Springfield UMC Christian Weekday Program, Springfield

The Director and teachers have developed a curriculum that incorporates language, mathematics, science and pro-social skills in a developmentally appropriate play setting. Many activities used to develop large and small muscle control, eye-hand coordination, verbal skills and creative play, will be part of the children's day. The program offers many opportunities for social interaction and seeks to strike a proper balance between responsibility and freedom, and comformity and individuality in a setting which is conducive to establishing a positive self-image. Throughout the day, the teachers strive to create a loving Christian atmosphere in which each child is a special individual. Weekly music class, monthly storyteller, either Bible or secular, and children's chapel are provided. OUR PROGRAM The Christian Weekday Program is located in the lower level of the Springfield United Methodist Church at the corner of Old Keene Mill Road and Spring Road, across from Garfield Elementary School and Springfield Plaza Shopping Center. CWP has a fenced playground with modern climbing units. The churchs Social Hall provides a spacious area for indoor play during inclement weather. CWP enrollment is limited to 120 children per day under our Fairfax County permit. The preschool offers classes for children 2 to 5 years of age and enrolls between 10 and 16 children per class. CWP enrolls students of any race, color, national, or ethnic origin and strives to be inclusive of all children, including those with disabilities and special learning and developmental needs. AGES School hours are 9:15AM-12:15PM Class Days 2 days Tuesday and Thursday 3 days Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 5 days Monday through Friday (Children may attend the 2, 3, or 5 day program, regardless of age.) RESOURCE CLASSES Imagination Station Imagination Station is an exciting, center-based dramatic play environment encompassing math, science, emergent literacy and speech/language. The curriculum consists of five themes per school year where children explore the world around them. Whether we visit the farm, take a trip to outer space or learn about insects, children are engaged in self-directed activities as they acquire knowledge about themselves and our enviornment. Music and Motion The Music/Motion Class focuses on Christian-based and secular music appropriate to the church calendar and weekly curriculum themes. With props and musical instruments, children act upon movement directions and sing and learn songs for Children's Chapel, the Christmas Musical and Child Appreciation Day. American Sign Language is taught with our song choices. Monthly Bible Storytelling provides an opportunitiy to acquaint young children with stories that have Christian significance. The teacher will use costume, props and song to help develop an understanding of Bible life and time. Early Literacy Program (Pre-K class) The Early Literacy Program will equip our children with pre-reading skills in a language and print-rich environment. Children are introduced to phonological awareness with instruction aligned with Virginia Kindergarten Standards of Learning. Students are exposed to a variety of language opportunities, rhyming, letter sounds and print. This program contains a take-home reading component. MORNING PROGRAM 24 months through Pre-K Class ratios range from 10-16 students per 2 or 3 staff, depending on enrollment. Toilet training is not required for the 2 year old classes.