Frequently Ask Questions (2013-2014)

Where is the preschool located?

The preschool is located on the St. Columbkille campus in Papillion, NE. Our building sits across from the school playground on the corner of 5th and Monroe St.

View a Google Map to our preschool.

When do families register for preschool?

Early registration for parish families takes place in February. Remaining spaces are opened to the public once parish registrations have been finalized. Watch the parish bulletin and website for specific dates. It is not necessary to be placed on a waiting list prior to registration. Waiting lists are only established if sessions fill.

What ages are served by the preschool?

We offer a pre-kindergarten program for 4 & 5 year old children. Children should attend the year prior to kindergarten.  Children must reach the age of 4 on or before July 31st, and be completely toilet trained to be enrolled.

How many sessions of preschool are offered?

Preschool sessions are determined by demand and space availability. Traditionally we offer both morning and afternoon half-day sessions. All sessions are taught by a teacher and teacher assistant. There is a maximum of 15 children per session.

Do you offer before or after school care?

Sacred Heart Preschool is licensed as a traditional preschool program. We are unable to provide daycare services or before or after school care. Please be sure it is possible for your family to adhere to arrival and dismissal times prior to enrolling.

What is the cost of the preschool program?

A non-refundable registration fee is required with your initial registration. Yearly tuition will be announced near the time of registration. Families may choose from the following payment options:  Payment in full (due in May), 2 bi-annual payments (due in May & December) or 10 monthly EFT payments (made July – April).

What type of learning environment can we expect at Sacred Heart Preschool?

It is our hope to provide a preschool program that encourages children to grow in both mind and heart. We acknowledge you, the parent, as your child’s first and most significant teacher, and seek to build upon the foundation you have laid. We will offer a variety of experiences and ample time for children to explore and experiment at their own rate. The teachers will closely observe children to see what they understand and pose additional challenges to push their thinking further.

We incorporate a variety of individual and group experiences into our preschool day including: God’s Time, Center Time, Snack Time, Small Group Time, Circle Time and Large Motor Time (either indoor or outdoor). Field trips, baking days and parent-child activities are also scheduled throughout the year. We welcome and enjoy parent involvement!

Children will be introduced to kindergarten readiness skills including letters and letter sounds, shapes, numbers and problem solving skills. Most importantly, children are encouraged to develop kindness, patience, responsibility and other important social and conflict resolution skills.

What is the preschool’s affiliation with St. Columbkille Church?

Sacred Heart Preschool is a ministry of St. Columbkille Catholic Church. Our curriculum will include stories, songs and themes that reflect our faith. Children will be introduced to simple prayers throughout the year. We ask parish families with preschool children to participate in the annual parish stewardship process and service hour program.

What is the preschool’s affiliation with St. Columbkille Elementary School?

Sacred Heart is a separate ministry from St. Columbkille Parish School. We maintain a cooperative relationship, as we share some of the same facilities and educational concerns. Attendance at the preschool is one of several enrollment criteria used by the parish elementary school; however, entrance to the preschool does not guarantee entrance into the elementary school’s kindergarten program.

Our child has a birthday that meets the cut-off, but we do not plan to send our child to kindergarten for 2 years. Should we enroll our child at Sacred Heart now, and plan to repeat preschool next year?

Children will have a more positive experience if they are enrolled in a program that is at their developmental level. For this reason, we discourage families from enrolling their child in our pre-kindergarten program if they do not plan to send their child to kindergarten the following year. Attending a year of three year old preschool, or waiting a year prior to enrolling at Sacred Heart, would be preferable to attending a pre-kindergarten program for two years. We are always happy to visit with you if you have further questions about this recommendation.

How are preschool sessions assigned?

Parents will indicate session preferences on their child’s registration form. In the event that there are more children seeking enrollment in the program or in a particular session than there are preschool openings, we will follow the criteria set forth by the preschool in cooperation with the Parish Council.

They are as follows:

1. Child was enrolled in the current preschool session
2. Family is currently registered as parishioners at St. Columbkille Parish
3. Child has siblings enrolled in St. Columbkille Parish School
4. Length of time family has been member of St. Columbkille Parish
5. Parent is an employee of St. Columbkille Parish
6. Non-parishioners enroll in remaining spaces in order received

Following the initial registration period, all registrations are accepted on a first come, first served basis.

Where can I obtain a registration form?

Registration forms will be available on the parish website or by contacting the preschool directly. During the initial registration period registration, forms will be available in many parish offices as well as the commons area of the church.

How do I find additional information about the preschool?

Additional information and monthly preschool newsletters can be found on our parish website www.saintcolumbkille.org.

Questions can also be directed to Julie Crnkovich either by phone 402-991-3405 or e-mail jcrnkovich@saintcolumbkille.org.

Our mailing address is Sacred Heart Preschool 200 E. Sixth St. Papillion, NE 68046. We look forward to hearing from you!