Monte Vista Presbyterian Preschool

Our program is designed to meet the developmental needs of children ages two and a half years through five years old. We provide a safe Christian atmosphere of respect and love. Each member of our qualified teaching staff works in partnership with your family to provide meaningful learning experiences for your child.

Our teaching staff is the backbone of the program, most having taught in this program for over 5 years and some serving the preschool for the past 18 years. Many of our teachers were once parents whose children were enrolled at Monte Vista Presbyterian Preschool.  We know that your child and family will benefit from their years of experience and their desire to see your child be successful in learning.

The program is regularly reviewed by staff, preschool board, and we receive feedback from you, the parents. 

MONTE VISTA PRESBYTERIAN PRESCHOOL OBJECTIVES

Our program is designed to provide developmentally appropriate experiences that involve the whole child: spiritually, intellectually, physically, emotionally, and socially; all within the framework of a Christian setting.  Our primary purpose is to help each child value themselves as a unique individual created by God and to develop a joyful curiosity of the world around them as they joyfully discover God. 

Our objectives during the school year include the following:

SPIRITUAL GROWTH

• Knowing God loves all children – He loves me.
• Knowing I can pray to God – for myself, my family, my friends.
• Knowing God hears my prayers – He knows everything and cares about me.
• Knowing God has made everything – I am His creation.
• Knowing that Jesus is God’s Son – He has provided a way to be His child, through Jesus Christ.
• Knowing that God has uniquely created me – to use my curiosity to think about and discover His great works.

SOCIAL GROWTH

• Eager to include self in the group and cooperates in playing games with others.
• Shares willingly and takes turns readily.
• Responds agreeably to suggestions of adults.
• Sensitive to the needs and wishes of other children.
• Follows directions.
• Gets along with others; respects the rights of others.
• Participates in clean up and respects and uses school materials properly and with care.

EMOTIONAL GROWTH

• Shows evidence of self-control.
• Works independently.
• Handles separation adequately for age.
• Adjusts to routine and accepts readily necessary changes to routine.
• Can share teacher attention.
• Expresses frustrations in appropriate ways.
• Is developing a positive self image.

MOTOR GROWTH

• Exhibits ease in body movement and coordinates body movements relative to surroundings.
• Shows skill with puzzles, scissors, and other small muscle activities
• Shows skill in the use of outdoor play equipment.
• Manages own clothing, being able to manipulate buttons, zippers, and snaps.
• Possesses adequate energy level throughout the school program.

INTELLECTUAL GROWTH

• Is alert to environment and eager for information.
• Is learning to listen; takes part in conversation and class discussion.
• Shows interest in number concepts, alphabet, colors, and perceptual skills.
• Speaks clearly and distinctly; uses vocabulary and language appropriate for age.
• Participates in songs and rhythms.
• Enjoys sensory experiences (finger play, water play, sand).
• Enjoys books and stories.
• Initiates own activity and carries through to completion.
• Is learning to work with interest and purpose.

CHILDREN’S PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY & CURRICULUM

At Monte Vista Presbyterian Preschool, curriculum is based on the philosophy of the development of the whole child.  Developmentally appropriate activities are planned to stimulate and enhance growth in the spiritual, physical, social, emotional, and intellectual areas.  These activities present opportunities to strengthen and perfect learning and readiness skills. There are two modes used:  the “open, learning center” blended with a “teacher directed group time”. 

During group time the emphasis is on group process: doing what the group is doing, WHEN the group is doing it!  As part of this time children may:

• Experience a readiness activity (color, letter, or number).
• Listen to a story and enjoy books alone or with others.
• Participate in a finger play, song, or poem.
• Be introduced to an art process or activity.

The open learning center has an emphasis on the decision making process, following through with choices and being independent.  The children are not grouped and may “free-flow” throughout the classroom, choosing their own activities from the prepared learning centers.  The areas of opportunity include:

• Block play
• Arts and crafts
• Dramatic play
• Manipulative puzzles and games
• Science and cooking experiences

Following the open learning period, the children join together for another group time of rest, snack, and music.  During this time they rest to quiet music, wash hands for snack, eat, socialize and participate in a music activity which may include singing, rhythms and/or movement. 

Each class also spends a period outside using the play yard where the emphasis is on development of large and small motor skills, and cooperative and social skills.  Each child has an opportunity to:

• Climb, run, and swing
• Ride bikes
• Dig and create in the sand
• Participate in dramatic play
• Observe and interact with nature
• Participate in group games

All preschool activities are selected for their ability to contribute to the child’s healthy development in one or more of the five growth areas.  Monte Vista Presbyterian Preschool teachers are dedicated to maintaining a quality curriculum, introducing new and effective activities whenever possible.

Monte Vista Presbyterian Preschool offers each child an opportunity to learn and grow in an environment of Christian love and support.  The staff recognizes the inherent worth of the individual and seeks to nurture in each child a love of learning as well as an appreciation of the wonders God has provided us.

Annual Progress Reports and Developmental Assessments are sent home at the end of February, documenting each child’s developmental growth and is not a comparison of your child with others in the program.  Please be aware that teachers are not allowed to conference with parents while students are in the classroom or on the playground.  Leaving the children unsupervised violates the school safety code and can be disruptive to the classroom environment.   If a parent requests a special conference, an appointment should be made through the Director.