Early Learning Center

Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten Course Instruction*

• The basic program in preschool includes: religion, language, mathematics, personal-social development, social studies, media-art, music, science, and sensory-motor development.
• The basic program in pre-kindergarten includes: religion, communication and language arts, mathematics, self, family and community, science, art, physical education, music and rhythm and technology.
• The underlying instructional strategy in preschool and pre-kindergarten is the use of organized and free-play activities that are intended to provide opportunities for the child to interact, explore and relate successfully in his/her environment.
*from The Archdiocese of Denver website (http://www.archden.org)



Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten Parent Handbook		New Student Application Form
Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten Tuition Agreement

Theresa Castanon,  Director My name is Theresa Ann Castanon, and I'm currently the Preschool/Pre-K teacher at St. Bernadette Catholic School. We recently moved here two years ago from Espanola, New Mexico. I have eleven years experience as a Preschool Director working for Northern New Mexico College. I have four beautiful children and a wonderful husband. My love is education and especially teaching children. I have had a rewarding experience here at St. Bernadette Catholic School teaching children in a Christ-Centered Community.

Paulette Duran,  Educational Assistant My name is Paulette Duran, and I am currently an assistant teacher in the preschool, where I have been teaching for the last three years. I absolutely love having the opportunity to work with these very talented and loving preschoolers! I have a Bachelor Degree in Child Psychology from the University of Colorado. I have in the past and am currently taking various continuing education courses, with the goal of earning a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education. Working at St. Bernadette Catholic School has been a very enlightening experience for me. This school has a warm Catholic atmosphere with families and teachers who truly want to be here. The teachers love working with the students, and it shows in each child. Two of my own children graduated from St. Bernadette, and they have been a wonderful example of how well-prepared St. Bernadette students are when they reach high school. Knowing all of these children are receiving a widely-recognized quality education is a blessing that is beyond measure!

Dianne Lauder,  Educational Assistant My name is Dianne Lauder, and I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from St. Mary's College of Notre Dame. I have worked in law enforcement for over twenty years as a police officer and crime scene investigator. I began my teaching experience as a D.A.R.E. officer in the Jeffco Public School system. I have been a preschool group leader for three years, and I currently have two daughters attending St. Bernadette. I love the small class size and the religious atmosphere. It is a wonderful experience to see these children grow academically and spiritually from preschool through 8th grade. I have been married for eighteen years, and my spare time is spent carpooling my kids up and down the hill several times a day.