St. John Berchmans School

Logan Square, Chicago, IL

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Early Childhood PreK

Early Childhood PreK

Our goal is to teach and nurture the whole child socially, emotionally, academically, and physically. We will work on acquiring new skills as well as reinforcing already learned skills. We use the children's curiosity and creativity to build new skills and further their growth and development. We try to give each child as much individual attention as possible and consider the developmental stage of each child. We are aware that children at this stage learn best through concrete experiences and play. We plan our activities so that the children can use their senses to learn about the world.

Children learn best by:

  • Having the opportunity to experience and explore a variety of materials.
  • Letting them play and interact freely with each other.
  • Giving them some guided instructions and practice throughout the day.

Curricular Areas

English Language Arts Expand

We work with each child to strengthen vocabulary through guided conversations with teachers and peers and by sharing picture stories, songs, and rhymes. We use Jolly Phonics to teach letter sounds through song. Students will practice early literacy skills such as letter recognition, retelling stories, writing letters, and using descriptive language.

Science Expand

Children are naturally curious about how and why things happen. We provide many hands-on activities for children to use all of their senses to explore and understand their environment. Children will observe changes in themselves, become familiar with technology, and make comparisons about what they observe.

Religion Expand

Religion is woven in throughout our day. We pray in the morning, before lunch and snack time, and before we go home. Children also hear Bible stories and discuss how these relate to their lives and how they should act towards others. Students will also learn about liturgical holidays. We encourage children to attend Mass on Sundays. Students will also attend school Mass for the Feast of St. John Berchmans, Ash Wednesday, St. Blaise, Catholic Schools week, and May Crowning.

Math Expand

Our program utilizes everyday experiences to develop mathematical concepts in our youngest learners. Math is taught throughout the day using formal math activities, small group lessons, and authentic experiences. Children learn to recognize numbers, count sets of objects, graph, sort, and compare quantities.

Centers & Community Expand

During center time, children freely explore the classroom independently. They have the opportunity to problem solve and build social relationships. Some of our classroom centers include: Blocks/Building Area, iPads, Library/Reading Area, Religion Corner, Listening Center, Writing, Pretend Play/Manipulatives, Math, Science/Discovery, Housekeeping/Dramatic Play, Art/Easel, Sensory/Water Table, Language/Phonics Area, and Music.

Special Classes Expand

Students will participate in several special classes. They will develop their gross motor skills and learn about teamwork in P.E. During Spanish class, they will learn basic vocabulary. During Art class, students will be able to explore materials outside of the regular PreK classroom.


Staff Contact

Ms. Brianne Hayes
Preschool ~ Zoo Crew
[email protected]
BA Elementary Education and Early Childhood Special Education
Western Michigan University
Employed since 2018
Ms. Hannah Faucher
Preschool ~ Zoo Crew
[email protected]
BA Early Childhood Education
Miami University
Employed since 2018
Ms. Allison Kotas
Preschool ~ Wise Owls
[email protected]
BA Early Childhood Education with an ESL Endorsement
DePaul University
Employed since 2017
Mrs. Cristina Gomez
Preschool ~ Wise Owls
[email protected]
MSEd Childhood Education, MFA Acting, Alternative Early Childhood Certification (UIC), ESL endorsed (Concordia)
SUNY Purchase, CUNY Hunter, UIC
Employed since 2013
Ms. Jenny Peters
Preschool ~ Ocean Buddies
[email protected]
BA Elementary Education
Loyola University
Employed since 2010
Ms. Lupe Esteban
Preschool ~ Ocean Buddies
[email protected]
Mrs. Eileen Salamone
Preschool ~ Friendly Frogs
[email protected]
AA, BA Elementary Education
Triton College, Concordia College
Employed since 1986
Mrs. Mary Jean Zaino
Preschool ~ Friendly Frogs
[email protected]
BA Elementary Education, Minor Early Childhoood
St. Norbert College
Employed since 2011

St. John Berchmans School

2511 W. Logan Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60647
School Phone: 773-486-1334

School Office Hours:
Monday-Friday, 7:30 am-3:30 pm

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