for the total development of the child. The curriculum encompasses a wide variety of experiences that are based on an understanding of child development and which support and expand each child's development. An extensive curriculum and philosophy is available to you upon request. Ask in the preschool office.
STAFF
The staff at St. Mark's Preschool & Kindergarten is well qualified for the positions, which they hold. Teachers have a bachelor's degree in early childhood education, elementary education, or a closely related field, or AA or CDA certificates plus extensive teaching experience. Teaching assistants have a minimum of a high school diploma and previous successful work with young children. Each staff person is required to participate in a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education per year. Every effort is made to insure staff stability.
ADHS Program Licensure & NAEYC Accreditaion
This facility is regulated by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), located at: 400 West Congress, Suite 100, Tucson, AZ 85701-1352 ~ 520.628.6540. The ADHS inspects the preschool annually to ensure that the facility is in compliance with all licensure regulations. These inspection reports are available in the preschool office upon request.
St. Mark’s is also accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. This accreditation is valid until April 30, 2014.
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CONTACT
~ St. Mark's Preschool & Kindergarten
p. 520.325.1510
info@stmarkspreschool.com
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“We are an ALL nut free school” |
