The preschool program at Christ the Divine Teacher Catholic Academy in Aspinwall is set to expand this fall, offering a full-day option for ages 4 and 5.

“We decided to take it full-time because we noticed that seems to be the trend these days. There’s a lot more working parents,” said preschool teacher Christy Blackburn, who has taught preschool for 11 years at the Catholic school. “It’s an alternative to daycare and gives (students) an environment for structured learning and getting them ready for kindergarten.”

The current half-day program still will be available for 3- and 4-year-olds, and preschoolers enrolled now had no shortage of praise for their school while taking a break from ABC’s and playtime.

“I feel good here. I like to play with the baby dolls,” said 4-year-old Julia Rukas.

“I get to be messy, but God made me washable,” chimed in Alice McAvoy, 4, who loved a class project involving glitter.

“I can write my name,” said Malachi Maffei, 5. “I feel great in class because I get to be with my friends and play at the food stand, and outside.”

CDTCA, at 205 Brilliant Ave., enrolls students of all faiths in grades preK-8. The half-day preschool program was added in 2005.

Since then, Katie Lovett, the school’s director of marketing and admission, said community members and parents have expressed a need for a full-time program.

“With more dual-income households and the rising cost of childcare, CDTCA feels that we can offer a full day of faith-based academics to meet the needs to our community,” Lovett said.

The full-day program will operate from 8:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. and offer lunchtime, outside play or inside the gym, academic reinforcement, more socialization, arts and crafts and a rest/quiet period. It can accommodate 25 students.

Students will participate in a monthly buddies program, with each preschooler being matched with a mentor student from a higher grade.

“We’re always trying to bridge the preschool with the main school,” Blackburn said.

“This program is a natural feed to the kindergarten program at CDTCA. It gives the student a chance to experience the full school day setting.”

A one-to-one technology ratio is offered, and SMART boards are in every classroom.

A uniform is not required in preschool.

The pre-K program builds on writing, letter recognition, sight words, math, science, library and prereading skills.

CDTCA parent Jayna Varley-Ifft of Fox Chapel praised Blackburn’s credentials.

“Christy has three degrees in childhood education from local universities. She’s an expert at helping children grow socially and academically to be prepared for a rigorous kindergarten program,” Varley-Ifft said.

To schedule a tour or for more information, email katie.lovett@cdtca.org

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