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Early Preschool Program

Age 2 & 3 is an exciting period in a child's development. It is a time when language, social, physical and cognitive skills begin to flourish. Children age 2 & 3 are learning during every moment of their day, using all of their senses to explore. That is why our goal is to create a safe but thought-provoking environment that will foster your child's natural curiosity to learn.

Our Early Preschool Program offers a safe, stimulating environment that will foster your child's language, social, physical and cognitive skills. Your child will enjoy participation in small and large group activities, as well as explore and follow their own interests in a fun and safe way.

Your Child's Teacher

Skilled teachers will support your child's learning in all areas by creating a fun environment that is consistent but flexible enough to provide opportunities for them to increase their skills, understanding, and judgment. Our staff is a professional group of teachers whose primary goal is your child’s development. All of our lead teachers have a CDA credential or Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. In addition, our teachers are CPR & First Aid certified and also attend on-going training classes and workshops in Early Education and Care.

The teachers ensure one-on-one time with each child every day and are able to work continuously and consistently with your child. Since each child learns at their own developmental pace, our teachers facilitate in a way that allows each child to learn independently.

The teachers will provide an age appropriate curriculum for each early preschooler age 2 & 3's development such as tossing balls, walking up and down stairs while holding onto a support, building block towers, playing with puppets, guiding children to take turns, playing games like "Duck, Duck, Goose", feed themselves, make simple choices, and encourage your child to use words to express wants and needs.

Incidental Teaching! We offer children a variety of stimulating and educational activities that foster language, social, physical and cognitive development. Throughout the day, the early preschool teachers expand upon all aspects of an activity that a child is participating in. Colors, animal sounds, familiar objects and names are just some of the areas that are continuously discussed with our early preschoolers.

Your Child's Classroom

Children age 2 & 3 require open-ended, hands-on experiences in order to learn effectively. At VCA we offer a comfortable classroom setting with specialized toys and play areas for dramatic play, art, sensory tables, and circle time for sharing stories/music.

The Parent Board Area - The Preschool classroom has a special area where parents sign in and out daily. This is where you can also read any notes, messages, class or school specific information that you need to know. Every morning, please check the parent board for new notices and to sign your child in and out.

Personal Container / Bin - Your child will have their own container in which to keep their belongings (i.e. extra clothing, diapers (if needed), a favorite blanket from home, stuffed animal or doll. All glass containers, plastic bags, medications, or otherwise unsafe materials are stored in a safe area designated by the teachers.

The Buddy Room - You will find that your child's classroom has a close relationship with another room with children of a slightly younger or older age. Valparaiso Christian Academy refers to this relationship as "Buddy Rooms". Children from these different rooms may share time together during drop off, pick up, music and / or outdoor play. The Buddy Room concept assists in helping extend your child's comfort level within the center beyond just their classroom.

Daily Communication

Communication is an essential component of the high-quality care here at Valparaiso Christian Academy.

Daily conversations, telephone calls, newsletters, parent/teacher conferences and personalized daily notes are all communication tools used to keep you informed and involved.

Each day the teachers will write a personalized note about your child's day. This note will tell you experiences your child particularly enjoyed as well as nap times, snacks, lunch, diaper changes and any supplies needed.

You are welcome to call at any time of the day to check in and see how your child is doing or share information too lengthy or private to share during drop-off time.

Yearly Transition

Each of our programs go through a yearly evaluation and transition. At that time your child’s emotional, social and cognitive growth is evaluated by reviewing their progress reports and through observations. The Director, Program Coordinator and staff then take this information into account when deciding the most developmentally appropriate age group for your child to transition into.

Open Door Policy

Valparaiso Christian Academy has an open door policy. We welcome and encourage visits from parents and guardians whose children are attending the center. We invite you to visit anytime at your convenience. You never need to make an appointment or let us know in advance when you want to visit your child at the school.

Tuition & Fees

Early Preschool 8:30am-11:00am or 3:00 pm-5:30 pm

Age 2