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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
Westminster Preschool serves families in Marion, Indiana, and surrounding communities. Children ages
two through five years old may attend for half-day classes and extended hours, mid-August through May.
It is staffed and equipped to provide care and education for nursery school age children. It
respects and encourages cultural diversity.
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Why We Are Here
Westminster 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
Westminster Preschool believes a young child's learning should come through play and the use of
materials, and through art, music, movement and drama. We follow hands-on, developmentally
appropriate practices.
We value child-initiated, teacher-supported play as a means by which a child develops and learns.
The greatest emphasis is on the children's relationship with the staff.
"…and a little child shall lead them…" (Isaiah 11:6)
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Where We Are
Westminster 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.
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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 audio and video
recordings, 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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How We Nurture Children
Westminster Preschool has teachers and administrators who have a heart for young children, an interest in
their growth and development, and a respect for their personality. All have a strong personal faith.
In addition, the staff is specially trained to plan and carry out age-appropriate learning activities.
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Whose We Are
Westminster Preschool is a 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 Preschool opened in September, 1970 - the vision of Sadye Bradley, its director until
1989 when Rita Guenin took over that role. 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.
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