The Bethel Lutheran Preschool program is based on the philosophy of developmental learning through discovery. This approach is based on respect for each child as an individual, as well as on a sensitivity to each child’s way of learning.  Children learn, grow and acquire skills as they play.  They increase their creativity and understanding at their own pace.  The program offers an integration of developmentally appropriate education, whole language learning and school readiness to help children feel good about themselves, master new skills, and develop a healthy desire to learn. 

Children are natural investigators who learn by playing (as Marie Montessori once said, “Play is the child’s work”).  To facilitate this learning process, children are offered a variety of sensory experiences and choices that include interaction with peers and guidance from adults.  They learn by touching, experimenting, choosing, talking and negotiating.  The preschool curriculum is designed to incorporate learning in all areas of development (cognitive, physical, spiritual, social and emotional) through active involvement in play. 

Our Preschool Program offers an integrated curriculum to foster a child’s love of learning and feelings of success in a supportive environment that encourages curiosity and creative thinking. 

Welcome from Preschool Director, Donna Rainville:

Dear Preschool Parent, 

We are delighted that you have visited our website to research information on our Preschool program.  The choice of a preschool is an important step in the life of your young child.   Bethel Lutheran Church has made a commitment to serve young children and their families in our community and we hope that you will become part of our Preschool family. 

Because we take pride in our program, we would like to encourage you to come for a visit with your child.  When you visit our campus, you will meet our staff and learn more about the daily activities for children.  Our program is designed with a developmental philosophy that “children ages 2 through 5 learn best by participating in a wide variety of activities.”  Our caring teachers are experienced and trained in Early Childhood Education and have a love of nurturing the developing stages of a child’s life.  Our program is designed to enrich children, spiritually, physically, socially and intellectually.   We look forward to the opportunity to share with you our program for young children.   

If you have any additional questions that are not answered by your visit to this website, please give me a call at the Preschool office, 818 788-8269.  I would be happy to review the fees, schedules or programming with you. 

I’d like to leave you with this thought as you choose the preschool for your child.  In Proverbs 22:6, scripture tells us to “train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it”.  We hope you will allow us the privilege of partnering with you in training your child for a wonderful life.   

Sincerely,

Donna Rainville

Director

Faith development is the core of our        curriculum. Children often do not understand the abstract so we as teachers need to make faith real and alive for young children.  In daily activities and relationships children will learn to show the love and forgiveness of Jesus.  Through these activities and relationships young children can:

• see themselves as God’s children

• enjoy worship activities

• feel secure in God’s love

• see their world as God’s creation

• and grow in a desire to care for it

• respond to God’s love by caring for others

Developmentally appropriate curriculum that is geared to the whole child.

Cognitively-oriented curriculum that emphasizes experiences which will lead the child to the construction of logical knowledge through science, math and problem solving activities. 

Literacy curriculum that focuses on the child’s growth in understanding reading and writing; and development of sound reading skills.

Anti-bias curriculum that helps the child grow in their understanding of fairness, human rights and human differences.

Research in early childhood education indicates that parent involvement is one of the essential elements for providing quality care.  Parents who are involved have the ability to shape the quality of their child’s experiences.  The Center’s commitment is to involve parents and create a partnership that bridges home and school. 

• Chapel twice weekly

• Music

• Dance class

• Computer Enrichment

• Science Adventures

• Hot lunch daily

• Morning and afternoon snacks

After parents have toured our center and placed their child on the waiting list, the Director will phone when the space becomes available for their child to enroll.  The Center is required by law to obtain specific information about the child.

The enrollment procedure includes completion of forms by the child’s parents and doctor confirming the child’s health and immunizations, an authorization and consent form and parent agreement contract, which outlines the program’s policies. No child may participate in Center activities until all required forms are completed.

A child’s first experience away from home may be overwhelming.  Feelings of anticipation and excitement are mixed with fear and apprehension.  The Center is here to offer support in making the child’s transition as smooth as possible.  Prior to the first day of school, parents are encouraged to discuss with their child the activities to expect at school and to talk about what the child will be doing while parents are at work.

The next step is a brief visit to the Center, accompanied by one or both parents.  The child will then have the opportunity to sit at a table, play with toys and locate a cubby, meet the teachers, use the bathroom and explore the environment.

Bethel Lutheran Preschool
Rate Schedule (new students)
Effective July 1, 2008

Schedules Available:

Two days – Tuesday, Thursday
Three days – Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Four days – choices as available
Five days – Monday through Friday

Full day hours – 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Half day mornings – 7:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The monthly rates are as follows:
(All prices include lunch meal and morning & afternoon snacks)

 Registration & Supply fee: $200
Annual re-registration/supply fee: $50 

Sibling discount: 5%
Church member discount: 5%

APPLICATION FOR PRESCHOOL ENROLLMENT