Calvary United Methodist Church Weekday School, Frederick

Our mission: Calvary Weekday Preschool supports the philosophy that children learn best through active involvement with a rich and stimulating environment. Our curriculum includes activities and learning centers that are developmentally and age appropriate. The classroom environment invites children to observe, be active, make choices and to experiment. Teachers see students as individuals – each with unique interest, experiences and abilities. Small classes enable our teachers to focus on each child’s individual needs. Our goal is for children to have fun while learning in a creative, positive and safe environment. We encourage children to develop strong self-esteem and social competence by solving problems and resolving conflicts in a climate of positive regard. In this way children learn life-long personal and social skills. About Us: The Calvary Weekday School was created in 1964 and maintains a positive relationship with the Calvary United Methodist Church in historic downtown Frederick, Maryland. The school’s philosophy has always been that the early years are the most important learning period in a child’s life. The school provides a safe, nurturing, Christian environment where children have the opportunity to play, learn and grow through developmentally appropriate practices. The teachers of Calvary hold college degrees and have completed the Maryland Model for School Readiness (MMSR) training consisting of 54 continuing education hours. MMSR is a research-based and strategic framework for how families, the early care and education community, and teachers can work together to help our earliest learners enter school ready to learn. The MMSR has five components which define standards for curriculum and instruction; assessment of young children’s learning; effective communication between early childhood programs and families; and ways to successfully help children make the transition from early childhood to school. Teachers and classroom assistants are credentialed through the Maryland State Department of Education’s Credentialing Program. The Maryland Credential recognizes early childhood educators who go beyond the requirements of State licensing and registration regulations. The program provides a structure for professional growth through professional competencies. All Calvary teachers are first aid and CPR trained and certified. The school implements Houghton Mifflin, which is a Maryland State Department of Education approved early childhood curriculum. To learn more about Houghton Mifflin go to the Learn link on our home page. The school uses the Work Sampling System, a state-of-the-art assessment system for young children, which is grouped in seven domains. The seven domains are: -Personal and Social Development -Language and literacy -Mathematical thinking -Scientific thinking -Social studies -The arts -Physical development Parents are provided with three assessment reports throughout the year. Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled during the month of March each school year.