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OUR PHILOSOPHY
Our Early Childhood Program provides a broad and stimulating environment which reflects the cultural background, abilities and interests of the children. It is an environment which responds to each child’s needs for something familiar as well as something new and challenging. From an early age the children learn to appreciate, and ultimately value, each other’s differences while working together for a common purpose. We offer a nurturing facility which allows for effective transition from home to school.
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The Board of Directors
Chair - Stephanie Herron Since 2005
Vice Chair - Sue Sprinkle Since 2008
Secretary - Janie Bouton Since 1998
Treasurer - Carol Ritter Since 1991 (Charter Member)
Kimberly McCord-Truninger Since 2003
Wayne Miller Since 2001
Dick Nudd Since 2010
Doug Olson Since 2010
Cara Streitmatter Since 2009
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Program Outline
Our goal is to help each child grow intellectually, socially, emotionally and physically in a developmentally appropriate setting. Some examples of our activities are:
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Field trips, books and many varied experiences to increase their knowledge of the world around them.
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Activities that will encourage verbal expression and independent thinking, such as stories, music, books and videos.
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Learning to share, take turns, work and play with others.
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Play outdoors and inside using large motor skills, running, skipping, big-wheel riding, balls, climbing toys, dance and exercise.
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Learning self-help skills such as putting on coats and boots and using the bathroom.
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Working with paints, play dough, crayons, blocks, puzzles and other manipulative material to develop small muscles.
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Experience classroom cooking projects and acquire good health and cleanliness habits.
These skills are needed and helpful so that when children enter kindergarten they will have successful experiences. The units of study may include many others: self-concept, numbers, colors, shapes, ABCs, holidays, community help, pets, nursery rhymes, the five senses, plants, seasons, farm animals, zoo animals, safety, nutrition, dinosaurs and transportation.
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Organized in 1992, the Pre-School is licensed by the State of Illinois and is managed by a Board of Directors consisting of 9 members appointed from the community, the church and the parents. It is non-denominational, non-profit (funded solely by tuition and fund raisers), and is an equal opportunity employer. It offers 3-day and 4-day (Pre-K) programs for children who are at least 3 years of age by September 1. Housed in the Lower Level of First United Methodist Church, it has it’s own private entrance from the rear of the parking lot. First Families, a parent group, offers support and assists in our efforts to help small children make their ‘First Friends’ away from the home environment.
Admission
In accordance with state law, each child must have a physical examination, must be fully toilet-trained, and must have the appropriate state-mandated vaccinations. Complete registration forms and necessary consent forms must be on file at the Pre-School. During the school year, if there are any changes made in address or telephone numbers, which you have provided on these forms, please let us know as soon as possible. It is important that we have current information.
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