Classes Offered

Welcome

First Baptist Jefferson Preschool takes great pride in our half day preschool and Pre–K program. For over 40 years, FBJ Preschool has been leading children in the community to help them grow and develop socially, emotionally, and
academically. This program is ideal for a stay–at–home or a work–from–home parent/guardian interested in the flexibility and benefits of a half day preschool environment. Our primary focus is to provide a safe and caring environment where children learn the foundations of preschool while also hearing the gospel of Jesus Christ. All classes have age–appropriate structured play that incorporates classroom routine and learning to follow teacher–led instructions. Our biblically based curriculum, abeka, features a traditional approach to learning and provides teachers with a base for plenty of hands–on
learning at all ages. A typical class size ranges from 8–14 children with one to two teachers depending on the age group. Smaller class sizes allow the teachers to have more one–on–one interaction with their students to better meet their learning needs. By partnering with parents, the teachers help provide a strong foundation in a loving environment of learning and discovery. A breakdown of our specific classes offered is listed below.

Program Features:
1. Low student to teacher ratio.
2. Supportive, nurturing and loving care in a Christ–centered environment.
3. Fun, unit themed activities with the focus on age–appropriate concepts.

Younger 2s Class

At this early phase of life, social interaction with others becomes important for the healthy growth and development of a child. We are aware that most of the children in the younger two’s classroom have had limited interaction with anyone other than their parents or siblings. Our teachers are extremely patient and nurturing, as this can be a transition time for both the child and the parent. This environment of 8–10 children with 2 adults gives these children an opportunity to explore and learn through hands–on activities and engaging with other friends their age. The day is structured around play time guided by the teachers, carpet time for book reading or music and movement, and center time for art or other age–appropriate activities. Although children are not expected to sit for more than a few minutes at a time, this is a skill that we begin learning soon after the class begins. With guidance and a lot of repetition, this helps children’s ability to sit for snack time, listen to a book being read on the carpet, or wait their turn during an activity. This routine creates stability, safety, and confidence while also preparing them for the older preschool classes. Children at this age are beginning to show expression and will use both verbal and nonverbal communication with their teachers. They are introduced to basic receptive language skills: an understanding of information provided in a variety of ways (sounds, words, movement, gestures, signs, symbols).

Bible time is part of our daily routine as they begin to hear and learn more about Jesus.

Requirements for Younger 2s:
1. Children must turn 2 by August 1 of the current school year.
2. All immunizations must be presented on Form 3231. No expired forms.

Older 2s/ Younger 3s Classes

At this stage of a child’s development, routines become a normal part of the day and help promote a sense of stability, security, and confidence. Children in this age range are becoming more aware of others around them and are
introduced to activities where they can learn to share and work with others to complete a task. Center time is in a small group setting where they become familiar with moving around the classroom and rotating after a short period of
time. As these children develop their routine, potty–training becomes a more familiar theme. During this time, our teachers will partner with parents to help reinforce the efforts that are being taken at home in potty training. Children are encouraged to begin using the bathroom independently as there is a requirement in the Older 3s classroom to be 100% potty trained.

Children learn best through play and exploration at this age, and the teachers incorporate this in a large portion of their day. This classroom has 8-10 children with two teachers which allows for lots of hands–on activities including art, carpet/circle time, center time, music and movement, and lesson–based imaginative play. The theme/unit of study changes throughout the year and includes a new letter, number, and concept for the class to focus on.

Basic independent skills will begin to develop and there will be a stronger understanding of one to two step instructions. Children at this age are expressive and will use both verbal and nonverbal communication with their teachers. They are continually using receptive language skills: an understanding of information provided in a variety of ways (sounds, words, movement, gestures, signs, symbols).

Bible time is part of our daily routine as they begin to hear and learn more about Jesus.

Requirements for older 2s/Young 3s:
1. Children must turn 2 ½ by August 1 of the current school year.
2. All immunizations must be presented on Form 3231. No expired forms will be accepted.

 

3s Classes

At this age, a child will begin to show an increased attention span and the ability to sit for longer, more detailed activities. These activities will introduce tasks such as proper pencil grasp, name tracing, and other areas of improving fine motor skills. It is common at this age to begin demonstrating a stronger desire for independence and doing things on their own. Example–led learning is important as the independence of a child increases, so the teachers will show how to complete tasks more independently while still providing assistance as needed. While every child continues to learn at their own pace, it is an expectation that the students in this classroom setting be able to complete tasks that have two to three step instructions. Children at this age are expressive and will begin to strengthen their verbal communication and vocabulary with their teachers. They have mastered receptive language skills: an understanding of information provided in a variety of ways (sounds, words, movement, gestures, signs, symbols).

Our 3s classes are focused on a combination of styles, including both teacher–led learning and independent exploration. The day is full of hands–on art projects, building and creating, music and movement, Bible time, and lesson–based imaginative play. This class size ranges from 12–14 children with two teachers. The theme/unit of study changes throughout the year and includes a new letter, number, and concept for the class to focus on.

Bible time is an important part of the students daily routine as they begin to explore more about Jesus and the Bible. The 3s classes attend Chapel in the church sanctuary 2 times a month.

Requirements:
1. Children must be 3 by September 1st of the year entering into the program.
2. All immunizations must be presented on Form 3231. No expired forms will be accepted.
3. Children must be completely potty trained and able to use the restroom independently. Please see our 3-year-old bathroom policy