OUR PURPOSE AND MISSION

Peoples Church Preschool is an outreach program of the Peoples Church of East Lansing. Our purpose is to provide children with a quality preschool experience by providing each child with an individualized curriculum based on each child’s developmental level.

Our preschool program helps prepare children for kindergarten by providing them with an opportunity to explore the world around them and to discover how they fit into it. Our programs assist children in developing socially, emotionally, and intellectually through play and hands-on learning experiences in a loving, caring, and safe environment.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

RELATIONSHIP * RESPONSIVENESS * RESPECT

Our philosophy of teaching focuses on the whole child.

• We believe the early years of life build a framework for life-long learning.

• We believe in the dignity and value of all children.

• We believe that social and intellectual skills are best learned in an environment where self-esteem is nurtured and respect is absolute.

• We believe children learn best through active exploration, experimentation, and problem-solving in a safe and stimulating environment.

In keeping with this philosophy, Peoples Church Preschool provides a program that helps children develop a love of learning, self-regulation, and the ability to interact positively with others.

ADDED BENEFITS

• Electronic Daily Reports with photos. (Tadpoles)

• Bi-weekly Curriculum Highlights documenting the children's experiences and learning

• Child assessments and family-teacher conferences twice per year

• Individual child portfolios (both physical work samples and online portfolios, including photographs and anecdotes)

• Opportunities for families to socialize and support one another

• Free vacation days accumulated for children who are enrolled full time

• Various enrichment program options provided by local professional instructors

EARTH FRIENDLY

• Peoples Church Preschool participates in the TerraCycle program, which supports many earth-friendly

  goals - including recycling, sustainability, and upcycling. This process keeps reusable materials out of landfills.

• We proudly celebrate Earth Day every day, as our curriculum involves teaching the children how to care for and sustain the earth and all living things.

• Our Recycling and Upcycling station is located in the hallway between the sanctuary and the Preschool Two classroom. Information about what is currently being collected is posted there.

• The Preschool also donates credits twice a year to have trees planted in an American forest through the Arbor Day Foundation.

• We are currently working toward Healthy Child Care (R) accreditation.

FACULTY

- Our Staff of experienced administrators and teachers are specifically trained in Early Childhood Development

- Staff are certified in first aid and child/infant CPR

- Many staff have been at the preschool for more than 10 years, providing a consistent atmosphere

- Staff avail themselves to classes, workshops, and ongoing professional development throughout the year. 

- Many of our staff are NAEYC members and participate in special events and conferences through our state's affiliate, MiAEYC. 

FACILITY

• Beautifully equipped and spacious classrooms

• Fenced outdoor Nature Certified classroom adjacent to the building

• Indoor gymnasium with equipment for developing large motor skills

• Kitchen for cooking projects

• Located next to Valley Court Park and Michigan State University (older classrooms incorporate weekly hikes on campus and activities in the park).