Redemptorist St. Gerard Catholic School

Early childhood education is more than preparation for kindergarten—it is the foundation upon which a child’s academic, social, emotional, and spiritual growth is built. In our PreK-4 classroom, children are nurtured not only as learners, but as whole individuals created with purpose and potential.

Powered through the Nonpublic Schools Early Childhood Development (NSECD) program, our PreK-4 class provides access to high-quality early learning within a faith-centered environment. The NSECD program allows schools like ours to offer developmentally appropriate instruction that supports early literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development during a critical stage of growth.

In our classroom, learning is not just hands-on, it’s intentional. Students engage in play-based exploration, structured routines, and collaborative activities that encourage curiosity, independence, and kindness. Faith is gently woven into daily experiences—through morning prayers, lessons rooted in compassion, and guidance that teaches children to respect themselves and others.

Teachers focus on the whole child, recognizing that strong character, emotional regulation, and positive relationships are just as important as academic skills. Children are encouraged to express themselves, solve problems, and grow in confidence within a nurturing environment grounded in love and care. Families often notice the impact early. Parents share that their children become more expressive, more confident, and more comfortable in school settings. These early experiences help ease the transition into kindergarten while laying a foundation built on both knowledge and values.

Programs like NSECD play a vital role in expanding access to quality early childhood education. When paired with a faith-based approach, early learning becomes even more powerful—supporting not only academic readiness, but the development of empathy, responsibility, and a sense of belonging. In our PreK-4 classroom, we believe that when children are supported academically and spiritually, they are prepared not only for the next grade level, but for a lifetime of learning and growth.