Our Programs
SPCNS focuses its philosophy on the basis that children learn best within the context of play.
SPCNS provides a child-centered environment where:
- language, literacy, math, and science are explored through play.
- children's freedom of individual expression and creativity are encouraged.
- children are provided with the opportunity to develop responsibility and self-reliance skills.
- children are taught to problem solve through negotiation and respect.
- children are treated with dignity and respect and are taught to treat others in the same manner.
SPCNS bases its teaching on a negotiated, interactive, and dynamic curriculum for two's through pre-K which allows for the children's exploration of the world in which they live. Children's spirituality is nurtured through the explorations of God's wonders and through values which teach respect, open communication and peaceful conflict resolution.
Classes are led by caring, highly educated and trained head teachers and assistant teachers who hold college degrees, have a strong background in early childhood development and are certified in First Aid and Infant and Child CPR. SPCNS prides itself in the quality of its care and the individualized attention offered to each child. Low student to teacher ratios ensure that children receive the nurturing and attention they need and deserve.
Active Learning Outdoors
Located in the heart of Shadyside, SPCNS is blessed with a number of large and unique outdoor spaces which complement our bright, indoor learning classrooms. Outdoor learning is an integral part of our curriculum. Children play outside year round in a variety of areas including:
- a traditional playground with swings, slide and sandbox.
- a custom bike path with trikes and cars.
- the "Grassy park," a huge, fenced yard for running; collecting leaves in the fall; building snowmen in the winter; spying birds, buds, bugs and butterflies in the spring; games of tag and fun all year long.
- a custom-designed toddler playscape complete with a wooden bridge, climbing logs, log tunnel and hands-on fun with messy materials.
SPCNS offers educational programs for the following ages:
Two Year Olds
Two year olds, initially accompanied by a parent or caregiver, attend a two day per week program designed to help them deal with separation in a gentle, caring way. Children become increasingly comfortable with teachers and playmates outside of their immediate families in a safe, nurturing environment that supports healthy development.
Classes meet from 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. from September through January, and from 9 a.m. to noon February through May.
Beginning in the second semester two year old classes have a weekly session with a specially trained creative movement teacher.
Three Year Olds
Three year olds have the option of attending nursery school either two or three days per week. Children in these classes are invited to explore and investigate classroom materials and engage in a wide variety of hands-on experiences. Teachers provide support for developing learning, play and friendship skills. (Children entering this program are expected to be toilet trained.)
Classes meet from 9 a.m. until noon, from September through May.
To supplement daily activities, each class has a weekly session with specially trained creative movement and music teachers.
Four/Pre-K Five Year Olds
Four year olds and pre-K five year olds have the option of attending nursery school either three or five days per week. Children at this stage build strong social competencies and develop learning strategies within a context of play and teacher guided activities and projects. Developmentally appropriate kindergarten readiness skills are an integral part of the curriculum.
Classes meet from 9 a.m. until noon, from September through June.
To supplement daily activities, each class has a weekly session with specially trained creative movement and music teachers.
Enrichment Programs
Creative Movement
Creative Movement
Creative Movement
Weekly creative movement classes offer our children a unique opportunity to combine body, listening and social skills in a fun and active setting. Led by a specially trained creative movement teacher, classes focus on body identification, timing, listening and responding to rhythms.
Creative movement engages the children’s developing physi
Weekly creative movement classes offer our children a unique opportunity to combine body, listening and social skills in a fun and active setting. Led by a specially trained creative movement teacher, classes focus on body identification, timing, listening and responding to rhythms.
Creative movement engages the children’s developing physical skills such as: gross motor, locomotion, language, motor planning, following instructions, spatial-orientation, balance, visual motor, cognitive, balance, rhythm and timing. Two year old classes attend creative movement during the second semester.
Music Education
Creative Movement
Creative Movement
The music education program offers our children a first exposure to critical thinking through the arts. Students in the three, four and five year old classes are introduced to music by listening to all genres of music, exploring beats and rhythm, learning about historical and modern day composers, as well as hands-on learning through inst
The music education program offers our children a first exposure to critical thinking through the arts. Students in the three, four and five year old classes are introduced to music by listening to all genres of music, exploring beats and rhythm, learning about historical and modern day composers, as well as hands-on learning through instruments and movement. Children are welcomed to the joys of music and take first steps toward lifelong, active music participation.
Chapel Program
Creative Movement
Chapel Program
The four/five year old classes participate in brief, monthly chapel time. Like all programs offered by SPCNS, chapel time is respectful and mindful of differences in religious traditions so as not to make any student uncomfortable or exclude any children from participation.
The church’s renovated chapel – above the Nursery School classroo
The four/five year old classes participate in brief, monthly chapel time. Like all programs offered by SPCNS, chapel time is respectful and mindful of differences in religious traditions so as not to make any student uncomfortable or exclude any children from participation.
The church’s renovated chapel – above the Nursery School classrooms – lends itself particularly well to small group storytelling and song. It’s a wonderful space where we can walk more slowly and speak more softly because someone might be talking to or listening for God. (We hope for this program to resume for the 2023-2024 school year)