2023-2025 Staff
HISTORY
Aldersgate New Creation KinderPrep opened its doors in September 1974 with a handful of students and teachers. In 1977 it began to blossom into the program we have today. Now in our 50th year of operation, the school has grown to a staff of 26 and a student body of 150. In 1995, we were successful in obtaining a license from the Commonwealth of Virginia. The purpose of this license is to protect preschool aged children when separated from their parents during part of the day. It also ensures that the activities, services, and facility are conductive to the well-being of children. In 2004, we saw the addition of a Transitional Kindergarten class to the KinderPrep programs and in 2013, KinderPrep proudly opened a regular Kindergarten class. 2021 heralded the start of our 1st grade program.
PURPOSE
The Aldersgate New Creation KinderPrep education ministry provides a Christian-based education to children throughout the community. Our student body comes from many different denominations and from those families who do not attend church. It is important for parents to understand that the spiritual dimension of our program is essential and central to our purpose.
PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
In a caring and positive atmosphere, we create a warm and happy place for young children to learn. As we bridge the gap from home to school, we guide children to a positive self-image while building social skills in a school setting.
We introduce sensory, motor, perceptual, language and academic concept skills through materials and activities which are both child-centered and teacher-directed. We plan work that emphasizes the process rather than the product, which fosters a sense of accomplishment and pride.
Based on the theory that children learn through play, classroom routines encourage active involvement, meaningful experimentation and reinforcement through repetition. We design schedules which balance structure and free choice, as well as active and quiet times.
Recognizing that children grow in predictable stages, we treat each child as an individual, working from the level each child has attained and moving forward one step at a time. We teach a love of learning by allowing children to experience their own stage of development and helping them to feel success without pressure.
We introduce sensory, motor, perceptual, language and academic concept skills through materials and activities which are both child-centered and teacher-directed. We plan work that emphasizes the process rather than the product, which fosters a sense of accomplishment and pride.
Based on the theory that children learn through play, classroom routines encourage active involvement, meaningful experimentation and reinforcement through repetition. We design schedules which balance structure and free choice, as well as active and quiet times.
Recognizing that children grow in predictable stages, we treat each child as an individual, working from the level each child has attained and moving forward one step at a time. We teach a love of learning by allowing children to experience their own stage of development and helping them to feel success without pressure.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
We value the active involvement of parents in our program, both through family nights and classroom participation. Parents may gain valuable insights and techniques from the expertise of our staff. Through parents sharing their own talents and interests, Aldersgate New Creation KinderPrep becomes a shared experience.
STATEMENT OF FAITH
While Aldersgate New Creation KinderPrep is a direct ministry of New Creation United Methodist Church, the school stresses truths of the Bible which unite all Christians, being non-denominational in its teachings. Each child is taught to understand that:
- God is a loving Father who created everything
- Jesus is God's Son. Jesus can be the child's Savior and Friend
- The Holy Spirit is also part of God and can be the child's constant Helper
- The Bible is true and is God's special book. God's book tells us His stories and how we should live.
- Prayer is talking with our Friend, God
