Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Early Childhood Education in Downingtown
St. James Preschool has been a trusted provider of early childhood education since 1965, continuously owned and operated by St. James Episcopal Church. Our non-denominational program serves families in Downingtown, Chester Springs, Coatesville, Exton, and West Chester, offering a nurturing environment where children aged 2.5 to 5 develop socially, emotionally, and academically. With certified teachers and a low student-to-teacher ratio, we prioritize individualized attention and foster creativity through art, music, and imaginative play.Our curriculum builds foundational skills for kindergarten while emphasizing flexibility to adapt to spontaneous learning opportunities. We maintain open communication with parents and host family events to strengthen community ties, ensuring each child thrives in a supportive, faith-inclusive setting.
Services
Traditional Preschool Programs
Extended Day Program
Academic Enrichment
Parent-Teacher Collaboration
Flexible Scheduling
Details
- Year established: 1965
Highlights and features
- We offer certified teachers with decades of combined experience in early childhood education.
- Our low student-to-teacher ratio ensures personalized attention for every child.
- Flexible morning and afternoon session options accommodate diverse family schedules.
- Curriculum emphasizes social-emotional growth and kindergarten readiness through play-based learning.
- Active parent engagement fosters a collaborative community-focused educational experience.
What people say
Nurturing environment
Qualified staff
Kindergarten readiness
Flexible scheduling
Engaging curriculum
Services
Traditional Preschool Programs
Our age-specific programs for 2.5-5 year olds focus on social-emotional development, early literacy, and foundational math skills through structured activities and free play. Certified teachers use thematic units to engage children in hands-on learning while maintaining small class sizes for individualized attention. Daily routines include circle time, art exploration, and outdoor play to support holistic growth.
Extended Day Program
The afternoon extension program offers continued learning opportunities three days weekly for Threes/Fours and Pre-K classes. Children participate in additional educational activities while developing social skills through collaborative play. This program accommodates working families while maintaining our commitment to quality early childhood education beyond standard morning sessions.
Academic Enrichment
Our Pre-K curriculum builds mastery of ABCs, numbers, and critical thinking skills through teacher-directed and self-discovery activities. Specialized learning centers reinforce concepts while preparing children for kindergarten transitions. Monthly thematic units integrate science, technology, and creative arts to develop well-rounded learners ready for elementary education.
Parent-Teacher Collaboration
We maintain open communication channels between educators and families through regular updates and accessible staff. Parent-teacher conferences, classroom volunteering opportunities, and family events strengthen home-school partnerships. This collaborative approach ensures consistent support for each child's developmental journey while fostering community connections among families.
Flexible Scheduling
Choose from 2-day, 3-day, or 5-day morning programs to suit family needs. Pre-K classes offer the most flexible scheduling while younger groups maintain structured consistency. Our adaptable framework allows children to transition smoothly between programs while accommodating diverse parental requirements for childcare duration and frequency.
People
Suzanne Diodato
Co-Director
With over 20 years at St. James, Suzanne holds a B.S. in Elementary Education and leads with passion for early childhood development. She creates engaging learning experiences while managing program operations.
Maha Raman
Pre-K Teacher
A 16-year veteran with a Masters in Computer Applications, Maha combines STEM fundamentals with creative teaching. She brings expertise in classical Indian dance and outdoor education to classroom activities.
Kelly Arnao
Threes/Fours Teacher
A certified educator with multiple degrees in childhood development, Kelly specializes in reading instruction. She integrates creativity and physical activity into daily lessons for optimal engagement.
Jennifer Arraya
Young Threes Teacher
After 9 years at St. James, Jennifer brings bilingual expertise and outdoor education experience. She creates immersive language environments while emphasizing nature-based learning opportunities.
Stephanie Kershner
Threes/Fours Teacher
With teaching degrees from Alvernia and Penn State, Stephanie combines academic knowledge with practical parenting experience. She fosters teamwork and resilience through play-based learning activities.
Questions
What age requirements exist for enrollment?
Children must be 2.5-5 years old. Specific programs require age milestones by January 31st or March 31st of the enrollment year.
Does the curriculum include religious education?
While operated by an Episcopal church, our program is non-denominational with no formal religious instruction. We include monthly chapel visits and grace at snack time.
What staff qualifications should I expect?
All lead teachers are certified or have 15+ years experience. Our team holds degrees in early childhood education and specialized certifications in reading, special education, and curriculum design.
How does the enrollment process work?
Applications open to existing families in November and the public December 1st. Registration follows a first-come basis with priority given to returning families.
Are there discounts for multiple children?
Yes, we offer a 25% discount off the lesser tuition rate for families with more than one child enrolled simultaneously.
What special programs are offered?
We host seasonal events like Firefighter Visits, Bike Safety, and family picnics. Monthly themes incorporate cultural celebrations and community-building activities throughout the year.
