Our mission at First United Methodist Preschool is to provide children a safe and stimulating environment in a
Christian setting.
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The purpose of First United Methodist Preschool is to provide a warm, nurturing, yet challenging atmosphere in which children can grow and develop physically, mentally, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.
The goal of First United Methodist Preschool is for each child to develop to their own full potential, a
self-confident and eager learner. The attitudes of the staff and the conditions of the learning environment affirm
the value of each child.
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The philosophy of First United Methodist Preschool's development program is that children learn through play. Each child experiencing concepts at his/her own pace.
There will be specific planned activities, both for groups and individuals, which follow routine for each day. The program includes activities which alternate between quiet and active times. These activities include: stories, music, art, games, and many other readiness activities. Children will also be given time to themselves as needed. There will be outside play each day (weather permitting) or other opportunities for large muscle development
Self Help and independence are encouraged at all times in accordance with the age and abilities of the child.
First United Methodist Preschool offers a half-day preschool program for children age 2½ to 4-years old. Anticipated classes and fees can be found in our registration packet.
Although denominational doctrines are not taught at First United Methodist
Preschool basic Christian values are presented as part of the daily routine.
We say grace before eating, have chapel twice a month, and use Bible
stories as part of our curriculum.
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First United Methodist Preschool was among the first preschool programs in the United States to be accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs. The Academy recognizes early childhood programs that meet national standards of quality. "Accreditation helps to answer the question, What is a quality preschool program?" said Dr. Marilyn Smith, director of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), which sponsors the Academy. "Most parents want to find the highest quality program for their young children, but few parents know how to assess whether a program meets more than just the minimum standards required by state licensing." The Academy's standards were developed over a three-year period with input from educators and administrators from around the country. It was launched in 1985 by NAEYC, which is the nation's oldest and largest association of early childhood professionals.
As a NAEYC accredited program, First United Methodist Preschool must maintain a program which meets a
variety of strict criteria relating to providing appropriate activities for preschool aged children, to having well
qualified and trained staff, to having an adequate number of staff for the number of children, to meeting stringent
health and safety standards, and to having opportunities for parental involvement The accreditation process
includes an on-site study of the program and review by a three member national commission. First United
Methodist Preschool also submits an annual report and must be re-accredited every three years.
(Note: Because our Kindergarten program has not been in operation for at least one year, it cannot be considered for
accreditation.)
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Our program maintains an annual Religious Exemption from Licensure by the
Commonwealth of Virginia for which the premises are inspected by fire, health,
and safety officials. First United Methodist Preschool is in compliance with all requirements for the exemption.
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The preschool board is composed of ten persons; at least five of which are members of the First United
Methodist Church of Newport News. There are four permanent members: The Director of the Preschool, the
Chairperson of the Work Area in Education, the Chairperson of the Property Committee, and the Senior Minister
or Director of Educational Ministries. There are six rotating members, including a minimum of one with expertise
in business and education, one interested parents and one teacher from the staff of First United Methodist
Preschool
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All teaching staff of the First United Methodist Preschool must be at least eighteen years of age, have a high school diploma, and a minimum of a Child Developmental Credential. it is preferred that the teaching staff possess an associate or baccalaureate degree in Early Childhood Education/Development. All staff are required to attend in-service training sessions pertaining to current issues in the education, development, and care of young children. In addition, staff are required to attend conferences and workshops throughout the year.
Staff members also maintain current certification in Basic First Aid and Infant and Child CPR. At least one
certified staff member is on the premises at all times.
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First United Methodist Preschool occupies one wing of the First United Methodist Church in the Hilton area of
Newport News. The preschool occupies five classrooms in addition to a music room. Classes have access to the
church's kitchen facilities and Fellowship Hall. The building is in good repair and appears to harbor no hazards
for the children enrolled in the preschool The school uses the city playground located behind the church.
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The City Building Inspector has determined that the preschool may house up to 110 persons per day. The
preschool limits enrollment to 100 children total Organizing classrooms and staffing to maintain compliance
with staff-child ratios and group size criteria enhances quality and safety.
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Children must be 30 months old by September 4th to be eligible for the 2½ year old class. Children must turn three by September 30th for the K3 class and four by September 30th for the K4 class. Children who turn five by September 30th may enroll in our Kindergarten program.
Children are considered registered when the Director receives the following:
If you have any comments on any of these pages, please email us at: nnva@www.gbgm-umc.org, thanks.
Last update: August 25, 2003