History

On the morning of October 1928, Central Union Church Preschool and Kindergarten opened its doors to 14 children at the garden grounds of Central Union Church, pioneering the concept of cooperative play school experiences. Over the past 80 years, Central Union Preschool and Kindergarten has grown and continues to be a leader in the field of early education. Today, the school proudly serves 180 families per year with children ages 2 to 6 years of age. A dedicated and highly trained faculty works together to support the school's mission and philosophy.

School Mission

Central Union Church Preschool and Kindergarten is a Christian based early childhood program that promotes spiritual, cognitive. socio- emotional and physical growth in a nurturing environment and provides a solid foundation for early learning. Its program of educating the whole child promotes a life-long enthusiasm for learning and provides a smooth transition from home to schoo1. It promotes the value of early childhood education throughout the community and provides for the on-going growth of its faculty and parent community.

School Program

Central Union Church Preschool and Kindergarten provides a nurturing and stimulating environment. The program is designed to promote the cognitive, social, physical, emotional and spiritual growth of children through hands-on, developmentally appropriate materials.

The classrooms and play areas are divided into "centers" that contain equipment and materials that promote growth in sensory skills, fine and gross motor skills, skills in language and mathematics, the social sciences, and creative expression.

The Program is designed to meet the children's needs in developmentally appropriate ways and enhance their natural curiosity. Children learn by doing. They are active learners and play and exploration provide a context for children to acquire new skills in all areas of development.

Physical, social, emotional, cognitive and spiritual development unfolds in a safe, secure and predictable environment. Children are offered challenging and changing learning opportunities as they develop skills and competence. This allows children to become confident learners who are willing to take risks and clearly express themselves.

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Teachers bring into their classrooms a variety of teaching strategies based on the work of numerous developmental theorists that encompass the diversity of children's learning needs. The growth of the whole child is always the focus. As an example, when focusing on social/emotional development, teachers will reinforce children's feeling about themselves, the development of responsibility and self-care, and their ability to relate positively and respectfully to others.

Learning trips, theater and community excursions, outdoor and indoor play are essential aspects of the program. Chapel services are held twice a month in the Atherton Memorial Chapel. Together with the Church's Children's Minister, the children are taught Christian values through stories, songs and scripture. The children also regularly meet with a music specialist who will guide the children in song and musical exploration.


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