spend a portion of time, either morning or afternoon, in play out-of-doors in all seasons.
Nap Time – A rest period after lunch is provided for all children in the preschool/kindergarten program. We do not require children to sleep during this time, but to relax without disturbing others. Toys are not permitted in the rest area, but each child may select a favorite blanket, pillow, sheet, stuffed animal or doll. Laundry service for Academy-owned sheets and blankets is provided by the Academy.
Toileting – Every child must be toilet-trained before enrollment at Lions’ Academy. Children are given many opportunities throughout the day to use the bathroom facilities and are supervised in this activity. Any time a child has to use the bathroom, permission is granted and assistance is given as required. Toileting accidents are not unusual, particularly when a child is new or not feeling well. Therefore, parents are asked to provide an entire set of clothing for accidents. We treat toileting accidents as casually as possible. Your reaction to them as unfortunate, but not bad, is also an important support to your child’s growing self-confidence and independence.
Curriculum -The goal of the Lions’ Academy program is to promote higher order learning in young children as they transition from intuition and concrete operations to abstractions and symbol processing. This is accomplished through a math, science and technology rich curriculum designed to address the different backgrounds, learning styles and developmental needs of the children participating in the program. The programs and curriculum are modeled after Brain Learning theory as interpreted and applied by Howard Gardner, and incorporates the Illinois Learning Standards and National Benchmarks for math and science.

The theory of Multiple research argues that there are several domains of intelligence in humans. To date, eight are identified – linguistic (language), logical-mathematical (reasoning), visual-spatial (images and pictures), musical (rhythms & melodies), bodily kinesthetic (somatic sensations), interpersonal (deep inside of self), interpersonal (bouncing ideas off others), and naturalistic (deep into the nature of natural things). The Lions’ program assumes, and its curriculum addresses, students gifted in all areas of the identified domains.

The Lions’ program incorporates a “hands-on/minds-on” curriculum organized around themes that follow the National Science Education Standards on science and math concepts and processes appropriate for children PreK3 through 8th grade. Additional underlying principles governing the program include constructivist thinking, authentic inquiry, life-based problem solving, and Christian-based ethics and values. The idea is that through rich science and mathematics instruction, all areas of the curriculum are supported.

In the Lions’ environment, students are encouraged to see themselves as scientists, technologists and engineers. By experiencing these multiple roles, students practice, reinforce development of a number of life skills including written and oral communications. Computers are tools of the trade, and language development is supported through use of written and spoken native and foreign languages.