Announcements:
WELCOME!
November 28th - December 3rd - No School
December 12th & 13th - Christmas Gift & Card Orders Due
December 18th - Wear your pajamas!
December 19th & 20th - Wear red & green. Christmas parties!
December 23rd - January 1st - No School
MERRY CHRISTMAS! ​
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Our Purpose
It is the philosophy of St. Matthew's Preschool that early childhood should be a time of fun, warmth, security, exploration and discovery. Preschoolers are creative and receptive. Our staff strives to nurture and encourage those qualities in all our little ones.
It is our goal to make your child's first school experience a positive one.
Our Program Features...
-Regular assessments to make sure your child is staying on target with readiness goals.
-Thematic units that encourage curiosity, self-direction and confidence.
-Math and science skills heightened through hands-on experiences.
-Daily art experiences that capture your child's unique creative expression.
-Large and small group instruction.
-Regular communication between the director, teachers and parents, keeping you informed about your child's development.
-Morning and afternoon sessions for 3, 4 & 5 year-olds.
-Experienced teachers with Early Childhood Education degrees.
-Montessori lessons that not only teach but inspire a life-long love of learning.
-Age appropriate daily devotion and prayer.
Sessions Offered
4 Year-Old Classes:
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays
A.M. - 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. P.M. - Noon - 2:30 p.m.
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3 Year-Old Classes:
Tuesdays & Thursdays
A.M. - 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. P.M. - Noon - 2:00 p.m.
Registration Information
Registration forms are available on February 1st. Registrations are accepted anytime after that, however, priority is given to returning students and St. Matthew's congregation members throughout the month of February. Registration officially opens to the public on March 1st. As of March 1st, all registrations will be placed in the order they were received.
Our Staff
Mrs. Donna Austin-Ahner, Director
Ms. Donna has been the Director of St. Matthew's Preschool for twenty-five years. Ms. Donna holds an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, as well as Early Intervention. Ms. Donna has also completed an eighteen month course in teaching the Montessori method as well as teaching using the Project Approach, certified by Dr. Sylvia Chard through the University of Alberta.
Ms. Donna's son was an SMP kid!
Ms. Nancy Ahner, Preschool Teacher
Ms. Nancy has been teaching here at St. Matthew's Preschool for eleven years. Ms. Nancy holds an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education and has many years experience as both a teacher and director in the field of early education.
Ms. Nancy's daughter was an SMP kid!
Mrs. Katherine Yaro, Preschool Teacher
This is Ms. Kathy's sixth year as part of our teaching team. Ms. Kathy holds an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education and did her internship here with us at St. Matthew's Preschool.
All three of Ms. Kathy's sons were SMP kids!
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Although all of our teachers have their ECE degrees, we believe that in the field of early education it is important to continue with training. Our staff is regularly participating in professional development sessions to keep current with today's standards and philosophies and are certified in Pediatric CPR, AED and First Aid. The teachers have up-to-date clearances through the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare's Child Abuse Registry and are registered through the FBI's fingerprint system.
St. Matthew's Preschool
222 Church Street
Lehighton, PA 18235
(610) 377-2972
Mrs. Donna Austin-Ahner, Director