Preschool

About our Preschool Ministry (Babies – Kindergarten)

And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.

~ Jesus (Matthew 18:5)

At Heritage, we welcome your little ones in Jesus’ name by helping them take their first steps to knowing God through safe, excellent teaching care.

Sunday Morning

9:00 Bible Study for Infants-kindergarten

10:15 PromiseLand and Nursery Care

Sunday Evening (Fall and Spring)

5:00-7:00 Nursery Care for Infants-Twos

5:00-6:00 Movers and Shakers Preschool Choir for Threes-Fives

6:00-7:00 Preschool Greenhouse for Threes-Fives

Wednesday Evening

6:00-7:30 Nursery Care for Infants-Twos

Special Classes for Threes-Fives

Transforming Teachers

In 2012, your preschool and children’s teachers are studying Follow Me as I Follow Christ: A Guide for Teaching Children in a Church Setting. We are life-long learners who are actively studying God’s word and learning about the best practices for teaching children at church. We are allowing God to transform us into the image of Jesus Christ so that we can be agents of transformation in your child’s life. Together we are partnering with you to guide your child to grow up loving God. You are welcome to join the conversation here.

Where do I take my preschooler?

Our Preschool Building is located on the Vaughn Road side of our property beside the playground. All preschool classes are held in the Preschool Building with the exception of Movers and Shakers Preschool Choir that meets in Room 1 in our Children’s Space in the main church building.

What are your security procedures?

· Our preschooler teachers and volunteers undergo a criminal background check as well as teacher training.

· Parents complete a security sticker and sign-in sheet each time they bring their preschooler. The security sticker (which includes any allergy alerts) is placed on your child’s back, and you keep the numbered receipt to present when you pick up your child. Please keep your phone on vibrate throughout the service so that we can reach you in an emergency. First time guests complete a registration card so that we can know your child better.

· Our preschool coordinator is also a pediatric nurse. She is in the Preschool Building and easily accessible for any emergencies.

What does my preschooler learn?

Preschoolers are always learning so we are always teaching about God and his world through reading, art, music, nature, drama, home living, puzzles, and many other learning approaches. We teach the Bible using various curriculum guides with age-appropriate teaching tools.

· We use LifeWay curriculum for Sunday morning Bible study. Each year we cycle through the Levels of Biblical Learning teaching key concepts in engaging, age-appropriate ways. You can learn more at www.lifeway.com or click here to download your own copy of the Levels of Biblical Learning.

· During PromiseLand at 8:30 and 11:00, we use preschool worship curriculum from Elevate Jr. Each series uses DVD, music, activities, large group and small group to teach key biblical truths. You can view the curriculum series at http://www.elevatepastors.com/shop/elevate-jr.html

· On Sunday evenings, Movers and Shakers teaches preschool worship arts through music, rhythm, drama, and a variety of activities.

· During preschool Greenhouse and on Wednesday evenings, preschoolers learn basic Bible stories, life application skills, and missions through specialized curriculum resources that vary throughout the year.

How can I help my preschooler grow in his or her relationship with God?

· Participate in our Heritage LifeStones Parent Seminars that occur throughout the year. You will learn how to have a weekly LifeTalk with your preschooler, how to recognize God moments throughout your day, and how to have Family Faith Celebrations at home.

· Use the parent pages that your preschooler receives each week in Sunday School and PromiseLand to reinforce their learning.

· Read The Legacy Path by Brian Haynes to discover how to become your child’s primary faith trainer.

· Consider using on the following resources as a guide to establish weekly LifeTalks (family devotions) with your preschooler:

o Bedtime Blessings by John Trent.

o Playtime Devotions: Sharing Bible Moments with your Baby or Toddler by Christine Harder Tangvald

o Little Visits for Toddlers by Mary Manz Simon.

o God and Me: Devotions for Girls Ages 2-5 by Lynn Marie-Ittner Klammer

o Gotta Have God: Devotions for Boys Ages 2-5 by Lynn Marie-Ittner Klammer

· Read Parenting in the Pew by Robbie Castleman to begin preparing your preschooler for participation in corporate worship.

Contact Jennifer Foster if you have more questions.