Annandale United Methodist Church

Weekday Children's Programs

Our Ministries

Mission

As a mission of Annandale United Methodist Church, the Weekday Children’s Programs purpose is to provide an enriching educational environment for young children and their families, one that fosters a love of learning, awareness of self and others, and a sense of accomplishment built on a child's natural curiosity.

We are committed to creating communities for children, families, and staff that:

  •   are safe and nurturing

  •   enhance positive growth, development, and self-esteem

  •   provide developmentally appropriate, stimulating, and creative curricula

  •   respect and accept people of all cultures, religions, abilities, genders, ages,
      family structures, and sexual orientation
Our ultimate goal is to assist children in developing into happy, healthy, self-confident individuals.

Philosophy

As a mission of Annandale United Methodist Church, the Weekday Children’s Programs believe that early childhood programs involve a community of learners with a commitment to the education of young children. We are dedicated to providing the best possible environment for the education and development of young children.

The guiding principles that underscore our commitment to all young children are:

  •   Young children learn and construct knowledge as a result of meaningful
      and purposeful experiences.

  •   Young children reach different levels of learning and development at different
      times.

  •   Learning in the early childhood years develops on a continuum.

  •   Learning is both individual and social and takes place within a social/cultural
      context.

  •   Play is an integral part of quality programs serving young children.

  •   Skills and concepts are developed and enhanced through child-initiated and
      teacher-initiated activities.

  •   Programs for young children must provide opportunities for individual activities
      and flexible groupings.

  •   There must be exposure to a print-rich environment, which facilitates literacy
      development

  •   The dignity of young children and their personal circumstances and diversity
      must be respected and affirmed.

  •   Families of young children are essential partners in the educational process.

  •   Children are best served in a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment

  •   Developmentally appropriate assessment of young children's learning is essential
      for planning and implementing appropriate curriculum and celebrating children's learning.

  •   Program practices for young children must reflect sound research and findings
      about young children and learning.

The early childhood years are very special because children make such great developmental strides and become increasingly independent. Improvements are continually evident in emotional growth, social skills, verbal communication, intellectual awareness and physical capabilities. In recognition of the crucial importance of these early years, we strive to create a program that is tailored to meet the needs of the whole child. The lesson plans developed by each teacher cover all areas of importance to the children’s growth. The program is designed to provide children with ample opportunity to learn about, enjoy, and become comfortable in their expanding world.


CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

The CDC is a full-day program offering comprehensive, developmentally appropriate activities for children ages 3 months to kindergarten-entrance. Children participate in hands-on learning experiences in areas including art, science, music, and emerging literacy. The CDC is open 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday - Friday, year round, to meet the needs of families requiring full day care. A catered lunch and a morning and afternoon snack are provided.

WEEKDAY PRESCHOOL

A NAEYC accredited program, the WPS has morning classes for 3 and 4 year olds. The curriculum offers a variety of hands-on learning activities and provides experiences for social intraction, inquiry, and skill development. The children are provided with a wide range of developmentally appropriate expreiences including music, art, emerging literacy and science.

EARLY LEARNING PROGRAM

An NAEYC accredited program, the Early Learning Program is a one, two, or three day per week program from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for children ages 1 to 3 years old. The program offers a variety of experiential and hands-on activities that are developmentally appropriate. Children participate in activities in the areas of art, music, creative movement, and emerging literacy.

The linked web pages, above, provide detailed descriptions of each program, operating schedules and procedures, and registration and tuition data. Additionally, each page provides staff names, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses. For further information, please contact Judith Farber, Director of Weekday Children's Programs.

Our Ministries