Preschool History
Grace Christian Preschool opened its doors in 1979 and is a ministry and extension of Grace Community Church. Our preschool was founded on the principle that education is to prepare the student in body, mind, and spirit for a life that will be lived according to the truth of the Bible, leading to a life of service for God. Grace Christian Schools continues with the same high standards and spirit, ministering to an enrollment of approximately 190 preschool-age children, from the church and surrounding community. We are licensed by the State of California, License #300602967, for a full-day preschool program, and we are an accredited member of Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)
Preschool Educational Philosophy
We provide a Christian perspective, through teaching the Bible as God’s Word, prayer, music, and drama, appropriate to the child’s level of understanding, and we help them develop an awareness of Jesus Christ as their friend and Savior. Children develop in an orderly, predictable pattern. As a result, we recognize that learning is best served through active exploration, manipulation of concrete (hands-on) materials, self-initiated projects, and receiving guidance from teachers. This is called “The Developmental Process.” The child follows his/her own timetable within a predictable age range.
Our focus is to create a climate in which children feel competent in what they can do and integrate life-learning skills into their daily lives. Everything a child experiences throughout the day is a part of his/her total education. The classroom environment is designed to allow each child to participate in experiences that are meaningful to him/her.
“Breakfast Club” Extended Care Program
If you need to drop your child off before 8:30 am, you can enroll in our Breakfast Club Extended Care program. Parents can commit from 2-days a week up to 5-days a week, to set a schedule of the same day(s), for the entire school year. Choose day(s) when your child regularly attends their class session. Tuition for Breakfast Club is paid through your regular monthly tuition installment. If you should need Breakfast Club Extended Care for your child as a drop in, you will need to get prior approval from the Director to make sure there is room for your child that day.
Lunch Bunch
Lunch Bunch is available from 11:30am to 12:30pm for students that attend an AM class (8:30-11:30). Lunch Bunch is perfect for families that need just a little bit more time for their child at school after their morning session. Lunch Bunch begins in October, and an email will be sent out with an invitation to sign-up in September for the whole year or just the specific dates that you need it. Space is limited to 10 children per day and you must sign-up by 3:00 pm the day before to assure space for your child. The Lunch Bunch Rate is $12 per day.
“Above & Beyond” Program (A&B)
Above & Beyond is an exciting program to accommodate families looking to extend their preschooler’s day or days of attendance. Preschoolers must be enrolled in a GCS preschool session in order to participate in the Above & Beyond Program. Above & Beyond is offered in the afternoons only (11:30am-3:00pm or 11:30am-6:00pm) Monday through Friday, unless noted on the school calendar.
11:30-3:00 or 11:30-6:00: Parents need to provide a nutritious nut-free lunch, and a “snuggly item” to help settle their child. We will provide a sheet but ask parents to provide a labeled blanket and stuffed animal (if the child wants). Naptime items need to be able to fit on their cot while they are in their stacked positions per social service standards. After eating lunch, children will have a quiet/rest time, followed by a time of creative play and exploration of the current month’s theme, a school-provided snack, and outside time on the playground.
Chapel
We take every opportunity to teach and model Biblical standards and characteristics, as well as to use everyday occurrences to teach God’s character and creation. Therefore, each day the children enjoy a special Chapel time. The entire preschool gathers together to have a “chapel story,” sing Christian songs, and learn about God’s love. Our primary focus is to relate Bible stories with the Godly character traits addressed in Chapel. Songs, along with hand motions, are selected to emphasize God’s love. It is our desire to teach the children about Jesus and what a special friend He can be to us.
Music & Movement
Music & Movement time is where emphasis is given to balance, spatial relationships, body image, eye-body-foot-hand coordination, hopping, jumping, and skipping skills, etc. We will be working on the basic systems of the body, including the vestibular, bilateral, proprioceptive, and motor planning system. This class is also a music class where the children will have exposure to different instruments, rhythm training, ear training, and learn some basic music dynamics, through singing and body movement. Activities are designed for each class, taking into consideration appropriate skill and age levels.
In-House Field Trips
Our children are developing their understanding of life and the world around them. There will be two In-House Field trips during the school year. There will be one in the Fall and another one in the Spring. The In-House Field Trips will expose them to everyday life in a setting where their teacher can help them connect what they’re learning to what happens in the real places in their community. Experiential learning (authentic, first-hand, sensory-based learning) through on-site field trips is a way for children to reflect on and apply their new knowledge.
Preschool Holiday Camps
We offer Preschool Camps during our extended holiday closures for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter. Campers enjoy this time together with their teachers and friends. Their busy days include creative play, holiday themed crafts, playground time, rest time, and a Bible devotional time. Preschool holiday camps are for currently enrolled Preschool students only. Our preschool staff run our holiday camps exclusively. Payment for Holiday Camps is separate from regular tuition.
Preschool Summer Camp
Preschool Summer Camp is offered to Preschool students that are enrolled for the current and incoming school year. Registration begins in late April/early May. Preschool Summer Camp operates for nine weeks, beginning in June and ending in August. Each week of camp will have a theme that is enhanced by art projects, outdoor and indoor activities, music, Bible stories, and more. We will have chapel once a week and present a Bible story and learn Bible verses. Our preschool staff run our Summer Camp exclusively. Payment for Summer Camp is separate from regular tuition.
Preschool Special Events
Christmas Program: On a designated Saturday in December, we invite our Preschool families to join us for their child’s Christmas performance. Children will dress in their Christmas best and perform Christmas songs in the Worship Center. Classes will be grouped into 3 or 4 performance times throughout the day. We will enjoy a holiday treat together after each performance.
Daddy & Me Day: On a designated day, we invite our dads only (Grandpas or uncles may attend with the child if a dad is not available) to come to school and participate in special activities along with their child(ren). You will take your child(ren) to the preschool playground and enjoy some fun interactive activities that are planned for you and your child(ren) to experience together. We will end our time together in the Worship Center for a special Chapel. Sorry, absolutely no moms or siblings not enrolled in the school may attend this event.
Mommy & Me Day: Held in May. On a designated day, we invite our moms only (Grandmas or Aunts may attend with the child if a mom is not available) to come and participate in special activities along with their child(ren). You will take your child(ren) to the preschool playground and enjoy some fun interactive activities that are planned for you and your child(ren) to experience together. We will end our time together in the Worship Center for a special Chapel. Sorry, absolutely no moms or siblings not enrolled in the school may attend this event.
Grandparents Day: On a designated day we invite our Grandparents only to come to school and participate in special activities along with their child(ren). You will take your grandchild(ren) to the preschool playground and enjoy some fun interactive activities that are planned for you and your grandchild(ren) to experience together. We will end our time together in the Worship Center for a special Chapel. Sorry, absolutely no moms, dads, or siblings not enrolled in the school may attend this event.