The Play School

at

Community Presbyterian Church

Learning God’s Way Through Play

The Play School at Community Presbyterian Church is an outreach ministry that serves our congregation and the surrounding community. Our desire is to serve families by providing a safe, quality program for children ages 2 to 5 years with the goal of glorifying God by learning His way through play. Through our program, children are given opportunities to play, trust authority, gain independence, practice social skills, express themselves creatively, and participate in age-appropriate educational experiences. Essentially, we want children to know and enjoy the love of God through our care for them.  


Hours of Operation:

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays 9:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m.



Options

4 DAYS A WEEK: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday

3 DAYS A WEEK: Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday

Children 2 to 5 years have the option of attending either 3 days/week or 4 days/week. Children entering the Owl class (age 5) cannot be turning 6 prior to December 31, 2024. Tuition is $280 for 3-day/week students and $370 for 4-day/week students over age 2.

A $200 registration fee is due for new families at the time of acceptance. A supply fee of $175 is due in September (fall) and February (spring). There is a $25 monthly discount on tuition for families with multiple students enrolled.

Application & Registration

Because our classes are intentionally small and our current student retention rate is 98%, classes fill up quickly. New families interested in entering our program are encouraged to fill out our application.  This application is for openings that may come available for the 2024-2025 school year (August-May).

The application does not guarantee a spot in the program or on the wait-list. All applications received between now and September 1, 2024, will be considered for the 2024-2025 school year. Please allow two weeks for processing, at which point we will contact you to confirm interest and schedule an interview. To apply, please click on the link above to be redirected to our application. Upon acceptance, there is a $200 registration fee per family.


More About The Play School at CPC

OUR MISSION & VISION

The MISSION of the The Play School at Community Presbyterian Church is first and foremost to demonstrate the great love that God has for His people by caring for His children. We believe that God created us all in His image, and because of this, we are called to reflect who He is and share what He has done with those He places in our care. We desire to meet families where they are in their stage of parenthood to provide a safe environment where children can learn through play as we seek to guide them through physical, social, spiritual, and academic developmental milestones for the glory of God. We seek to partner with each family to offer opportunities to foster community, spiritual growth, support, and encouragement as they bear the joys, sorrows, and burdens of parenthood.

Our VISION is to walk alongside the families we serve with the intention of offering encouragement and support by training their children to navigate this world through a Gospel-centered lens. We believe that God made us and all things for His own glory. This is the foundation on which we base our every action and interaction.

CURRICULUM

Our curriculum promotes children’s social, emotional, physical, intellectual, and spiritual growth through Bible stories, music, crafts, playtime, chapel, and classroom instruction. All Bible lessons are taught from a Reformed perspective, reflecting our beliefs at Community Presbyterian Church. Instruction is given according to age and developmental levels. Each class is under the direction of experienced and loving teachers who undergo training and are each equipped with their own unique gifts and strengths.

The curriculum we use at The Play School at Community Presbyterian Church is Busy Hands and Minds by Michele Dillon, Teaching 2’s and 3’s by Sheryl Cooper, and A Year of Playing Skillfully. The focus of these resources is founded upon the belief that young children learn best through play-based educational opportunities.

CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Please Note: Due to lack of qualified personnel, our program is not designed or staffed for children with significant social, behavioral, or mental problems as well as special needs or certain learning disabilities. We will consider your child with moderate special needs on a case-by-case basis. The Play School at Community Presbyterian Church does not discriminate against race, color, or national origin.

POTTY TRAINING POLICY

Children 2 years and under are NOT REQUIRED to be potty trained. Classes for children 2 years and under are not designed to keep up with potty needs and expectations. Children in the 2-year-old classes may wear pull-ups with Velcro fasteners while they are potty training, but this must be cleared with their teacher first. Before sending your child to The Play School in underwear, they must have done the following: pooped in the toilet at home, have three days at home completely dry, have three days at school completely dry, and have the all-clear from their teacher.

Children ages 3-5 years are REQUIRED to be completely potty trained before the start of school in August. Children in these classes should be able to enter the restroom on their own and use the restroom without assistance and take care of personal needs like their clothing and toilet paper. Because children in the youngest 3-year-old class may be newly potty trained, they can wear pull-ups to school if they are not yet ready to wear underwear, but they should no longer be in diapers. The 3-year-old classroom is not equipped to handle changing diapers. Children in the 3-year-old class should be able to take care of their potty needs with minimal assistance from their teacher.


Kindergarten Application & Registration

We are a Christian Kindergarten program, following the philosophy of Charlotte Mason. We offer a wide educational feast rooted in Scripture, employing rich literature, regular contact with nature, and the other educational delights that make up a True Education. 

Christians cannot develop a Christian view of education by accepting the usual aims and views of our society and then adding a ‘Christian message’ or interpretation. No, we start from a different basis. We have another world view - another people view.
— Susan Schaeffer Macaulay, For the Children's Sake

To learn more and apply, click the link below:


Employment Application

If you are interested in working with us, you may apply at the link below:


Contact Us

Laura Wilder

Program Director

Our office number is 205-702-6477.

For information and news, please like our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram at @theplayschoolcpc.


We feel very fortunate to have found such a wonderful, God centered, family program to care for our son. Over the past 4 years, it has been amazing to watch our son learn and grow through the nurturing care of The Play School at Community Presbyterian Church. The dedicated staff, combined with fun and educational / play based classroom structure, has truly made a positive impact on our family. The staff members are truly an extension of our family and are such a great example of God’s love. We couldn’t imagine our son going anywhere else!
— The Harrison Family