Kids Central Preschool is…Learning with Love and Laughter in the Light of Christ!

 

What is our philosophy?
Kids Central Christian Preschool provides a loving and caring atmosphere in which each child is encouraged to develop as a unique person with a positive self-image. The school nurtures all aspects of the child’s growth: spiritual, social, emotional, intellectual, and physical. Small classes ensure individualized attention. Your child’s development is enriched by exposure to a variety of learning experiences such as art, dramatic play, poetry, books, music, science, story telling, show and tell, language and outdoor activities. We strive to plant the seeds for lifelong curiosity and a love of learning.

As a church-sponsored preschool, we seek to reflect Christian values in all of our activities. We want to provide opportunities for the children to experience God’s love and a life of wholeness. These include a monthly chapel visit, grace before eating, songs of praise and thanksgiving, and celebration of Christian holidays.

Our staff is carefully selected for warmth, enthusiasm, sympathetic understanding, and the ability to work for the best interests of children and their families. Working together with parents, we strive to provide the early security that serves children well as they transition from home to school.

 

Where are we located?
We are located at 100 West Uwchlan Avenue, Downingtown, Pennsylvania, at the intersection of Route 113 and Pennsylvania Avenue.

 

What are the elements of our curriculum?
Every month, we have designed a curriculum with specific goals in the following elements: Bible Theme, Seasonal/Holiday Topics, Skills, Nature/Science, Social/Emotional Development.  Using the Pennsylvania State Standards as a guide, specific skills for the different levels are as follows:

Three Year-Old Class

 

Curriculum stresses Christian principles and values. Guidance in social behavior and language development are emphasized for three year-olds. Loosely structured interaction with children is encouraged in free play (blocks, housekeeping, manipulative toys, etc.) as well as creative and sensory activities (painting, clay, crayons, water play, pasting, and other art activities). Cognitive skills are developed through games, puzzles, finger plays and music. Large muscle indoor and outdoor activities are also included, as well as movement with music.

The program broadens as the school year progresses to introduce experiences including science, basic colors and shapes, fine motor instruction, i.e., cutting skills and constructive play, as well as listening games, following simple directions, and creative play.

Four Year-Old Class

 

The child's interests turn to group games and more cognitive learning: alphabet, counting, written name recognition, sequencing and listening skills. Guidance is provided in social behavior to build independence, awareness of others, and self control, which are important skills for kindergarten readiness.

The program broadens to introduce use of pencils, increased cutting skills, and to foster curiosity in other environments through books and play activities, which introduce comparing and categorizing skills.

 

Answers to questions parents commonly ask...

 

How do you incorporate religion in your program?
We believe that a critical part of early childhood development is instilling a sense in every child that he or she is a unique and special person, created by God and cherished by Him. We strive to bring that love into everything we do here, in a non-denominational Christian atmosphere. We teach Old and New Testament Bible stories, typically one to three per month, which we build our curriculum around. For instance, in January, when we talk about Martin Luther King Day, we talk about understanding for all people. The Bible nicely illustrates this concept with the story of the Good Samaritan, who helped a man even though they were from different cultures. We say grace before each meal, and we have Chapel visits every other week with special children’s sermons where our excellent ministers interact with the kids in an age appropriate, non-threatening atmosphere. We observe all Christian holidays.

 

Does it matter what religion my family practices?
Not at all, we have children here who are Central Presbyterian Church members, children whose families do not attend church at all, families from other Christian denominations, and children from around the world who practice non-Christian religions at home. What these families have in common is a desire for their children to feel loved by God.

 

When are classes held, and how often do the classes meet?
Classes are held Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 9:30 to 12:00. We chose this time so that if parents have other children in elementary school, it is easy to get them on the bus and then make it to Preschool on time. It also fits nicely with siblings’ mid-day kindergarten pick-ups at 11:30 and drop-offs at 12:30.

Three year-olds attend Monday and Wednesday mornings, and four year-olds attend Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. We offer an “Extra Day” program for both 3’s and 4’s.  Fantastic Friday and Terrific Tuesday are part of an optional extra day program offered at an additional cost.   They provide one additional day each month to participants.

 

How many children are in each class?
There are ten children in a three year-old class, and fourteen children in a four year-old class. Each classroom has one Lead Teacher and one Assistant Teacher. The Director also spends part of most days in the classrooms.  Due to the nature of the Extra Day programs, the Teacher to Student ratio is somewhat lower.

 

Do you have conferences?
Formal individual conferences with parents are held in early February for our 4’s, and in early March for our 3’s. Parents with concerns may make appointments with teachers or the director at any time throughout the school year.

 

Do you have a playground?
We wrote and received a grant for our playground, which allowed us to buy municipal-grade play equipment. We have several structures, enclosed by a sturdy fence and sheltered by trees. Because it is not visible from the street, people don’t realize we have such a wonderful playground!

 

How do you dismiss children each day?
We have ample parking in our lot. Parents pick up their children at the door of the classroom, where there is time to interact with other parents and speak briefly with the teachers during dismissal. We maintain a list of adults who parents designate to pick up children, and we are very strict about adhering to these lists. Adults with whom we are not familiar are asked to provide photo identification, and if not on the list, we will not release the child until we make contact with a parent and gain authorization. Additional care is taken with the children in that all staff members and substitutes have been cleared of child abuse and criminal history by the State of Pennsylvania and Nationally.

 

What is your inclement weather policy?
If Downingtown schools are closed during the winter months for inclement weather, we will be closed also. If Downingtown schools announce a two hour delay, we too will open two hours late, at 11:30, and dismiss at 1:30…should this occur, each child is asked to bring a light bagged lunch that will be eaten at snack time.  If Downingtown schools announce an early closing during the school morning, we will begin dismissing immediately as soon as parents can return to pick up their children.

 

What is your snack policy?
Parents will be asked periodically to provide a nutritious snack for their child's room. It is preferable to offer two choices and a drink. The teacher will offer suggestions in order that a variety of simple, low-sugar snacks will be served. Please, no cookies or cupcakes except for special occasions like birthdays! Because of allergies, absolutely no peanuts or peanut butter in any pre-packaged or homemade snacks can be brought to school. Sometimes allergens can be hidden in foods you might think are safe. If you have questions, please contact the Director.

 

Do you have Lunch Bunch?
Yes! For an extra $10, Lunch Bunch is offered once a month, typically on the third Wednesday.  It is an extended day from 12:00 to 1:30 pm.  Each child brings a bagged lunch.  We all eat together in fellowship hall and then dismiss to the classrooms for a planned activity and free play.  The purpose of Lunch Bunch is FUN!

 

Do you offer Field Trips?
Kids Central typically has several field trips throughout the year. In October, the 3’s go to Highland Orchards to pick apples and watch apple cider being made, while the 4’s head off to a local Grocery Store for a “behind the scenes” look at some of our community helpers in action.  In January, we have an on-site field trip where the Great Valley Nature Center comes with animals and we talk about what the animals do in winter. They surprise us each year with a different selection of animals that the children can see and touch!  March brings our 4’s trip to Kitchen Kettle Village where they get to experience the Five Senses Tour.  It’s a great time for parents to enjoy the village as well.  And springtime sees us at Springton Manor Farm and Milky Way Farm, where we see many signs of new life on the farm.  We meet pigs, goats, chickens, and at Milky Way, the 4’s get to watch the robotic milking machine milk the cows!  Once the weather breaks, the 4’s classes take a walking trip to the Downingtown Library, where Mrs. Miller reads us stories and introduces us to the library.  For safety reasons, she comes to Kids Central for a special story time with our 3’s.  Occasionally other field trips are planned as curriculum suggests.

 

Do you have Specials like Music?
Every other week, Miss Catherine comes from the popular Makin' Music program to teach Music and Movement. We also have a 15-20 minute Chapel visit every other week opposite music where we teach the children to sit quietly and listen to one of our excellent ministers give interactive children’s sermons. We have Science and Nature with Margaret about once a month.  We also have several programs throughout the year to support our learning goals. Examples of these are Mrs. Rosser who comes in April to talk about bees, and Mr. Palmer, who has come in December with his portable Planetarium to teach the children during the Stars science unit. We also invite community helpers in to teach the children in ways that support our curriculum. In October, the Firefighters come to support National Fire Prevention Week, and in February, the dental hygienist comes to teach the children about healthy teeth.  The 4’s get a special end of year visit from Mr. Lucas and his school bus; they get to sit on the bus and learn about bus safety just in time for Kindergarten.

 

When is registration?
Admission will be offered first to children of Central Presbyterian Church members and children presently enrolled in the program. Registration for three year-olds is ongoing; tours begin in late November. Registration for four-year olds is held in early January. Because returning students take the majority of places, it is easier to gain acceptance as a three year-old. Open registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. If the desired class is filled, the child is placed on a waiting list. A birth certificate and disclosure of prior preschool placement is necessary for enrollment. A non-refundable fee of $45.00 is required at the time of registration to reserve a place for your child.

 

Do you offer tuition assistance?
Yes! As a ministry of Central Presbyterian Church, one of our program goals is to offer children an opportunity to attend a quality preschool regardless of whether their parents can afford it. We are able to offer tuition assistance based on a sliding scale for a few families every year.  A scholarship application can be obtained from the Director.

 

Do you have experience with children who speak English as a second language?
Yes! We welcome children who are non-native English speakers. We believe it is helpful for the kindergarten success of these children to begin elementary school knowing functional English skills; and, we believe it is a good experience for all the children in the program to meet and become friends with kids and their families who come from different backgrounds. We enroll several children each year who have limited English skills, and it is astonishing to realize how fast three and four year-olds can learn a new language! We find that most children can comfortably participate in class within the typical adjustment period we see with native English speakers, and are able to understand and begin to speak English to their classmates by the late fall or even earlier.

 

How can I arrange a tour?
Please call our Director, Mrs. Robin Chiavetta at (610) 269-0297. She will be happy to schedule a tour so you can see the school and meet with our excellent teachers.