Specials AT CCEP

Our unique Specials Program enriches students with Godly Play, (spiritual), Process Art (creative), Music (skills), and Spanish (language). These specialized classes nurture spiritual, creative, and intellectual growth holistically. We’re grateful to the CCEP community for making these dynamic programs possible.

Godly Play

Empowering Young Hearts and Minds

Godly Play is a Montessori-based, multisensory, hands-on, imaginative approach to nurturing the spiritual lives of children. It includes three story genres: Sacred Stories, Parables, and Liturgical Action. The curriculum invites students to engage in the stories through wondering and work, with new stories presented each week.

Mason Cruz is the Minister for Children and Youth at Christ Church Christiana Hundred. He graduated from Eastern University with a B.A. in Youth Ministry, with minors in Psychology and Biblical Studies.

Mason has a strong passion for youth and children’s ministry. He has completed training and certification in the Godly Play curriculum, where he gained valuable insights into children's faith development and its significance.

Process Art

Embracing Exploration-Focused Creativity

The process of creating art is more important than the product. Our art enrichment program is designed to be a relaxing, creative experience where your child is free to explore without step-by-step instructions or examples. There is no right or wrong way to create art; we focus on the experience and the exploration of different techniques, tools, and materials. Each child’s piece is truly unique and original.

Ms. Wilmer, our art teacher, has a deep passion for teaching children how to express their creativity through process art activities. She has been part of our school community for four years, with a decade of experience working with children. Ms. Wilmer loves to help children become artists, decision-makers, and creators.

To learn more about process art visit the National Association for Education of Young Children.

Music

Nurturing Musical Skills and Milestones

In music class, your child will explore engaging activities to nurture their curiosity. They'll sing "Hello" songs, move to a drum's beat, and play rhythm instruments like bells, shakers, and drums. This builds self-expression, listening skills, and self-control in a comfortable, joyful environment.

Melinda Oriani, our Early Childhood Department Head, is a highly respected expert with 28 years of experience teaching young children. A Core Faculty member at The Music School of Delaware, she is fully trained in Kindermusikand Musikgarten. Her background includes a Bachelor of Music in vocal performance and professional singing with groups like the Houston Grand Opera Chorus.

Spanish

Learning the Joy of Spanish Through Music and Play

A lifelong learner with a passion for language and culture, Chris Devany, or "Mr. Chris," brings a unique blend of experience to our preschool. Born in Wilmington, DE, he earned a degree in Foreign Language and Literature from the University of Delaware, which included a study abroad in Granada, Spain.

Mr. Chris has since taught Spanish, music, and Capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian martial art, to children across Delaware, Philadelphia, and California, as well as in Guatemala where he lived for three years.

At our school, Mr. Chris and his drumming dog puppet, Chucho Tambor, make learning Spanish fun! Through songs, games, and movement, they introduce children to basics like greetings, numbers, and colors. The class is designed to create a positive, engaging experience with a new language, using musical instruments, toys, and the Total Physical Response method to keep everyone active and engaged. His classes create a strong foundation for a lifelong love of learning.

Join Mr. Chris and his friends Chucho the Dog and Mikey the Monkey for a bi-lingual sing-along video, below!