Programs and Curriculum

Bethlehem Preschool’s curriculum is an age-appropriate, developmental program that balances both educational and play learning activities.  Our curriculum is based on the premise that each child is an individual with a unique pattern of developmental capabilities, temperamental characteristics and learning styles.  For young children, learning is an interactive process. 

Classroom curriculum is carefully planned by professional teachers to meet the needs of each child within a group setting.  The teacher’s role is to provide a variety of activity choices for children and then facilitate and extend their engagement in the activities they select.  Classrooms are arranged so that all materials and furniture are at child height.  Low, open shelving made into learning centers of art, blocks, science, math, manipulative games, dramatic play, music, books and language all encourage children to freely explore, then initiate their own activities.  The daily classroom schedules are guides and provide a balance between quiet, active and group times.  A curriculum theme is used when planning activities.  The curriculum theme serves as a guide and activities are not limited to the theme.  The teachers often choose to expand the ideas and suggestions of the children even though those ideas may be unrelated to the theme! 

Along with these components we incorporate multi-cultural and non-sexist experiences, materials and equipment daily.  Our multi-cultural experiences include food, music, families, shelter and other concepts common to all.

Our gross motor development experiences include our large outdoor play area and, during inclement weather, the indoor gym.  These areas provide the children with opportunities to express themselves freely and loudly while running, climbing, balancing and using riding toys.

Bethlehem Preschool promotes a Christian environment with emphasis on meeting the spiritual needs of each child.  The staff models to the children how to treat others with kindness, concern and empathy.  The Pastors of Bethlehem plan age-appropriate Bible stories for the children twice a month. Teachers provide children with classroom activities that relate to Bible stories that have been shared with them by the Pastors or the teachers themselves.  The children participate in an opening prayer at the beginning of their school day.  We also teach the children several special mealtime prayers, which are shared before snack or meals.

Each year in April or May we ask that our families complete a parent evaluation of our program.  We work toward providing an early education experience that meets the needs of our families.  We rely on their feedback to help us plan and implement improvements each year.

*  Weather permitting, children play outside every day.  In case of rain or cold weather (10 degrees or below) we use the gym for large motor activities.  Mittens, hats, boots and scarves are a must for cold weather.  Boots large enough for a child to manage will provide a sense of independence. 

FIELD TRIPS- Field trips give children direct experience with their environment and are an integral part of learning.  Field trips are planned to places such as the fire station, library, pumpkin farms, petting zoo, etc.  Parents are encouraged to participate.  Notification of field trips is made in advance.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

Parent involvement in the education of children is vital and needs to begin at the preschool level.  We hope you will take advantage of our Parent Involvement Opportunities and become involved and supplement our program with your many special talents and gifts.