Pre-Kindergarten

Welcome to our Full-Day Pre-Kindergarten Program

At St. Frances Cabrini School, we are proud to offer an exceptional Pre-Kindergarten program for 3- and 4-year-olds, providing a high-quality, developmentally appropriate early childhood experience. Our mission is to create a strong foundation that promotes both short- and long-term positive effects on a child’s cognitive, social, emotional, and faith development.

🕗 School Hours

Monday–Friday 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

We offer two Prekindergarten programs that balance structured learning with opportunities for play, movement, and rest.

Extended Care Hours 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

St. Frances Cabrini School is proud to partner with Child Care Aware of America – a program supporting Military families

click here for more information! (Provider #9243621)

Is Your Child Ready for Pre-K?

A child who is ready for preschool is one who:

  1. Is independently toilet-trained
  2. Can separate from parents or caregivers with minimal distress
  3. Can follow simple instructions and participate in routines

Our PreK team works closely with families to ensure a smooth and supportive transition into the classroom.

📚 What Makes Our Program Unique

Our play-based, child-centered curriculum encourages learning through active exploration, imagination, and social interaction. Children learn best when they are engaged, moving, and having fun—so our day is filled with meaningful activities designed to develop the whole child.


📝 Pre-K Curriculum Highlights

We focus on key early learning domains:

  • Spiritual Growth – Bible stories, prayer, and monthly faith themes
  • Social-Emotional Development – Building friendships, expressing emotions, resolving conflict
  • Language & Literacy – Story time, songs, poetry, and early writing
  • Math Readiness – Numbers, sorting, patterns, and calendar concepts
  • Science & Nature – Observation, exploration, and experimentation
  • Fine & Gross Motor Skills – Cutting, drawing, climbing, running, building
  • Art, Music, and Movement – Creative expression through various media
  • Students also attend weekly specialist classes in: Music, Physical Education, and Library

Meet Our PreKindergarten Team

Together, they create a joyful, safe, and supportive environment where children build confidence and independence.


Ms. Patricia Delgado – Pre-K Teacher for 4-year-olds

With over 30 years of experience in preschool education, Ms. Patricia Delgado is a beloved member of the St. Frances Cabrini School community. As the A.M. Pre-K teacher, she plays a pivotal role in teaching faith formation, guiding the academic aspects of the curriculum, and conducting assessments to track her students’ growth.

Ms. Delgado holds a BA from Seattle University and an Early Childhood degree from Pierce College. Before joining our school in 1997, she spent many years teaching Head Start and ECEAP (Early Childhood Education and Assistance Programs). Ms. Delgado was the first Pre-K teacher at St. Frances Cabrini when our Pre-Kindergarten program was launched, and she has continued to dedicate her expertise to nurturing the minds of 4-year-olds ever since.

Her passion for hands-on learning remains at the forefront of her teaching, and she takes pride in providing children with the opportunities they need to explore, learn, and grow in a fun and meaningful way.

Mrs. Shannon Smith – Pre-K Teacher for 4-year-olds

Mrs. Shannon Smith is excited to welcome your child to another year of learning and growth! Currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education, Mrs. Smith is deeply committed to staying current with the latest teaching methods and trends, continuously expanding her expertise through professional development courses.

Her teaching philosophy centers around the belief that each child is unique and deserves an education tailored to their individual needs and strengths. In her classroom, play-based learning is at the heart of every lesson, encouraging children to explore, discover, and engage with the world around them. Mrs. Smith fosters social-emotional development while focusing on literacy, math readiness, and creativity through hands-on activities, stories, and games.

Outside the classroom, Mrs. Smith enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and exploring nature. She is excited to work alongside you to support your child’s growth and development.

Meet Our Preschool Team

Ms. Chastity Louis – Pre-K Teacher for 3-year-olds

With over two years of experience in Early Childhood Education, Ms. Chastity Louis is a passionate educator dedicated to nurturing young minds. As the lead teacher for our Pre-K 3 class, she creates a dynamic learning environment where 3-year-olds can explore, grow, and have fun. Ms. Louis believes in hands-on learning, encouraging her students to try new things, make lasting friendships, and become the best versions of themselves.

Ms. Louis joined the St. Frances Cabrini School community as a parent last year and quickly became an integral part of the family. She is excited to continue fostering a positive, welcoming space for early learners this school year!

Ms. Rin Kleeman – Pre-K3 Aide for 3-year-olds

I started working with children at an in-home daycare when I was 18, and began working in a daycare center when I was 20. It has been over 10 years, and I still enjoy working with children, helping them grow into themselves. Although I have yet to graduate from college, I have completed three years of classes toward a degree in psychology and English. I have also taken several online courses that focus on child education and development.

I have worked with children of all ages, from infants to pre-k (five-year-olds), and I find the toddler age to be the most enjoyable to work with. However, I do love teaching the older children writing, as well as the basics of math and reading. I look forward to getting to know the St. Frances Cabrini family.


Child Development

Spiritual

A Pre-Kindergarten child’s faith and spiritual development relies on tangible experiences.

•  Starts with the family and what has been modeled.

•  Prayer and tradition are learned through repetition.

•  Bible stories are heard, but recalling and articulating them may be challenging.

•  Monthly Faith Formation songs are introduced and practiced.  

Social/Emotional

Pre-Kindergarten children are typically egocentric but have the capacity to learn how to care for others and demonstrate caring behavior.

•  Play may be solitary, but some are ready to work in pairs and eventually in small groups.

•  They will learn and practice how to have positive peer interactions and resolve differences with peaceful resolutions that are taught and modeled.

•  Interest is sustained if the activity is something they like.

Physical

Pre-Kindergarteners’ development relies on good health, proper nutrition, and a safe environment.

•  The ability to do simple tasks gives them a sense of pride and accomplishment. 

•  Large motor skills involve using the large muscles of the body, and small motor skills involve the use of the wrist and hand.

Classroom Highlights

Special Activities:
•  Regularly contribute to individual WOW (Wonderful, Outstanding, Work) books
•  With the help of parent volunteers, decorate special holiday cookies and make “presents” for special occasions
•  Exchange of Valentine’s cards

Pre-Kindergarten children join with the rest of our school in the following activities:
•  Mass and religious celebrations/traditions
•  Christmas Program, Learning Fair, Grandparents’ Day, Field Day activities

Service Activities

In Pre-Kindergarten, the children learn to show care and concern for others by coloring hearts and angels and making thumbprint angel cards for those in need of support and recognition. The Pre-Kindergarten children have come to be known as the “Pre-K Band of Angels.” They also participate in a joint outreach activity with Kindergarten, 1st grade and 2nd grade.

Curriculum

Religion: This is at the core of Pre-Kindergarten. Children are on the brink of discovering God and His importance in every aspect of their lives. Positive social interactions and stewardship go hand in hand with daily learning. It is important that children hear stories from the Bible, learn religious songs, and participate in service to others.  

Language Arts: Interest in the spoken and written language is maximized through daily activities which include stories, finger plays, poems, and writing challenges.  

Dramatic Center

Math Readiness: Opportunities to count, sort, pattern, and name numbers are given during tub time, center enrichment, and small group activities.  

Art: Open-ended art allows the children to explore tools and materials in a variety of ways. Directed art helps them learn how to follow multistep instructions and demonstrate pride in their work that will carry into the upper grades.  

Music: At least once each week, children have the opportunity to move to music, learn and practice new songs, learn about keeping the beat, and play simple instruments such as rhythm sticks or bells.  

Motor Development: The children participate in a once-a-week P.E. class and outside recess. Small motor activities and the use of a variety of manipulatives help form the basis for pre-writing skills. Large motor activities promote the development of muscles for walking, running, jumping, and skipping.  

Self-Help: Children have opportunities to feel empowered by the many things they can do independently such as: carry their own backpack, pin on a name tag, zip a coat, set the snack table, wash hands, manage transitions, and many more.

Let the Journey Begin!

At St. Frances Cabrini School, our Pre-Kindergarten program is more than just preparation for Kindergarten—it’s a joyful, faith-filled beginning to your child’s lifelong love of learning. We would be honored to be part of your family’s story.

St. Frances Cabrini School is proud to partner with Child Care Aware of America – a program supporting Military families

click here for more information!