PEAKLAND PRESCHOOL

Our school opens registration in January, first to those currently enrolled, their siblings, and church members. The school is then open to community members who are on our waiting list. A registration fee is due upon applying. Contact the Preschool Office (434) 384-8698 for current fees.

Tuition can be paid by the month or by the semester. If paid by the month, it is due on the 1st of each month. Rates are available from the Preschool Office.

The school is open to all children regardless of race, nationality, creed, gender or disability.

SCHOLARSHIP ASSISTANCE

Beginning with the 1985-86 school session, we announced the availability of the Allen Culberson Memorial Scholarship Fund. Limited funds continue to be available to assist families encountering difficulty in meeting tuition costs. Please call the school for further information.

PHILOSOPHY

The philosophy of Peakland Preschool is to provide optimum preschool and extended care experiences in an atmosphere of Christian love and concern. Each child is appreciated for his/her individuality and encouraged to grow and develop socially. Inclusion is promoted to all children and collaboration with community services for children and families is encouraged. The school is a part of the non-profit, education ministry of Peakland United Methodist Church and is offered as a service to the community.

PROGRAM

Peakland Preschool is based on a thematic curriculum. At each age level we offer a variety of activities to encourage co-operative socialization in a warm and loving atmosphere. There are activities to promote independence and confidence in self, to stimulate natural curiosity and creativity, to develop oral language skills, to develop a respect for others and to become aware of God's love, His world and how He planned it.

Our morning program runs from 9:00 AM- 12:00 PM each day. The 2 - 5 year old children bring a packed lunch and beverage from home and lunch is the last activity of the morning.

Our 1 year olds bring their own drink in a spout cup or bottle. A snack of graham crackers is provided.

The scheduling options we offer are:

• 1 year olds - 2 days/week

• 2 year olds - 2 or 3 days/week

• 3 year olds - 2 or 3 days/week

• 4 year olds - 2, 3, or 5 days/week

• 5 year olds - 5 days/week

EARLY MORNING

Early Morning operates each school day from 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM and is available to children enrolled in our 2-5 year old classes.  Children may attend as a regular or drop-in.

ARCH

Our Afternoon Recreation and Childcare program (ARCH) is a strong and complementary extension of the preschool program. The afternoon consists of a variety of activities such as art, music, story time, snack and outside or indoor play.

ARCH operates each school day from 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM and is available to children enrolled in our 2 - 5 year old classes.

ARCH is meant to serve parents with a wide variety of needs. Parents need not be working to benefit from this excellent program. Children may be enrolled on a regular weekly basis or on a drop-in basis any day of the week.

ACTIVITIES

Some of the activities through which learning takes place are:

• Music: Songs, Rhythms, Body Movements, Instruments

• Arts and Crafts: Painting, Play Dough, Sensory/Water Table, Cutting, Pasting

• Skills: Large and Small Motor Development, Puzzles, Block Building, Readiness and Pre-reading Skills

• Science: Studying and Growing Plants, Nature Walks, Parts of the Body, Environmental Awareness

• Field Trips: Fire Station, Hospital, Parks, Veterinarian, Library

• Chapel: Stories and Songs

• Special Events: Open House, Thanksgiving Celebration, Father's Night, Holiday Events, Mother's Day Tea, Picnics

FACILITY

In compliance with the Code of Virginia, we are licensed as a religious exempt child day center by the Virginia Department of Social Services. We are inspected and approved by the Lynchburg Health Department and the Lynchburg City Fire Department.

The physical facility consists of 9 classrooms which average 18' X 18', a large playground with play equipment, a large fellowship hall for inside play equipped with riding toys and climbing apparatus, and sanctuary for special events and Chapel. The facility has an enrollment capacity of 138 children. Our liability insurance is covered by the policy of Peakland United Methodist Church.

STAFF

The school is staffed with 13 experienced  individuals who have a desire to work with young children. Each teacher has a 4 year college degree. They work in cooperation with a committee which consists of 12 members of Peakland United Methodist Church. This committee aids the Director in making decisions concerning the school. The staff has many opportunities, through conferences and workshops, to further their knowledge of early childhood education. In compliance with state regulations, each teacher has a statement from her physician stating she is free from any disability that would prevent her from caring for children. We have a Teacher/Student ratio of 1 to 10 for our 2-5 year olds. There is a 1 to 4 ratio for children under 2 years of age. This ratio is in compliance with the Virginia State requirements for age, teacher-pupil ratio, and health certification.

WAITING LIST

A new waiting list will began on Monday, November 3, 2008.  This waiting list is for the 2009-2010 school year only and will not be carried over to the next year.

REGISTRATION 2009-2010

Peakland Preschool has classes for 1-5 year olds.  Cut-off dates are as follows:  1 year old through 4 year old classes--September 30, 2009;

5 year old--December 31, 2009. 

Priority registration (children currently enrolled, their siblings, and church members) will begin in January 2009.  Church members needing an application should contact the Preschool Office at 434.384.8698. Applications must be returned to the Preschool Office not later than Friday, January 23, 2009, by 12:00 noon. Any application received after this time will not receive priority in the registration process.

There is a non-refundable $40.00 registration fee due with the application, and the first month's tuition (September 2009) will be due by the end of February 2009.  Parents will be required to sign a Parent Contract in February.  This contract states that if the child withdraws prior to the end of the first semester, parents will be responsible for the entire semester's tuition unless the child's place is filled.

Please call the Preschool Office 434.384.8698 if you need more information.