The Preschool at Red Mountain United Methodist Church celebrated five years this past school year, and will kick off this fall with several expansions.
“We have continued to grow in enrollment at a time when many private preschools have been declining in numbers due to the economy,” said The Preschool Director Erin Gray. “We have a very strong family base, who feel small classroom size and a loving Christian environment are very important to their young children.”
This fall, The Preschool will expand in nearly every aspect of learning. “We are adding a second Young Learners classroom for children who do not reach age 5 by Mesa Public School’s cutoff date for kindergarten enrollment, or for those who will benefit from another year to get ready for kindergarten,” Erin continued. “In addition, we are implementing Scott Foresman’s enVisionMATH to the Young Learners programming.”
As described by the publisher, “This interactive, hands-on math learning follows visual learning strategies which deepen conceptual understanding by making meaningful connections for students and delivering strong, sequential visual/verbal connections in every lesson. This curriculum provides ongoing diagnosis and intervention to ensure that the curriculum gives every student the opportunity to succeed.” This new math curriculum for Young Learners will complement the Zoo-Phonics curriculum implemented last year.
Classes for 3- and 4-year-olds will add the Open the World of Learning (OWL) curriculum by Pearson Learning. OWL is a research-based and field-tested, comprehensive integrated, pre-k curriculum designed to develop language and early literacy skills in the context of rich content—primarily in the areas of mathematics, science, and social studies. Unit topics include Family, Friends, Wind and Water, World of Color, Shadows and Reflections, and Things That Grow.
“The Preschool at Red Mountain United Methodist Church is the only preschool in the area that we are aware of adding this curriculum to its program,” Erin stated as she announced the curriculum decision to the board this spring.
The Preschool also is expanding in its dedication to Spanish and music programming by adding staff, who will specifically focus on these subjects. “Our church had a vision many years ago to build an education building and open a preschool to serve the community,” stated Lisa Knowles, committee member and past preschool board chair. “We built the building, created a program and it just keeps getting better, growing with love and dedication from the congregation to provide a wonderful program to children and their families.”
“Each August our students come with so much enthusiasm to meet new friends and experience new things,” Lisa said. “This year, we have even more reason to share their excitement for new things.”
For additional information, contact Director Erin Gray at (480) 931-3833, or visit the school’s Web site at www.RedMtUMCPreschool.org.