Preschool
Organization
FBCA Weekday Childhood Ministry (WCM) is a nonprofit organization, owned and operated by First Baptist Church of Alexandria. As part of WCM, the preschool is a half day program that offers a variety of classes for children ages one to five. Classes meet from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm with optional extended care offered as an extension to the day.
Three enclosed playgrounds allow for outdoor play. The natural area owned by the church is also used for play, exploration, and learning. In addition, there are indoor play areas which can be utilized during inclement weather.
Goals
To provide a safe, secure loving Christian environment in which children can develop to their full potential.
To provide a developmental program that encourages the whole child (social, intellectual, spiritual, emotional, and physical).
To provide meaningful play experiences that meet the individual learning needs and interests of each child.
Educational Philosophy
At the preschool, lessons and activities are planned around children’s individual differences and learning styles. Children have the freedom within a structured framework to explore and learn through play and interactions with teachers and peers. Teachers provide appropriate activities in large groups, small groups, and learning centers that relate to a specific unit of study. These activities provide hands-on opportunities that allow each child to develop mentally, physically, spiritually, socially, and emotionally at his or her own pace. Children are also provided with opportunities to learn concepts related to God, Jesus, the Bible, church, family, nature, self, and others and to participate in age-appropriate experiences.
Each child has the opportunity to:
Investigate and be curious about the world God created.
Be able to reason, choose, think, talk, and communicate.
Enjoy learning to read and write out of his/her basic curiosity to learn.
Begin to see and use basic mathematical concepts and skills in everyday life.
Experience art and music activities with creativity and joy.
Begin to know Bible thoughts and verses.
Experience Bible truth.
Conscious Discipline
FBCA Weekday Childhood Ministry has implemented Conscious Discipline, a nationally recognized program developed by Dr. Becky Bailey. Conscious Discipline is a comprehensive self-regulation program that combines social-emotional learning with discipline and classroom management. Conscious Discipline is based on brain research and is a relationship-based program. Teachers create a family climate through routines, rituals, safety, and classroom centers that support social-emotional learning and add meaning to academic content. And most importantly, Conscious Discipline supports the concept of love, grace, and mercy that Jesus modeled in His ministry.