Church of The Holy Comforter, Vienna

Holy Comforter Episcopal Preschool (HCEP) provides a lively, creative, loving and safe environment that gives each child the opportunity to develop a sense of self-worth, self-understanding and self-expression. Our integrated curriculum encourages the social, emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual development of children. Teachers provide a balance of activities and develop individual goals for the children so that each child receives the attention, challenges and successes he/she needs. Play is the heart of our preschool curriculum. A day at HCEP includes self-directed play in teacher prepared learning centers. These centers offer manipulative toys, blocks, dramatic play, art, science, sand/water table and reading centers. A half hour of active play is scheduled daily, either outdoors in the fenced playground or in the rainy day room. Circle time, cooking, music, stories, science, speech and language, in-school field trips and creative activities are also included. The school recognizes the importance and effect that the early years of a child's life has on his/her total development and endeavors to motivate children with enthusiasm and confidence. Children and the Holy Eucharist All baptized Christians are welcomed at the Lord’s table, and the Episcopal Church does not designate a specific age in which children are to receive communion. Holy Comforter does offer a special “Study of the Holy Eucharist” in First Grade Sunday School, but children do not need to complete the class in order to partake of the Sacrament. Parents are encouraged to meet with a member of the clergy if they have questions or concerns about young children and communion. Any member of the congregation, adults as well as children, may receive a blessing instead of communion by simply crossing their arms across their chest to indicate their preference. The 9:00 and 11:00 services on Sunday morning are where children and youth have opportunities to serve as assistant ushers and lay readers. The music is usually simpler than the 7:45 service, and at least one of the readings is from The Good News version of the Holy Bible. One of the priests leads Children’s Chapel during a portion of the service (in St. Mary’s Chapel), and when the children return to the Sanctuary, they kneel at the altar during the Great Thanksgiving. Our Day at HCEP A day at HCEP includes self-directed play in teacher prepared learning centers. These centers offer manipulative toys, blocks, dramatic play, art, science, sand/water table and reading centers. A half hour of active play is scheduled daily, either outdoors in the fenced playground or in the rainy day room. Circle time, cooking, music, stories, science, speech and language, in-school field trips and creative activities are also included. HCEP Philosophy The school recognizes the importance and effect that the early years of a child's life has on his/her total development and endeavors to motivate children with enthusiasm and confidence.