Philosophy
It is our
goal to capture the attention and imagination of children in a
God-honoring way guiding them to be devoted disciples of Jesus Christ.
EPIPHANY
PRESCHOOL was founded on the belief that a play-based program
(interacting with the environment and with others), which integrates a
Christ-centered, character education curriculum will allow children to
develop to the full potential that God has planned for them.
Epiphany
Preschool provides a nurturing environment where children know that they
are loved by God and by their teachers through the acceptance and
encouragement they receive at school.
The
environment and activities will be appropriate to the developmental
abilities of the children. Epiphany's Christ-centered, character-based
curriculum focuses on the traditional Christian values of compassion,
respect, caring, responsibility, patience, perseverance, self-control
and responsibility. Through play-based activities, children gain
confidence in their abilities as they learn to integrate these essential
character traits into their lives and interactions with other children.
Materials
will be arranged to allow children to work independently and in small
groups. Teachers will encourage the children to use the materials to
try out their new ideas and problem solving methods, recognizing that
the process is more important than the product.
Activities will be provided to develop cognitive, emotional, social,
physical, and spiritual knowledge and skills.
Daily
schedules will have a balance of quiet and active times, structured and
unstructured times.
Snapshot of Our Program for 2011-2012
Epiphany Kids Club
3-5 year old Program
The Epiphany Kids Club program is a weekday ministry of Epiphany Preschool. Epiphany Kids Club offers community childcare in an accepting and affectionate Christian atmosphere. Our teachers are loving, Christian women who have a heart for children. Our program is designed to stimulate children’s growth socially, mentally, physically and spiritually through playtime, Bible stores, singing, and craft time.
Preschool Program
3-4 year old program
A primary goal in our 3-4 year old classes is to help children have a positive first experience in school. We provide a loving atmosphere where children are encouraged to explore and discover the world around them to help them make a successful transition from home to school. Part of the transition to school means learning to share and cooperate with new friends. Christian-based character traits such as caring, compassion, respect, self-control, perseverance, patience, thankfulness, and responsibility are incorporated into hands-on learning activities. Language is growing by leaps and bounds at this age and much time is spent helping the children express their thoughts, ideas, and feelings. The children are very busy trying on “dress-ups”, brushing colors on easel paper, squeezing play dough, stacking blocks, putting puzzles together, digging in sand and water tables, singing songs and listening to stories.
4-5 year old program
Our 4-5 year-olds are involved in a wide variety of group and individual activities. Four year-olds expand their problem solving abilities, grasp of language, and memory and listening skills, while enjoying relationships with classmates. There will be a full year of activities to help the children strengthen their small muscles needed for writing, understand and follow directions, learn to count objects up to 20, use positional words (up, down, etc.), and grow in their ability to focus during group times. We continue focusing on the important character traits learned in the 3-4 year old classroom. Also, research shows that focusing on literacy during the preschool years is crucial to the successful development of reading and writing skills in elementary school. Literacy is a large component of our program. Felt boards, story cards, and puppets allow children to retell stories learned in class. Rhymes and songs are used to help children develop phonemic awareness. Children are offered many opportunities to practice writing and are surrounded by books. The alphabet is learned through fun songs where the children will learn the sounds associated with each letter. Circle time stories and finger plays, center time “hands-on” learning experiences and creative movement are all part of the 4-5 year olds’ preschool experience.
Chapel
Children will attend chapel once a week, and the teachers will follow-up with supporting activities in the classroom based on our religious education curriculum. |
