We offer 2 1/2-hour programs for your child. The AM class is from 9:00-11:30 and the PM class is from 12:15-2:45. We have T/TH, MWF & M-F classes available.
Class Placement
Class placement is based on the age of your child and their developmental stage of readiness. We offer the following classes:
- 2 1/2 -3-year olds (T/TH AM & PM)
- 3 & 4-year olds (MWF AM & PM)/ 4 & 5-year olds (MWF AM & PM)
- 4 & 5-year olds (M-F AM & PM)
Student/Teacher Ratio
First Steps Preschool’s ratios are as follows:
- 2 1/2- 3 year old class will have up to 14 students with two teachers at all times.
- 3 & 4 year old class will have up to 18 students with two teachers
- 4 & 5 year old will have up to 20 students with two teachers at all times.
If we have a class with 8 students or less, there will be one teacher in the classroom and office staff will be available to assist.
Curriculum
We believe that children advance through stages of development at their own rate of growth. We want our curriculum to let children explore God’s world through many hands-on experiences using their 5 senses. We use ACCESS Curriculum which is intentional, integrated and inquiry-based curriculum. ACCESS stands for: Assessment- Supported, Child-Centered, Emergent-Negotiated, Science Emphasis, Standards Integrated. We do investigations based on the children’s interests. We also incorporate the Ohio Early Learning Content Standards.
*Pre-reading *Pre-writing *Literature *Music *Science *Math *Art *Outdoor play *Cooking *Block play
*Circle Time *Small Group learning and activities *Large/Fine motor skill building *Dramatic play
*Bible lessons & Worship
We love to teach children about God’s Word and His love for us! Bible stories and worship may be taught by teachers, the preschool director or FCC’s children’s director!
Daily Schedules
*Below is an example of a typical daily schedule. It is possible the teacher may need to adjust the schedule based on how the class learns best.
A.M. or P.M. Class Schedules
9:00- 9:45 or 12:15-1:00 Children’s Arrival/Free Play/Large Muscle Play/Outside
9:45-10:00 or 1:00-1:15 Circle Time
10:00-10:15 or 1:15-1:30 Bathroom
10:15-10:25 or 1:30 – 1:40 Story & Worship Time
10:25 –10:45 or 1:40 – 2:00 Snack
10:45-11:15 or 2:00 – 2:30 Art/Free Play/Large Muscle Play/Outside
11:15-11:30 or 2:30- 2:45 Preparing for departure
Discipline
At First Steps Preschool, we are interested in nurturing a thoughtful, considerate child that is concerned with other students, environment and a child that feels secure and in control. We use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior.
We have a consistent routine and structured day for the children. Children need to know what is expected of them, so communication is important. We implement age- appropriate strategies including positive reinforcement and by setting good examples.
A child that is misbehaving will be positively re-directed first, and then moved to another activity if needed, to return when they can behave properly. We encourage interchange and talk about consequences with the child. If the problem continues, they are removed to a separate area and given a time-out for 2-5 minutes to regain control.
Continued problems and/or anger/aggressive behaviors may result in a parent conference and/or a behavior plan to be implemented. Only in extreme cases will a parent be asked to withdrawal their child.