The Early Childhood Department (pre-kindergarten and kindergarten) nurtures the whole child.  Each student, being unique, is given the opportunity to grow spiritually, socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually through developmentally appropriate activities.

The curriculae followed by the Early Childhood Department vary by age.  In Pre-K3 and 4, the VPK standards adopted by the Early Learning Coalition of Flagler and Volusia Counties are used.  In Kindergarten, the Next Generation Florida Sunshine State Standards are used as a point of departure.  Curriculae for all grades at this level are 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 Lourdes Academy along with the Principal.

The curriculum is developmentally appropriate and builds through each grade level, encompassing the major subject areas of Religion, Math, Language Arts, and Science. Social Studies is also covered using special themes such as United States History and Community and Cultural Awareness.  These subjects are integrated daily.

Religion in Early Childhood emphasizes God’s love and encourages the children to witness Jesus’ presence in their daily lives.  Classes participate in daily prayer and - from Pre-K 4 on - in weekly school mass.  Children are taught to value their uniqueness as children of a loving God.  This environment promotes faith, knowledge and a sense of community where children can feel loved and are able to trust.

Writing across the curriculum begins at the pre-kindergarten level with drawings.  Children dictate descriptions of their pictures to the teacher.  Letter introduction also begins at this level.  In Kindergarten, drawings are usually more detailed due to improvement in small motor skills through formal handwriting instruction (D’Nealian Method) and practice.  “Morning Messages” and the use of journals help to develop reading readiness, letter-sound skills and sight word recognition.

Lourdes Academy uses SuperKids as the basis for Kindergarten reading instruction.  This exciting and comprehensive program reaches students at their level, allowing them to progress steadily through the year.

Portfolio assessment is used as a means of evaluation.  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.  Students are graded on a developmental grading scale from Non-Emergent to Emergent to Mastered.