Wonderfully designed gardens, tended to by church members, surround us with bursts of color and lots of extension learning. Such a great backdrop for nature learning and embracing the beauty of our world. Outdoor play is embraced as a daily priority. The secured inside school spaces welcome children into warm, inviting halls in colorful, child-friendly ways . Various Art galleries proudly display individual art and showcase collaborative group experiences of all our classes. Greeting parents at drop off and pickup allows us as staff to engage and talk with families ~ celebrating and sharing about each child and their days in class. Room layouts change and a variety of toys and enhancements rotate amongst the 4 classrooms to meet the needs and interest of each sessions classes.
Inside
Our ground floor classrooms are filled with natural light and provide child-friendly, safe and engaging spaces. The teachers re-arrange and change up play areas based on different themes or interest of individual class interests and needs.
We utilize the multi-purpose room in the church as for special events again like our Family Ice Cream Social, Halloween Carnival, Olympics and special events like the annual Dad's Night and Mother's Day events. Weekly we utilize this space for our Music and Movement class where children engage in activities geared toward their balance and coordination, as well as large muscle skill development like skipping, hopping and jumping. Visiting the sanctuary for special holiday stories and the color celebration in stained glass windows is also a blessing of our program..
Outside
Our playground in located just outside our entry doors. A variety of gross-motor development as well as imaginative play opportunities await. Climbing ladders, balancing and navigating the pod steps, crossing over or under the bridge, choosing the wavy or curvy slide in addition to room to run and even play duck duck goose. Imagination abounds with the wheel stations and the house area. The staff embraces the value of outdoor play and use it regularly in all seasons . It is also handicap accessible.
The church grounds provide our classes many opportunities for linking nature and learning. Butterfly garden plantings allow us to see so many wonders in nature. Specific planning to sensory garden focus beautifies our entrance and provides variety. Many butterflies and dragonflies can be spotted and enrich our bug and insect units. Birds are frequent visitors in trees and bushes engaging our eyes and ears.