PreKindergarten
PreK is designed for children who turn at least 4 years old by August 31st and plan to go to Kindergarten the following year.
The Christian curriculum offers strong academic content such as early reading, writing, science and math in developmentally appropriate and meaningful ways.
Research has show that children need to “experience” their world through visual, auditory and tactile means for early brain development. When a child is developmentally ready, they can connect the hands-on learning to the abstract pencil and paper tasks. With this in mind, the classroom schedule includes daily teacher directed and child directed activities based on each child’s individual needs. Learning Centers are used for the children to practice skills in a fun environment, to have choices, to interact socially and to feel successful as they journey through the learning process. The PreK classes teach Reading Groups as one way to meet the needs of children at various levels academically. Students learn the skills they need to progress through the curriculum and to get ready for Kindergarten. Classes have daily outside play time and a daily snack provided by the school.
Curriculum
We follow Arizona’s Early Childhood Education Standards along with our customized Christian curriculum which includes:
- Pre-reading activities
- Phonemic awareness games and activities
- Hands-on math
- Science activities
- Practice social skills
- Read and act out bible stories and learn to apply the lessons to our daily lives.
Class Times and Tuition
Children must be 4 years old by August 31st and completely toilet trained by the first day of class.
All PreK classes are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
9:00am – 12 Noon
$390/Month based on 10 months
$150 registration fee
Student/Teacher Ratio
The class sizes are maintained under the required recommended state student-teacher ratio. Each classroom is directed by a highly qualified teacher along with the assistance of a teacher aide. This lower ratio is critical in being able to meet individual children’s needs, both academically, and socially.
Assessment
Each child is formally assessed twice a year and informally assessed several times throughout the year in order to best meet their needs. Teachers offer parent/teacher conferences twice a year to discuss the amazing progress that the children are making. We will address any special needs or concerns on a case by case basis.
Spiritual Life for Families
Our church community offers many ways for all members of the family to grow spiritually. Preschool families are always welcome to participate with any of the church groups. Some opportunities are:
*Women’s Bible Study on Tuesday mornings, during preschool hours (nursery care is available with prior notice)
*Wednesday Evening: Bible Study groups, Music Groups, programs for all ages as well as nursery care and Dinner
Sunday Morning Services
Visit the Church website for more information: www.gilbertumc.org
For Preschoolers
The Preschoolers are educated about God in many ways throughout the school year.Chapel Time is held each week. The classes worship and learn about Christ in the Sanctuary or in the beautiful new Prayer Garden. The students sing joyful, age appropriate worship songs, and learn bible verses and bible stories as they practice interacting with each other in loving, meaningful ways. This Chapel time serves as a springboard for their activities during the rest of the week, which include prayer at snack time and bible story extension activities and discussions.
Mission Opportunities
Each month the preschoolers and their families may choose to participate in a Mission activity as a way to help others as we “Spread God’s Love.” Often these mission activities coordinate with the church-wide missions committee. The activity is announced in our monthly newsletter and in the Preschool Office.
Some of our mission activities have been:
* Make clay crosses to give to the pastors to share as they visit people.
* Collect toys, hygiene items, and books to pack in shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. The gifts are given to children in 3rd world countries
* Collect canned food drive for the Gilbert Food Bank
* Make Valentine Cards for our Military Service People
These mission activities teach the preschoolers ways to help other people. We are always open to new ideas and love to have families participate and help out!
