Preschool & Kindergarten (2½ - 5 years)
Weekday Children's Ministries 2010-2011 school year Open House
February 1, 2010
9:15 a.m. -10:30 a.m.
Contact Joanne Hauserman for more information at 404-377-5784
Overview
Decatur First United Methodist Pre-School and Kindergarten has a long rich tradition of nurturing children.This year marks our 54th Anniversary of nurturing and teaching children.
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, 9am- Noon, September through May. Preschool classes are offered for children 2 ½ (3 by December 31), three and four years old.Our 2 ½ classes attend two mornings a week. The threes may attend either three or five mornings. Four year olds attend five mornings. Enrollment is limited to eight two and ½’s, twelve three year olds and sixteen four year olds per class.
A kindergarten class is offered five mornings. On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, it meets from 9am-1pm and on Wednesday hours are 9am-Noon.
The Preschool and Kindergarten offer an extended day, Kid’s Club, which runs from Noon to 1pm each day except Wednesday, beginning in October. The cost per day of Kid’s Club is $5.00. Art and Spanish classes are also offered for children in the 3, 4 and Kindergarten classes from 12-1 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 puts letters together to make words 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 once a week with Atlanta Gymnastics.
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 2010-2011
2 1/2 class $175
3 day three year $225
5 day three year $275
4 year $275
Kindergarten $350
Tuition is due the first week of each month, but no later than the tenth 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 February with notification of church members and present school participants first. An Open House for parents is scheduled each February. After that, registration by mail is open to any interested parents. Parents are always welcome to call for 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 are trained to provide a warm, nurturing environment that encourages the development of each child. Our staff attends in-service workshops and other training throughout the year.
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. Near the end of the school year we send home a program evaluation for parents to fill out and return. We encourage you to make suggestions and comments not only on this form, but 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 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.
Preschool and Kindergarten
312 Sycamore Street
Decatur, Georgia 30030
404-377-5784
