PROGRAMS FOR PRESCHOOL CHILDREN

Applications now being accepted for the 2012-2013 preschool year.

2-Year, 3-Year, and A.M./P.M. Pre-K classes available.

Contact Lynn Underhill, Registrar at: 687-6082.

Philosophy

We focus on the whole child. We offer a program to promote social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of each child. Our classes offer developmentally appropriate lessons that facilitate learning through playful activities. Some of the activity choices include art, literature, science, math, dramatic play, music, cooking and outdoor and indoor play. In this Christian setting we will share monthly Bible themes as part of Circle Time.
There is no one teaching method that is best for every child. We know the children in our care and adapt our program to fit their learning needs.

We value our smaller, safe physical setting as a great place in which to help girls and boys learn to love school and to be excited and ready to make the transition to Kindergarten.

CLICK FOR: REVIEWS IN MERCHANT CIRCLE

Program Goals:

Create a nurturing environment to encourage emotional security in the classroom.
Instill values of love, compassion and respect for others.
Provide social enrichment through interaction with other children and adults, class visitors and field trips.
Develop fine and gross motor skills and coordination.
Introduce basic educational concepts through play, books, music and art.
Work closely with parents in daily contact and scheduled conferences. Encourage family members to participate in special events. Monthly newsletters will be distributed.
Provide a loving Christian environment to complement our educational curriculum.

Classes Offered:

Pre-Kindergarten – Monday, Wednesday & Friday 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Pre-Kindergarten– Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m

3-Year-Old – Tuesday & Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

2-Year-Old – Wednesday 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Registration/Tuition

There is a $45 non-refundable application fee.

Tuition for the coming school year is as follows:

$575 Pre-K classes ($64 per month)

$450 3 year-old ($50 per month)

$225 2 year-old ($25 per month)

Monthly Payments can be made.

A 5% discount will be given when a full semester payment
is made by September 1 or January 5.

Checks payable to First Presbyterian Church of Strasburg

The Staff at Great Beginnings Preschool and the Christian Education Committtee welcome you and your child to our school. No specific doctrine is taught and families from all religious backgrounds are welcome.

Staff

Our teachers have received their early childhood education at local colleges and have many years experience teaching children. Each teacher has a classroom assistant. All staff members have the appropriate background clearances required by the State of Pennsylvania and the church.

Lynn Underhill, Director/Registrar

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

687-6082 hlunderhill@comcast.net

Lynn has been teaching Pre-K students at Great Beginnings Preschool for 18 years. She began her career teaching third grade in the suburbs of Philadelphia. She has worn many hats over the years as part time preschool director, swimming instructor, math and reading tutor, daycare provider, recreation director, show director and junior high coach.

Her awards include Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, Community Woman of the Year and Youth Leadership Awards.

Lynn majored in elementary education at Penn State University, Gwynedd Mercy College and MONTCO Community College.

Lynn lives in L-S School District with her husband. She has two sons, a daughter in law and a granddaughter. She enjoys reading, swimming, aerobics, tennis, biking and going to the beach in Sea Isle.

Her favorite part of teaching is making her preschoolers laugh.

Laurie Fulmer

2 year-old and 3 year-old Teacher

Laurie is in her 9th year of teaching at Great Beginnings. Her teaching history includes graduation from West Chester University with a degree in Early Childhood Education, and then 10 years as director/teacher at a preschool & kindergarten that she started in her home area of Chester County.

Laurie lives in Strasburg with her husband, a grown daughter, and 2 sons who attend L-S schools. She also has a daughter and son-in-law, and her 1st little granddaughter, who live in Lancaster city.

Preschoolers are so special to Laurie that she has always worked with one age-group or another at her church. The beach is her favorite getaway; she likes to swim, play tennis, read, and just hang out with her family. Scrapbooking, and enjoying her newer role as “MomMom” are high on her list of favorites.

A Typical GREAT BEGINNINGS Morning:

Free Play & Learning Stations

Circle Time

Bathroom Break & Snack Time

Recess

Art or Large Group Activity

Story Time

Dismissal

Additional Services Offered:

Vision Screening provided by the Blind Association
Scholastic Book Club (Monthly)
School Pictures (Group and Individual)
Lunch Bunch – For an additional small fee children are invited to bring their lunch to enjoy with classmates.
Afternoon activities include group games, gym, mini movies, stories and more.

Eligibility:

To be eligible for admission to Great Beginnings, children must be two, three and four years old by September 15. 4-year-olds and 5-year-olds are eligible for our Pre-K Class. Priority will be given to First Presbyterian Church families and current preschool students. All other applications will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Contact the church at 687-6030 for more information. Click here for Application Form.

School Districts Served

Our preschool is centrally located between four school districts. We are located one block from Strasburg Elementary School. We work closely with L-S School Districts’ Early Childhood Partners in Education Program and we are members of the National Association for the Education of Young Children.