The curriculum that is followed by the Early Childhood Department (Grades PK – second) is developed by the Diocese of Orlando.  It is a compilation of important concepts in Early Childhood education supported by current research, the National Association for the Education of Young Children guidelines, and the Florida Catholic Conference accreditation standards.  Any development or revision of this curriculum is completed with the input of the Early Childhood educators at St. Andrew along with the school administration.

Developmentally appropriate and building through each grade level, the curriculum covers the major subject areas of Religion, Math, Language Arts, and Science.  Social Studies also bring special themes such as United States History, community, and cultural awareness.  These subjects are integrated daily.  As an example, the Kindergarten classes have Calendar time each morning.  During Calendar time subjects such as Math, Language Arts, and Science are integrated.  For Math the days are labeled by numbers and the children count them.  For Language Arts, sentences are completed to tell today, tomorrow, and yesterday.  They also discuss the weather.  Similar integration of subject areas can be found through the other early childhood grades.

Religion in Early Childhood emphasizes God’s love and encourages the children to witness Jesus’ presence in their daily lives.  Children are taught to value their uniqueness as children of God.  Classes participate in daily prayer as well as weekly Mass with the whole school.  Each class in first and second grade is given the opportunity to read the scriptures at Mass.

Portfolio assessment is used on a smaller scale as a means of assessment.  Samples of student work are used for display as well as for parent teacher conferences.  The work samples are used at conferences to show areas of strength as well as areas of needed improvement.

Writing across the curriculum begins at the pre-kindergarten level with drawings.  Children dictate to the teacher their descriptions of their pictures.  Letter introduction also begins at this level.  In Kindergarten, drawings expand to have more meaning.  Journals are used to develop reading readiness, handwriting practice, and letter sound recognition.  Inventive spelling can be seen as a progression of the writing process.  In first grade and second grade further development of creative writing skills, handwriting and grammar are emphasized.

The learning environment of the Early Childhood Department is established to nurture the whole child.  Faith, knowledge and community are allowed to grow in this environment where the children can feel loved and are able to trust.  Each child, being unique, is given the opportunity to grow spiritually, socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually through developmentally appropriate activities.

Special area subjects in Early Childhood at St. Andrew include:  Music, Art, Computer, Spanish, Library, Physical Education, Health, and Guidance.  Special area teachers work in conjunction with classroom teachers and school administration on activities that relate to the classroom academics as well as special events at the school.

Music classes in grades PreK-2 are designed to help a young child explore his/her world through music.  Music activities reinforce language and physical development.  The use of music also helps a child to develop his/her aural experience, and introduces the world of sound to the child. The beginning of this world of sound starts with the discovery of the child’s natural singing and speaking voice.  This introduction helps to spark the creativity of the child from within.

Computer is taught in a lab environment.  The instruction is planned cooperatively with the classroom teachers incorporating current areas of study along with basic computer skills such as manipulation of the mouse and basic navigational skills.  In first and second grade students work on word-processing skills.

Concepts of Art are taught by the classroom teacher in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten.  Projects are chosen to develop fine motor skills as well as relating to the current area of study.  A teacher comes to the classroom to teach art to the first and second grade classes.  Projects allow for creativity and uniqueness while developing already growing fine motor skills.

Each Early Childhood class visits the library weekly.  Children in Pre-K and Kindergarten are introduced to many genres of literature.  The children are also taught how to select and check out a book.  In first and second grade the children are given greater exposure to the various components of literature.  Accelerated Reader and Book-It Programs are also available to students in these grade levels.

Spanish class in Pre-K and Kindergarten emphasizes basic vocabulary and introductory conversational Spanish.  In first and second grade the students are introduced to listening, reading, and writing in this language.

Our Physical Education and Health class curriculums environment focus is on the well-being of our students being physically fit in mind, body, and soul.  Each student goes through the President's Physical Fitness Challenge test. Everyday classes are structured to begin with a variety of basic exercises, and fun games to work specific area of skills, eye/hand, eye/foot coordination, under/over hand throwing, spatial awareness, and body positioning.  These skills plus good sportsmanship, teamwork, respect and leadership lead a student to a lifelong learning of good health.

The first and second grade also receives health, which focuses on personal wellness and nutrition.  These grades in addition have guidance, which consists of theme-based lessons that promote positive character development.