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.