Preschool and We-e Care Classes

Preschool Classes
For children 2 1/2, 3 and 4 years old

We-e Care Classes
Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., October-mid May
For children 16 months through 2 1/2 years old (depending on child’s birthday).

Our Classrooms
We have large, bright classrooms – set up for many different types of activities. Class sizes meet or exceed DCFS teacher-to-child ratios.

Our Playground
An interesting and exciting outdoor play area for children to enjoy.

Our Staff
Our teachers are highly skilled professionals who have a strong commitment to early childhood education. All teachers meet or exceed the DCFS required educational background. All staff are certified in Infant and Child CPR and First Aid.

Enrichments
We currently offer Kindermusik and Language Stars as enrichments. Children enrolled in the programs stay after the regular preschool day until 1 p.m. They eat lunch and then participate in the enrichment program.

Kindermusik brings children together in an environment that fosters learning through singing, listening, movement, self expression and imagination. No two classes are ever the same, providing the opportunity for a variety of experiences and musical learning. Each class runs for 45 minutes. Parents and caregivers have the opportunity to join the class for the last 10 minutes. Kindermusik is currently offered on Mondays and Tuesdays for children ages three to five.

We are delighted to bring Language Stars to our preschool. Stimulated by engaging games, songs, projects and activities, students who participate are exposed to the sounds, structures, and intonation patterns of a second language by native speaking teachers. By learning a language, young children are taking advantage of a window of opportunity to learn naturally and easily. Currently, Langauage Stars offers Spanish on Mondays and Tuesdays for children ages three to five.

Accreditation and Standards
We are proud to be accredited by National Association for the Education of Young Children. First United Methodist Preschool meets NAEYC’s ten standards of excellence in early childhood education. By following NAEYC’s high standards, our preschool provides a safe environment for children, has well-trained teachers, has access to excellent teaching resources, and works with challenging and appropriate curriculum.

Our school is fully licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services.

First United Methodist Preschool History and Philosophy The First United Methodist Church Preschool was formed as a ministry to the community in 1973. The school’s purpose is to provide a nurturing, safe, and trustworthy environment. The school’s purpose and ministry is to provide a nurturing safe and trustworthy environment, in which each child can grow and develop to his or her potential. Enrollment shall be open to any child providing the school can meet the needs of that child. The school is fully licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services and is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Preschool and We-e Care Board
The Preschool and We-e Care Board is the governing agent for both programs whose main role is to set policy. The Board consists of both First United Methodist Church members and non-church members (non- church members of parent of Preschool or We-e Care students). In addition to setting policy, the board oversees fundraising programs, staff appreciation and recognition events; approves the budget; and hosts occasional parent presentations.

First United Methodist We-e Care
Frequently Asked Questions

1.  We-e Care is housed in a church, do I need to belong to the church or to that religion?
No, We-e Care is open to the community—children of all religions are welcome.

2.  Do you teach religion?
No religious instruction takes place—we do say a prayer before snack and celebrate holidays such as Christmas and Easter.

3.  How long has First United Methodist We-e Care program been around?
The First United Methodist We-e program was formed as a ministry to the community in 1973.

4.  What does it mean to be DCFS licensed?
DCFS licensed means that we are to follow certain rules and regulations as to staffing, facilities, and program aspects.  A license is valid for 3 years.  DCFS licensing staff visit annually.

5.  What does it mean to be NAEYC Accredited?
NAEYC stand for the National Association for the Education of Young Children—the nation’s leading organization of early childhood professionals.  NAEYC created its accreditation program in 1985 to set professional standard for early childhood education, and to help families identify high quality early education programs.

6.  What are the ages of children who attend We-e Care?
We-e Care is offered to toddlers (16 months by Oct. 1), two year olds and three year old (birthday between September 1 and December 31).7.  How do I get more information?
Please call our office at 847 255-5119 and speak to one of our administrative assistants Anita or Mary; or speak to our director, Maureen.

First United Methodist Preschool
Frequently Asked Questions

1.  The preschool is housed in a church, do I need to belong to the church or to that religion?
No, the preschool is open to the community—children of all religions are welcome.

2.  Do you teach religion?
No religious instruction takes place—we do say a prayer before snack and celebrate holidays such as Christmas and Easter.

3.  How long has First United Methodist Preschool been around?
The First United Methodist Preschool was formed as a ministry to the community in 1973.

4.  What does it mean to be DCFS licensed?
DCFS licensed means that we are to follow certain rules and regulations as to staffing, facilities, and program aspects.  A license is valid for 3 years.  DCFS licensing staff visit annually.

5.  What does it mean to be NAEYC Accredited?
NAEYC stand for the National Association for the Education of Young Children—the nation’s leading organization of early childhood professionals.  NAEYC created its accreditation program in 1985 to set professional standard for early childhood education, and to help families identify high quality early education programs.

6.  Do you offer classes for children who turn 3 after September 1?
We offer a 2+ class for children turning 3 between September 1 and December 31.

7.  Does my child have to be toilet trained?
We do not have a requirement that your child be toilet trained before he or she enters our program.  For those preschool children still in diapers, WET diapers will not be changed, as our preschool classrooms are not equipped for diaper changing.  The Preschool Director or the administrative assistant will change BM diapers.

8.  Do you have parent/teacher conferences?
Formal parent/teacher conferences are held in January.  However, if parents have a question or concern, teachers are always available to meet with parents.

9.  How do I get more information?
Please call our office at 847 255-5119 and speak to one of our administrative assistant, Anita or Mary; or speak to our director, Maureen.