About Our Preschool

Content: Who We Are, Why We Are Here, How We Help Children Learn, Where We Are An Extra Benefit: The Young Library for Children, How We Nurture Children, Whose We Are,
When Preschool Began, Our Partnership with Families,

Known and respected in the community since 1970 for its:

• Experienced, dedicated staff
• Focus on teaching about Jesus' love and God's creations
• Play-based, appropriate curriculum
• Outstanding children's library
• Sunny, spacious classrooms
• Quiet, residential setting
• Yard, trees, playgrounds with a hill, places to ride big wheels
• Services to families, especially through tuition assistance
• Children who leave here with joy about learning and school

Who We Are

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Why We Are Here

Westminster Presbyterian Preschool provides a safe, nurturing environment where all children are welcome. "Let the children come to me," Jesus said. "To enter God's kingdom," He continued, "you must be like little children." (Mark10:13-16) Westminster offers Christian education and the opportunity to know about the love of Jesus and God.

Its curriculum also promotes a child's development: spiritual, cognitive, communication and literacy, social/emotional, self-help, and physical growth. The staff follows the "Foundations for Young Children" to the Indiana Academic Standards that promote excellence and equity in education.

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How We Help Children Learn

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Where We Are

Westminster Presbyterian Preschool is located between Marion General Hospital (441 North Wabash Avenue) and the Bypass (State Roads 9 and 15). It is the only church on this residential stretch of Jeffras Avenue. The homes of Euclid, Briarwood, Berkley, and Windsor Drive surround it. The Preschool office is located on the first floor of the church. The main entrance to the preschool is at the far end of the parking lot.

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An Extra Benefit: The Young Library for Children

The Young Library at Westminster has 3300 selections that represent the best of children's classical, contemporary, and sacred literature. The collection also includes DVD, CDs, VHS, and stories on audio tapes, computer games, and books on parenting, child development and Christian living.

The librarians and parent volunteers check materials in and out Tuesday through Friday. They also schedule activities and guest readers during the year to celebrate books and stories.

"You're never too old, too wacky or wild - to pick up a book and read with a child."

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Whose We Are

Westminster Presbyterian Preschool is a registered ministry of Westminster Presbyterian Church. The two groups share classrooms and other spaces. The Church provides some tuition scholarships and other resources as part of its annual budget.

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When Preschool Began

Westminster Presbyterian Preschool opened in September, 1970 - the vision of Sadye Bradley, its director until 1989 when Rita Guenin took over that role. Mrs. Guenin retired in September 2008; the current director is Elizabeth Schlesinger-Devlin. Preschool graduates number in the thousands! They are contributing to their communities, churches, and workplaces and are rearing families. Each year local Preschool alumni choose Westminster for their children. We are honored by their confidence and memories.

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Our Partnership with Families

Parents/guardians participate in decisions about their child's care and education while at Preschool. Parents are welcome to visit the classroom at any time. There is regular, two-way communication with families.

We encourage family members to share hobbies, skills, or customs with their child's class. Each month there is a special event for guests to attend like Stone Soup or palm-waving.

The partnership with our families includes becoming a part of the Indiana Child Care Bureau's Child Care Development Fund or the CCDF voucher program. The program allows families to apply for financial assistance through the state. For more information on the CCDF voucher program visit http://www.in.gov/fssa/2552.htm website.

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