Grace Christian Academy Preschool believes every child is worthy and capable of growing emotionally, cognitively, socially, physically, and most importantly, spiritually when given the right opportunities in a loving, safe, and respectful environment. Our preschool program is consistent with the highest sound, quality-filled early childhood education standards. We strive to promote a positive, proper self-concept in each of our children while providing many opportunities for them to learn through developing appropriate learning activities.
We feel every child can be successful when GCA families and staff work together as a team to ensure and promote these behaviors:
- Being at school every day, on time, and ready to learn
- Being courteous and respectful to everyone
- Being respectful of school property and materials
- Behaving appropriately
- Being involved with our children consistently.
PROGRAM GOALS
- To provide a nurturing school setting that meets each child's spiritual, physical, and emotional needs
- To establish an atmosphere of respect for others and self
- To provide concepts for developmentally appropriate mathematical understanding
- To establish a love of reading by teaching letters and introducing sounds
- To provide ample opportunity to develop coordination and large motor skills through physical activity and outdoor play
- To establish responsibility to take care of personal and school property
- To help the child develop self-control and a clear understanding of the expectation in the school environment
- To help children learn how to participate and function in a group
- To be supportive of parents, encouraging involvement and open, honest communication
- To develop a heart desire to love and trust God in all that is done
GCA Preschool uses the ABeka curriculum in all classes and the Bob Jones Bible curriculum in Kindergarten. All preschool students will be assessed using developmentally appropriate criteria each academic year (K3 annually, K4/K5 three times a school year (August, January, and April) to measure educational, social, and developmental growth.
PROGRAM TIMES
K3: Classes meet Monday through Friday, with a three-day (M, W, F) program also available. The K3 program operates from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm daily. Students who are three by September 1st are eligible for admission into the K3 program.
K4: Classes meet Monday through Friday weekly. Children who turn four by September 1st are generally age-appropriate for these classes. A daily half-day (8:00 am to 12:00 pm) and a full day (8:00 am to 3:00 pm) are available.
K5: Classes meet Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. Students who are five by September 1st are eligible for this program. Kindergarten students can attend the A+ after-school program (3:00 pm to 5:30 pm).
All children are not ready for a more structured learning environment even though they may be of the age to attend preschool. If the GCA Preschool staff and administration feel a student is not developmentally ready for our program, a parent conference will be held to determine the best course of action for the child.
POTTY TRAINING
Children entering GCA's Preschool program must be thoroughly "potty - trained." The school is not equipped to change diapers or pull-ups for students.