For up to date enrollment information please call Paula Benefiel, the Preschool Director, at 913-681-1906. Admission policies are nondiscriminatory in regard to race, color, religion, national origin, physical handicaps, ancestry, or sex in accordance with Kansas Civil Rights Statue K.S.A.44-1009. Children are placed in classrooms on a first come, first served basis.
Curriculum
At Village Church Preschool - Antioch Campus we use a curriculum based on developmentally appropriate practices (DAP). This educational approach nurtures healthy academic growth and development, as well as age-appropriate social, emotional, and physical skills. The key to success with the DAP curriculum lies with your child’s full involvement in and satisfaction from the activities throughout the daily schedule.
The DAP curriculum assures that each child is active as they learn through doing. Through their play, children learn to think and solve problems for themselves. Each child is recognized for their own level of development and work from that level to achieve social, emotional and intellectual growth. Each child is taught to take responsibility for what they do during planning, working and evaluating the day. As a result, children realize that they are able to control what they do and can make decisions themselves from a group of age-appropriate choices.
A typical day at preschool
3 to 5 years old
Arrival: During this brief casual time, many important skills are developing as the children put away their personal belongings, greet friends, and observe changes in the classroom. The arrival time for preschool is 9 a.m.
Circle time: Children and teachers gather together for a time of reading stories, singing songs, playing games and briefly talking about what will be happening during the day. The children take turns being leader, checking the weather, and doing show and tell. Unlike any other part of the day, everyone is involved in the same activity at the same time.
Small Group and Planning Time: In Pre-K the children are divided into two small groups to facilitate more teacher-directed time. In planning, the children decide what they want to do in the work centers.
Work Time: This is the time of day when children carry out the plans they made during Planning Time. The children make choices and can move freely to each activity at their own pace. The teachers aid and enhance skill development as children work with different materials.
Clean-up: During clean-up time the children put away the materials they have used for their work. Shelves are marked so that children know where materials are to be placed. This labeling helps facilitate the clean-up process and incorporates curriculum goals, such as classification and sequencing.
Activity Time: During this period the total group is involved in motor activities, either indoors or outdoors.
Serendipitous Happenings: Throughout each day, the children are loved by their peers and teachers, and they are always learning through play. The daily routine is always secondary to child-inspired creative discoveries.
End of the Day: At the end of the preschool session, the children are ready to return home and share their experiences and discoveries with you. We ask that you pick-up your child promptly each day. Pick-up time will vary depending upon the program in which your child is enrolled.
A typical day at early preschool
2 1/2 to 3 1/2 Years old
Arrival: The arrival time for early preschool is 9 a.m. During Arrival Time, many important skills are developing as the children put away their personal belongings, greet friends, enter the classroom, and choose a center. Separation anxiety does occur with 2 and 3-year-olds and also with their parents. After a positive and loving goodbye, we will happily hold your child while they adjust to the classroom setting.
Play Time: Children are free to choose from a variety to activity centers and socialize with other children while they play. Teachers enhance skill development as children work with new materials.
Clean-Up: During clean-up time, the children put away the materials they have used for their work. Baskets are marked so that children know where materials are to be placed. This labeling helps facilitate the clean-up process and incorporates curriculum goals, such as classification and sequencing.
Snack Time: After using the restroom and washing hands, the whole group sits down to enjoy a snack together. The children practice table manners, sitting safely in chairs at a table, casual conversation and cleaning-up after eating.
Gross Motor/Outdoor Exploration: When the weather permits, children have the opportunity to play in our outdoor playground. When the weather does not cooperate, we create an indoor playground so that children have an opportunity to move their bodies and develop their big muscle coordination.
Circle Time: Children and teachers gather together for a time of reading stories, singing songs, playing games, and briefly talking about the day.
Lunch Time: All children and teachers say our preschool prayer and eat our lunches - healthy foods first.
Nap / Rest Time: Mats or sleeping bags are set out along with any comfort items. The overhead lights are turned off and special nap lights are turned on. Relaxing music is played while children rest or sleep.
Serendipitous Happenings: Throughout each and every day, the children are loved by their peers and teachers. The daily routine is always secondary to child-inspired creative discoveries.
End of the Day: Early Preschool end at 2 p.m. At that time each day, the children are ready to return home and share their experiences and discoveries with you. We ask that you pick-up your child promptly each day.
Inclement weather policy
We follow the Blue Valley School District’s decisions regarding inclement weather. If Blue Valley closes school for the whole day or has virtual learning due to the weather, the preschool will also be closed. If Blue Valley implements Late Start, the preschool will begin at its regular time. In any other situations, you will be notified.