The aim of the Center for Children is to spiritually, socially/emotionally, physically and cognitively prepare children and their families for the coming years of formal schooling. Children will do the following:

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Physical

Acquire and refine the fundamental movements of balance, movement, touch and coordination

• enjoy rhythm and movement

• explore these fundamental movements through time, activities and equipment that is made available to them

• actively pursue gross motor activity

Acquire and develop fine motor skills

• become acquainted with and have time to use the appropriate equipment and materials that aid in this development

Recognize that their body is created by God and takes special responsibility to care for it

• are introduced to health and nutrition

• make healthy food and activity choices

• learn respect for self and others' bodies

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Cognitive

​Are able to engage with others in learning activities, including the ability to explore, create, experiment, observe, plan, analyze, reason, investigate and question. Initiate investigation as a result of carefully observing their surroundings. Enjoy creative expression.

• are encouraged to express creativity within their own multiple intelligence and are provided the materials for this expression

• are free to work with mediums that uniquely express the creative element for process art

• write songs and stories

• use imagination in dramatic center play

• find creative solutions to problems that arise during center play

• take pride in their own work

• have positive attitudes about involvement in projects

Numeracy: Understand math vocabulary, concepts and directed activities

• have appropriate counting, sorting and comparing skills

• work well with manipulatives to achieve an appropriate transition into formal schooling

Language and Literacy: Understand the importance and use of language in the environment

• are able to participate in receptive language activities using literature as the foundational tool

• have a desire to look at books with text and illustrations

• engage in expressive language experiences that foster growth in language proficiency

Have cultivated prewriting skills in the context of emergent literacy

• are able to write their own name and some alphabet letters

• spontaneously choose to use writing implements

• understand that print carries meaning

Are aware of different letter sounds

• may begin to hear rhyming sounds in prominent words

• become phonemically aware through classroom activities designed for that purpose

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Social/Emotional

Value familial relationships. Enjoy and initiate friendships with a variety of individuals.

• develop friendships with those who may not be the same gender, race, or age, or have the same ability

• benefit from the inclusiveness of the emotional culture of the classroom, which celebrates the gifts and talents of all members

Begin to learn the art of sharing

• share their own ideas with friends and family

• share toys or other items with friends and family

Begin showing empathy and kindness

• show empathy to family members

• express empathy to friends

Use language to express self, developing positive conflict resolution

• express both positive and negative emotions

• observe teachers who model and scaffold to this end

Develop self-confidence in self-initiated activities

• gain competence through age-appropriate activities

• have opportunities to share their new skills with others

• master new skills through encouragement and direction from the teacher

Begin to exhibit self-control

• begin to understand and control their emotions

• begin to act appropriately, whether or not they are directly interacting with an adult

Are comfortable participating in group discussions

• enjoy and participate in child-to-child and child-to-adult interactions

• communicate effectively using their words

• are able to attend to other's comments

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Spiritual

Understand that God is a loving God

• understand that Jesus is God's Son

• know that Jesus wants to initiate a personal relationship with each person

• perceive the church environment as welcoming and safe

Understand that the Bible is a special book

• understand that the Bible is God's Word

Use prayer to express their thoughts and needs to God

• understand that prayer is talking to God

• know they can request His help to take care of them

• know they can ask for His help in being kind and thoughtful to others

Know God created the world

• have enjoyed direct experiences with nature

• know that God wants each person to care for the world