Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me. And do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”

—Matthew 18:14

Park Street Christian Preschool is a non-profit community outreach ministry of Park Street Christian Church. Park Street Christian Church is blessed with a fifty year history at the corner of Cutler Lane in Charlottesville. Our doors opened August 1999 when the church recognized a community need for an all day Christian preschool.We are open Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–6:00 PM. Our capacity is 30 children. Our child to teacher ratio is 10:1 in each class. We care for toilet trained children between the ages 2 ½–6 years old.

Staff

Our staff is professionally trained and experienced in Early Childhood Education. All teachers are CPR and First Aid Certified and are members of the Virginia Association of Early Childhood Education (VAECE). We participate regularly in conferences and workshops to enrich our skills.

1. •Angela Taylor, Director since 1999, 18 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, also assists with the curriculum.
   

2. • Sarah McGahee teaches in the 2 ½–3 ½ classroom since 2010. (16 years of preschool teaching experience)
   

3. • Nancy McDonald, serves in the 3 ½–4 ½ classroom since 2008. (employed since 2008)
   

4. • Peggy Turner, Assistant Director, works with the Pre-K children with a Pre-Kindergarten curriculum. Employed since 2002.
   

5. • Amy Hastings assists in the afternoons, since 2008.
   

Mission Statement and Philosophy

We strive to work as partners with families to provide a safe, healthy, fun-loving Christian environment that is intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically stimulating for each individual child. We believe this goal is accomplished by using developmentally appropriate practices through child centered and teacher guided play and exploration. For children to grow and learn they must first be surrounded by love and respect. Playing is learning! Allowing freedom within clear limits, each child is given the opportunity to grow and develop to his or her individual full potential that strongly supports a strong sense of self. We believe that children are a gift from God. Helping them to learn is a divine privilege. We give our best effort to be a positive role model that instills Christian values that will help your child through the journey of life. We use hands-on stories and activities that teach your child the fundamental concepts of the beautiful diverse world God created! There is so much for children to learn, yet so much for them to offer! Come play with us… learn with us…grow with us!

Curriculum

Through a structured unit-based and “story stretchers” approach, we encourage children’s natural curiosity to explore the world around them. Our lesson plans and learning centers are age-appropriate and include the areas of science, math, arts, crafts, language, literacy, writing, large and small muscle development, music, cooking, simple computer technology, self-help, and worship. Our goal is for them to play as they master the skills they will need for Kindergarten. We integrate guidelines from the Kindergarten-SOLs and Pre-K PALS (Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening) in our Pre-K program curriculum.

Our day consists of a balance of teacher-guided and child initiated indoors and outdoors (we enjoy outdoors as much as possible!) hands-on activities. Your child will have the opportunity to build relationships, develop appropriate problem solving skills, and learn to appreciate similarities and differences among one another. We use a positive discipline approach that fosters self-control. We strive to create a calm and nurturing classroom climate, so children feel free to explore. Children will begin to identify emotions and learn self-regulation strategies to make good choices. There are many positive discipline strategies that we to use based on the age and personality of each individual child. Again, families are a huge part of all facets of a child’s development and growth and we value and expect teamwork between home and school to help with this very important responsibility.

Our Facility

1. •Three classrooms that are clean, bright, and full of child friendly learning materials.
   

2. •Music/Creative Movement Room: this room is used for gross motor free play (tunnels, tumbling mats, etc), dancing, and music exploration during the morning hours.  We also use this room occasionally for a rainy day educational movie.
   

3. •One big play room (The Ark Room): for greeting, departing, and free choice play. This play area is set-up with free choice activities that include: dramatic play, discovery table, library with listening center, & blocks.  We also use this room daily for our whole school morning circle/worship time lead by the Director. 
   

4. •Beautiful picnic area for mealtime on a warm day! This area is also used for school events such as Mother’s Day breakfast, Father’s Day lunch, and many other school festivities.
   

5. •A large fenced in equipped playground that is safe and shaded with surrounding woods.
   

6. •A welcoming church that we use for chapel time and other school programs.
   

Tuition

Families choose from full time five days a week or part-time less than five days a week. There is a 10% sibling discount based on availability within the budget.

1. • Five Days: $170 a week
   

2. • Four days: $149
   

3. • Three Days: $118
   

4. • Two Days: $87
   

5. • One Day: $49
   

6. • Non-Refundable Registration fee: $50
   

United Way and Social Service Scholarships accepted.

Meals

We provide nutritious morning and afternoon snacks. Children bring a lunch each day. The school provides lunch on special occasions. We do not provide a microwave or refrigerator for food. You will need to provide a thermos or cooler for food. We are a peanut-free facility.

Ways Families Can Participate

1. • Attend Open House and Parent/Teacher conferences
   

2. • Join field trips
   

3. • Share special talents and services: cooking, crafts, music, book buddies, etc.
   

4. • Volunteer and attend special school funtions: graduation, Christmas program, fundraisers, parent workdays, and many other seasonal events.
   

What You Need To Provide When Your Child Enrolls

1. • Copy of birth certificate
   

2. • Copy of updated immunization records
   

3. •  Signed contract
   

4. • Registration form with registration fee
   

5. • Box of markers
   

6. • Box of crayons
   

7. • Box of tissues
   

8. • Box of baby wipes
   

9. • Family photo
   

10. • Standard size toothbrush and cap (no battery operated or large handled toothbrushes)
    

11. • Complete change of clothing including socks and underwear
    

12. • Nap mat, pillow, and blanket, all labeled with child's name (folding napping mat only — no blow up mats. (available at Walmart)
    

13. • Three child size large T-shirts for crafts
    

14. • Refillable plastic water bottle for outside time
    

15. • Teachers may have additional requests for items
    

Contact

Please contact the Director, Angela Taylor at 434-296-8922, fax 434-817-1636, or e-mail for a more detailed information packet or for a scheduled tour of the preschool.