Philosophy

It is the philosophy of Wee Friends Preschool that early childhood should be a time of fun, warmth, security, exploring and discovery. The early training of a child is the most significant training he/she receives. An early childhood experience in a Christian setting provides a child with added richness as it encourages social, emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual development of the child as a whole. Preschool children are creative and receptive; the staff strives to nurture and encourage these qualities in the children who attend. Every child is guided through the day with positive reinforcement in all activities, always encouraged to try or try again, and is never pressured into participation in any activity.

Goals

Wee Friends Preschool uses a curriculum that includes sharing and conversation time; stories, songs and fingerplays; creative art activities and crafts; games and large muscle activities; field trips throughout the community; food preparation; exposure to shapes, colors, numbers and letters; and celebration of birthdays and holidays. Our objective is to offer individual and group activities to achieve the following goals:

• Instill a greater sense of self-worth and encourage self-confidence.
• Provide emotional and social support so that each child may gain a positive self-image.
• Encourage and build each child's imagination and creativity.
• Provide activities and an environment that will nurture the child's self-esteem.
• Develop the child's ability to follow directions and respond to verbal requests.
• Increase the child's attention span.
• Improve the child's communication skills and use of language.
• Encourage honesty and kindness and respect for others.
• Develop motor skills, physical coordination and a sense of rhythm.
• Provide a foundation for Christian growth by reaching children and their families with the message of Jesus.

Affirmative Action Statement

Wee Friends Preschool advertises in the public media in order to make openings known to all. Children are admitted regardless of race, creed, color, sex, national origin or religion. Children with disabilities will be reviewed on an individual basis.

Organizational Structure

• The Children's Outreach Ministries' Board, with members from the Mechanic Grove Church of the Brethren, sets policies and procedures for the preschool.
• Sheri Johnson is the director of Wee Friends Preschool. Please feel free to contact her with any questions or concerns at 717-806-2161.

Discipline

• Giving positive verbal rewards encourages acceptable behavior. This reinforces a child's good feeling about his/her behavior and serves as an example to the other children to act in such a way as to receive this praise. Asking a child to stop and think about his/her unpleasant behavior enables that child to work at self-control.
• For a child not cooperating in a group listening situation, the child is removed from the group for a period of "time-out". This "time-out" is not a punishment, but rather a time when the child may calm down, remember what behavior the teacher is asking for, and decide for him or herself when he/she is ready to rejoin the group with acceptable behavior.
• If behavior problems persist, the parent is asked to a conference with the teacher and director to discuss what may be helpful in motivating the child to behave in an acceptable way.

Child Protection Policy

Mechanic Grove Church of the Brethren has a child protection policy that all staff of Wee Friends Preschool must adhere to and sign. As part of the Child Protections Policy, staff members must pass the Criminal Records Check and the Child Abuse Clearance. The Child Protection Policy also states, among other things, that two adults should be present in the room and that staff is required to report suspected abuse. If you have any questions about the policy or would like to see a copy of the entire policy, please contact the director.