Sparks | Age 4
These inquisitive older preschoolers are honing their skills and preparing for Kindergarten. As they seek independence, we encourage cooperation, giving hearts, and Godly character.
Our Approach
Our developmentally-appropriate, hands-on approach ensures that children are exposed to a diverse array of learning activities in core pre-academic areas such as literacy, math, and science, as well as in other essential areas including spiritual, physical, social, and emotional well being.
The children in the Sparks class enthusiastically engage in purposeful and spontaneous play, in conjunction with tasks supported and guided by a teacher. This gives the children time to explore, investigate, problem solve, and learn.
Through intentional teaching practices, our Sparks program helps children grow in confidence and Christian character. It promotes social-emotional and spiritual growth, as well as motivation and advancement of skills for future academic success.
Children must be 4 years old by September 30th in the year of enrollment. Our staff to child ratio is 1:8 with one teacher and one assistant, and a maximum capacity of 16 children per class.
Handwriting Without Tears
Handwriting Without Tears is a comprehensive and engaging writing program that is incorporated into our Sparks’ class curriculum. This program, which is backed by years of research, uses a multi-sensory approach to teach writing in a stress-free environment.
Teachers
Deirdre Depke (Sparks Lead Teacher)
Mrs. Depke has been with LHCP since 2018 and has been teaching for the past 24 years. Of these years, 14 of them have been spent at an amazing preschool program on the Upper West Side in Manhattan. Deirdre is skilled in what she does and is certified in Handwriting Without Tears. Her favorite time of the school day is Morning Meeting because she gets to check in on all her students. It is a fun sharing time!
Eileen Maltese (Sparks Assistant Teacher)
Mrs. Maltese has been with LHCP for over 24 years! She has worked with the 2s, 3s, and 4 year olds. Mrs. Maltese and Mrs. Depke have been paired with one another for the last three years and are looking forward to year four! Just like Mrs. Depke - her favorite time of day is also the beginning because you never know what kind of exciting things will happen, what fun things will be learned, and what beautiful creations will be made!
CLASS OFFERINGS 2024-2025
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Add Enrichment Option: 1:00 pm-1:45 pm (Monday - Thursday)
Add Stay & Play Option: 1:45 pm-2:30 pm (Monday - Thursday)
4 Days: Monday-Thursday
5 Days: Monday-Friday
Early Drop-off is available every day at 8:30 am
We are Sparks for Jesus,
Sparks to light the world,
We will shine for Jesus,
As we tell each boy and girl!
We will hide God’s word in our hearts:
We will serve Him right from the start:
For His love we never can part,
For we are Sparks! Sparks! Sparks! Sparks!
Sparks to light the world!