Early Learning Center

Children learn best through play. Our preschool and pre-k classes are centered around this philosophy. Through play-based learning, students will be prepared socially & academically for kindergarten.

At SHJ, we use the Learning Without Tears curriculum. This is a developmentally appropriate, hands-on learning program that teaches children letter formation, letter sounds, and numbers. All of our teachers are trained in the Learning Without Tears curriculum.

We incorporate literacy, math, and science in our monthly themes. For example, during Thanksgiving, we learn about liquids and solids when we turn whipping cream into butter. In May, we do a unit on volcanoes and each child is able to make and erupt their own volcano. To  compliment our nursery rhyme unit, students will sort, graph, and answer questions about the graph after we read Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

In addition to academic learning, children at SHJ will grow both socially and emotionally. The children learn about feelings, emotions, and conflict resolution through Fill Your Bucket. Every person has an imaginary bucket on their heads. When we do something nice for our friends, we “fill their buckets”. When we do something that makes our friends angry or sad, we “dip in their buckets”. Fill Your Bucket allows children to understand and express their feelings in a very concrete way.

Most importantly, your children will grow spiritually at SHJ. Keeping with our hands-on approach to learning, your child will be taught our Catholic faith through the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.

At SHJ, your children both meet and exceed the archdiocese standards for preschool and pre-k. This will be done in a developmentally appropriate, hands-on, play-based environment.

Early Learning Center Schedule Options

We offer the following schedule options for our Preschool Students: (For potty trained 3 year olds)

  • 8:00am – 12:00pm  – 3 days a week M, W, TH  /  5 days a week Mon-Fri
  • 8:00am – 3:00pm – 3 days a week M, W, TH  /  5 days a week Mon-Fri
  • 8:00am – 6:00pm (this option includes the after-care program) – 3 days a week M, W, TH  /  5 days a week Mon-Fri

We offer the following schedule options for our PreKindergarten Students: (Starting at age 4)

  • 8:00am – 3:00pm – 3 days a week M, W, TH  /  5 days a week Mon-Fri
  • 8:00am – 6:00pm (this option includes the after-care program) – 3 days a week M, W, TH  /  5 days a week Mon-Fri

Tuition is based on child’s schedule (number of days and length of the school day).

Included in your tuition are all fees except for selected student school supplies, lunch, field trips and uniforms (pre-K).

Please contact Admissions Director, Heather Elhardt, admissions@shjboulder.org  303-447-2362 to arrange a tour of the school for your family or if you have any additional questions.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Our ELC Teachers

Children learn best through play and hands-on activities. This is how your child will both meet and exceed the preschool and pre-kindergarten standards in my classroom. Hi, my name is Laura Shipp, and I’m so excited to be teaching preschool and pre-kindergarten here at SHJ. I grew up in the Bay Area and went to the University of California at San Diego for college. After moving to Colorado, I went back to school for early childhood education and received my Montessori teaching license. I taught 3-6 year olds in a Montessori classroom before becoming a stay-at-home mom. After my youngest went to school, I went back to teaching and have been in the classroom ever since. Today, my husband and I have two daughters, who both attend SHJ. When not in school, I love spending time with my family, reading books, and going on runs.

My name is Ben Brower.  I am the assistant teacher in the SHJ preschool/pre K class.  I grew up in southern Michigan. I received my bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and a master’s degree from the University of Colorado. I am married and have 2 children. I started working in preschool/pre K as a parent volunteer, and quickly realized that I had found my calling. I have been working as an assistant teacher since 2012. In my free time I enjoy fly fishing, skiing and traveling.

Ready to get started?