Welcome to Athens First United Methodist Church Weekday Preschool. As Jesus welcomed the little children into his arms, we welcome your children to our Preschool Ministry. We truly believe children are a blessing from God, and we thank you for sharing your little blessings with us. It is our purpose to provide a program in a warm, loving, Christ-centered environment, which promotes spiritual, social, emotional, intellectual and physical growth.

With newly renovated classrooms and a carefully designed playground, FUMC is opening its hearts and doors to preschool children and their parents. The church believes that each child is a child of God and should have every opportunity to develop spiritually, physically, socially, emotionally and intellectually to the highest potential in a loving environment. Our emphasis on the spiritual nurture of children and staff makes our program unique.Classes

The Weekday Preschool offers classes for children ages 9 months to four years old.

Mission

Our mission at Athens First United Methidist Church Weekday Preschool is to provide a spiritually nurturing environment where children are able to explore and learn about God's world while developing spiritually, socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically.

Philosophy

Athens First United Methodist Church and the Weekday Preschool believe that every child is a child of God and should have every opportunity to develop spiritually, socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically to their highest potential in a loving environment.  Our emphasis on the spiritual nurture of children and staff makes the program at Athens First United Methodist Church Weekday Preschool and Mother’s Morning Out a special one.  With a structured day and trained caregivers that follow the accreditation requirements for the National Association for the Education of Young Children and North Georgia United Methodist Preschool Association, every opportunity will be provided for a child to feel secure as they discover the world around them.

Objectives

• To provide a spiritual foundation for children.
• To encourage the development of children spiritually, socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually.

• To help children know themselves as unique individuals.
• To help children develop trusting and responsible relationships with other children and adults.

• To provide developmentally appropriate curriculum designed to meet the individual needs of every child.

• To provide time for social interaction with other children.
• To provide activities designed to develop large and small motor skills.
• To provide opportunities for children to develop basic learning skills for pre-reading, pre-writing, math and science integrated in the day’s activities.

• To provide opportunities for children to succeed at the tasks suitable to their developmental level.

                          2008-2009 Weekday Preschool Registration

Currently enrolled registration due January 25   

Church members may register January 27, 12:00-2:00 Preschool Galleria

Public registration January 31, 9:30-11:30 Preschool Galleria

Registration forms can be turned in at any time because we will conduct a lottery for our registration process

**Children enrolled in the Honeybees, Butterflies or Caterpillars classes will be placed in the class by the child’s developmental level NOT by age alone.  This decision will be made by the teacher and the Director to better serve each child and provide a safe environment for all enrolled.

Registration

Registration for currently enrolled for the 2008-2009 school year will be held Friday, January 25, 2008, 9:30-11:30 PM in the Preschool Galleria, Sunday January 27 for First United Methodist Church members 12:00-2:00 in the Preschool Galleria and Wednesday, January 31, 2008 9:30-11:30 in the Preschool Galleria for the community.  All new and returning children will pay a registration fee.  Space will be saved for returning children and their siblings after parents have completed a registration form and paid the registration fee.  Registration forms can be turned in at any time because we will conduct a lottery for our enrollment process.  Each form will have a random number assigned to it when it is turned in.  Siblings will get the same number; this does not guarantee that both siblings will get in.  The lottery will be done at the end of each enrollment date.  If you do not receive your first or second choice you will be put on a waiting list.  We will inform you February 8, 2008 by email if your child is enrolled or not. 

School Calendar

AFUMC Weekday Preschool is in Clarke County; therefore, our school days will be similar to the Clarke County Schools calendar.  Our school year begins on August 27, 2007, and ends on Friday, May 9, 2008. 

Click Here for a Printer Friendly version of the calender

Schedule
The Weekday Preschool operates from late-August through mid-May. The day begins at 9 a.m. and ends at noon. The daily schedule will include appropriate activities designed to stimulate and enhance a child’s educational experience in a Christian environment. It will also include the following: Chapel Service, Art, Story Time, Music Time, Center Time, Happy Feet (phys.ed), Spanish instruction and other age appropriate activities to help children learn and discover the world around them.

Staff
Our classrooms have low student-teacher ratios. Each classroom is staffed by a lead teacher and an assistant. Staff members are trained in First Aid/CPR, the spiritual nurture of children, and the developmental needs of children. Staff Development is an ongoing part of the life of the Preschool. Contact Linsey Jarrett with questions or to enroll your child in the Weekday Preschool.