Preschool Program

Overview
The Decatur First United Methodist Preschool and Kindergarten has a long, rich tradition of nurturing and educating young children. This year marks the 57th anniversary of its continued stalwart presence as a loving preschool where children play, learn and grow.

The school is certified by the North Georgia United Methodist Preschool Association and is recognized as a Methodist School of Excellence. The school also proudly holds memberships in the following organizations:

• Georgia Preschool Association
• Georgia Association of Weekday Church Schools
• National Association for the Education of the Young Child
• North Georgia United Methodist Preschool Association

The aim of the Preschool and Kindergarten is to help each child develop a wholesome self-concept, an eagerness for learning, an appropriate value system for social growth, and the ability to think and work independently in a loving, Christian setting.

Organization
Preschool classes are held Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to Noon, September through May. Preschool classes are offered for children two-and-a-half (three by December 31), three and four years old. Our two-and-a-half year old classes attend two mornings a week. The three-year old children may attend either three or five mornings. Four-year olds attend five mornings. Class size is limited to 10 two-and- a-half year olds, 12 three-year olds (in three day classes), 14 three-year olds (in five day classes) and 16 four-year olds per class.

A kindergarten class is offered five mornings per week and is limited to 18 children. It is taught by a lead teacher with a full-time assistant. The kindergarten class meets Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:00 a.m.to 1:00 p.m., and on Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The Preschool and Kindergarten offer an extended day, Kid’s Club, which runs from Noon to 1:00 p.m. each day except Wednesday, beginning in October. The cost per day of Kid’s Club is $5.00. Art, Spanish, Storytelling and Theater classes are also offered for children in the three-year old and four-year old classes from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. for a fee.

Curriculum
We believe the preschool and kindergarten years should be a time of creative play. Our program has a curriculum that also develops readiness for learning academic skills.

Creative Indoor Play
Children grow socially and intellectually as they interact with each other in imaginative play with blocks, tools, puzzles, games, puppets and housekeeping toys.

Language Development
Horizons are broadened by a variety of books available in each classroom. Special events and field trips stimulate the desire for exploration and discovery while encouraging the expression of ideas. Four and five-year olds dictate and write stories and learn to recognize letters. The kindergarten children put letters together to make words and learn to read using phonics skills.

Art Activities
Creative expression is encouraged using easel paint, finger paint, crayons, clay, collage and experimental media.

Music
Singing, rhythm, instruments and creative movement develop music appreciation as well as dramatic interpretation.

Large Muscle Development
Our indoor and outdoor play equipment encourages the physical development of large motor skills. During the winter months the four and five-year olds enjoy gymnastics at the school once a week with instruction and equipment provided by the Atlanta Gymnastics Center.

Financial Policies

Application Fee	$100 This is a per child fee and must accompany the registration application. Insurance is provided for each child and is included in this fee. This fee is non-refundable. Siblings in the preschool receive a $20 discount on the application fee only.
Monthly Rates for 2012-2013
2 1/2 class	$185
3 day three year	$245
5 day three year	$295
4 year	$300 (plus a one time activity fee of $50)
Kindergarten	$350 (plus a one time activity fee of $125)

Tuition is due the first week of each month, but no later than the 10th of the month. There are no deductions due to illness or any other reason. There is a $10.00 late fee for tuition not paid by the 10th of the month.

Registration
Registration for the Preschool and Kindergarten begins in late January with notification of church members and currently-enrolled school participants first. An Open House for parents is scheduled each January. After that, registration by mail is open to any interested families. Parents are always welcome to call and request a tour if they missed the Open House.

To register a child, a parent must fill out a registration card and pay the application fee. Parents are notified promptly if the application is accepted. When classes are filled, a waiting list is begun and parents are notified as openings become available.

Our Staff
The staff of Decatur First United Methodist Weekday Children’s Ministries is trained to provide a warm, nurturing environment that encourages the development of each child. Our 30 staff members attend in-service workshops and other training throughout the year. All staff members are CPR and First Aid trained.

Parents and the School
An effective developmental program for young children must be a coordinated effort between the school and the home. We welcome parental involvement and provide parents with numerous opportunities to participate such as Father’s Night, Mother’s Night, Birthdays, work days and field trips. Toward the end of the school year we ask parents to evaluate our program and staff by filling out an online survey. Suggestions and comments from parents are encouraged throughout the year as well.

Handbooks
All Preschool and Kindergarten parents receive a handbook during the visit to the classroom prior to beginning school. Handbooks contain basic information about the program, class rosters and a calendar for the year.

Health Certificates
Every child participating in our program must have a Health Department Immunization Form #3231. Children five years and older must have ear, eye, and dental form #3300.