EARLY START – now enrolling in St. Bernadette’s Junior N.S.
St Bernadette`s Early Start unit is located on the grounds of St Bernadette`s JNS, Quarryvale , Clondalkin.
It is a preschool unit that can cater for 60 children, 4 classes with a maximum of 15 children in each class.
Each class in the early start unit is staffed by a fully qualified primary school teacher and a childcare worker with a minimum QQI level 5 in childcare.
There are two starting times.
The morning classes run from 8:50 to 11:20.
The afternoon runs from 11:50-2:20.
Children should be aged more than 3 years and less than 5 years on the 1st day of September of the year in which they are enrolled.
This age requirement is in line with the age requirement for children participating in the Free Pre-school (ECCE) Scheme, which is administered by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.
Early Start is an integral part of the primary school and benefits from the managerial and administrative services of the school.
The Early Start Unit has its own outdoor play space but also has access to the school’s PE hall, garden and play ground.
The curriculum of the programme prioritises the four core areas of language, cognition and social and personal development.
This is done by engaging the children in structured play activities, aimed at enhancing their development in the core areas.
Within these play activities, teachers set specific learning objectives for each child. Play and positive adult-child interaction are the cornerstones of the Early Start activities.
The Early Start programme will help your child get ready for school and help prepare them for the junior infants curriculum
.In recognition of the parent/guardian as the primary educator of the child, parental involvement is one of the core elements of the programme. Parents/guardians are supported and encouraged to become involved in their child’s education
The admissions period for the school year 2021/22 will finish on the 25th of March.
For an application form please go to www.stbernadettesjns.com or call into the school office.
