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Gearing Up for the 1st Day of School!
Are you a parent interested in learning more about VCP?
We are enrolling children who are 3, 4 and turning 5 years old. We encourage you to contact us with any questions, and schedule a visit!
Informational packets including our school calendar and first day information will be sent to all enrolled students shortly. Below is some of the information that will be included in the packet:
Visiting Day for New and Returning Students
We have set up an optional Visiting Day for you and your child to come and meet the teachers, see our classroom, allow your child to find their name, play with toys and get a feel for our preschool.
Friday, September 6, 2013
Tuesday/Thursday Class: 9:30-10:15am
Monday/Wednesday/Friday Class: 11:00-11:45am
First Days of School
Our Monday/Wednesday/Friday (4-year-old class) begins on Monday, September 9 and will be a full day. Our regular class will be held from 9:00am to 11:30am, and our extended day will run until 1:00pm.
Our Tuesday/Thursday (3-year-old class) begins on Tuesday, September 10, and will be a one hour class, from 9:00-10:00. Students in this class do not need to bring a snack on the first day.
Important: Required Health Forms
All students must have a physical exam each school year with an updated medical form completed by their doctor. It is required by the State of Connecticut that the physical exam be completed within 12 months of their prior exam. All preschool students are also now required to have Influenza and Hepatitis A immunizations and must have the “TB High-Risk Group” checked either “yes” or “no” by their doctor on their health form or it will be considered incomplete. Doctors offices have the appropriate blank forms needed, or you may download health forms on the Valley Christian Preschool website or by typing in “State of Connecticut Department of Education Health Assessment Form” in an Internet search.
A blank Health Form can be obtained by clicking here. If you wish to claim Religious Exemption from the Influenza vaccine for your child, the necessary form can be obtained by clicking here.
We will see you soon!
Contact us: 860.673.6589 or click here
Now Enrolling for the 2013-2014 School Year!
Now enrolling! VCP still has openings in our 3's and 4's classes for 2013-2014!Click here to read about VCP being voted "Favorite Preschool in the Farmington Valley" and click here to read parent testimonials.
We encourage you to come visit our school, where you and your child can experience a typical morning at VCP first-hand. We are confident that once you step inside our classroom, your child will feel welcomed and you will get a great sense of our nurturing environment, routine and curriculum.
To schedule a visit to VCP or to receive a brochure and registration form, please Click Here or call us today at 860.673.6589! We look forward to speaking with you!
Testimonials
"Valley Christian Preschool was the perfect choice for my boys. I wanted them to go to a fun and loving place where they would grow both socially and academically. Although there are other preschools in the Farmington area, I feel that Mrs. Heath and Mrs. Thompson make this one the best. They are both such caring individuals and have created such a cozy and welcoming atmosphere in their classroom. I also like that they celebrate Christmas and other holidays. This reminds me of how school was when I was young…fun! My boys both love going to school and always come home with a story about a book they read, a visitor they met or playing with their friends outside. As both a mother and teacher, I highly recommend this preschool!" - Mora G.
"I have had one child complete the 3's and 4's program and one child that has completed the 3's and will be in the 4's next year. They both absolutely love the school! I cannot say enough about the quality of this program and its teachers. I would highly recommend Valley Christian to anyone." - Tina Z.
"The atmosphere at Valley Christian Preschool is what I love best. The teachers have created a place where my kids are excited for everyday of school. They run through the door to share news with the teachers or inquire about what they will learn that day. The teachers care for each child as if they are their own. The teachers did an exceptional job preparing my kids for kindergarten and they had no trouble adjusting academically or socially. This is a great school and I will be sad when my last child graduates as the teachers are now a part of my life too." - Jennifer S.
"I chose Valley Christian Preschool because it is small and as soon as I entered the classroom as I was visiting, I felt like I was home. Even if my daughter didn't speak English at the time she started school, I felt very comfortable sending her to VCP because I knew she was in good hands with Mrs. Heath and Mrs. Thompson. Both teachers are very caring and gentle. My daughter loves them both. This school is a place where she can totally be herself and she enjoys it very much!" - Marie C.
"Valley Christian Preschool provided my son and daughter with a wonderful foundation that made them academically ready for school and spiritually ready for life. The teachers are caring and bring out the best in kids!" - Colleen O.
"My daughter had the greatest preschool experience at VCP! Mrs. Heath and Mrs. Thompson not only provided her with an engaging, child-centered environment, but truly prepared her for kindergarten in Canton. My husband and I are looking forward to sending out son to VCP too." - Maureen W.
"Teachers that really care about your child!" - Stacey C.
"Valley Preschool is run by caring and attentive teachers who provide diverse and interesting activities for children 3 and older. My granddaughter attends and couldn't be happier to go to school every Tuesday and Thursday!" - Andrea F.
"Valley Christian Preschool in Unionville is a gem that I'm happy my daughter discovered for my grand daughter. She simply loves that school and the friends she made there and the teachers, the activities, the costumes, the playground, and...well just about everything!" - Francine T.
"Valley Christian Preschool has been a blessing in our life! The teachers are wonderful!" - Simona F.
"We chose to send our daughter to Valley Christian Preschool in Unionville last year, and Mackenzie has loved it since day one! I can’t say enough good things about Mrs. Thompson and Mrs. Heath. Over the last two years they have nurtured Mackenzie, and have really prepared her for Kindergarten." - Annie C.
"Valley Christian Preschool was the best for my kids. Thank you Mrs. Heath and Mrs. Thompson for four great years at your school. What a blessing the two of you are!!" - Heather V.
"My daughter loves it! The teachers are very caring and attentive to your child. Thumbs Up!!" - Andrea S.
"I was referred to VCNS by my neighbors. My daughter was about to turn 3 years old and we wanted to put her in a preschool that taught socialization skills as well as easy academic skills. Both my kids felt completely safe and secure at preschool. They offered many various educational activities as well as bringing visitors in. The kindness and patience in which the teachers showed to all the children is outstanding. Overall I would definitely recommend VCNS and Mrs. Heath & Mrs. Thompson as preschool teachers. With their background experience and strong abilities to connect with the children, they will offer everything a family would be looking for in a preschool!!!" - Kimberly B.
"I was referred to VCNS by my neighbors. My daughter was about to turn 3 years old and we wanted to put her in a preschool that taught socialization skills as well as easy academic skills. Both my kids felt completely safe and secure at preschool. They offered many various educational activities as well as bringing visitors in. The kindness and patience in which the teachers showed to all the children is outstanding. Overall I would definitely recommend VCNS and Mrs. Heath & Mrs. Thompson as preschool teachers. With their background experience and strong abilities to connect with the children, they will offer everything a family would be looking for in a preschool!!!" - Kimberly B.
Tips on Preparing for Preschool: Pointers From Parents
Starting in a new preschool or child-care center, returning after a summer vacation, moving up to a new classroom, greeting an unfamiliar teacher: any of these situations can mean big adjustments for a little person. To help your child in preparing for preschool, try this parent- and teacher-tested advice.
Morning Moves
Just like a first impression, the first minutes of the day are all-important. Here's how to start smoothly while preparing for preschool.
Just like a first impression, the first minutes of the day are all-important. Here's how to start smoothly while preparing for preschool.
- Take a big-kid backpack. Let your child take a small backpack to and from school that has board books and a small toy. If the teacher does not have a good place to leave it, keep it in the car. Kids love having a backpack, it makes them feel big even if they only wear it from the door to car. —Shannon E.
- Dress for success. Allow your child to choose outfits for school. The night before, lay out two outfit choices and let him pick which one to wear.—Shannon E.
Teacher Talk
A crucial step in preparing for preschool is frequent communication with the teacher. When you know what happens at school, you can help your child know what to expect.
A crucial step in preparing for preschool is frequent communication with the teacher. When you know what happens at school, you can help your child know what to expect.
- Be in the know. My child's distress comes in the morning before getting ready for school. He asks and whines if it is a school day. I've noticed that when I rehearse all the things that they will do at school, the anxiety goes away quickly.—Rosie H.
- Ask the teacher. Ask about daily activities and lesson plans. Then you have specific things to talk about. If you make a picture schedule, your child can write or draw on it or just move stickers to one section of the schedule to show you what they remember doing that day.—Shannon E.
- Volunteer to help. Offer to pick up big picture books at the library on a topic of the teacher's choice. Go to a used bookstore, and buy inexpensive board books that her class can keep. Donate crafts supplies. Read to the kids or help out with a field trip. —Shannon E.
Be Confident
Your child can sense your anxiety so while preparing for preschool, project an image of calmness and contentment.
Your child can sense your anxiety so while preparing for preschool, project an image of calmness and contentment.
- Know what's normal. Having taught preschool for 12 years now, I have seen a great many different reactions to the drop-off. It is completely normal for kids to struggle with the morning routine. This is the age when children begin to comprehend more about relationships, routines, and how to act. Sometimes they seek extra attention because they enjoy those last few minutes of love from you.—Katherine C.
- Keep it simple. Keep your goodbye routine short and simple, and do not linger. Be confident in your child's new surroundings, because they will pick up on your insecurities.—Kelly M.
By Amanda Wheat. Originally printed on: http://www.scholastic.com/resources/article/preparing-for-preschool/
Happy Summer, Everyone!
25 TV-Free Summer Family Activities
It's a beautiful day! Go outside! Do something!
by Alice E. Workman
by Alice E. Workman
When boredom hits (usually about two days into summer vacation), fun and interesting activities can be hard to find. So be prepared: Print off a copy of the list below and tape it to your fridge. Even if you decide not to do any of these activities, reading through them will likely get your own creative juices flowing to wash away that boredom in no time!
1. Plant a garden
If you don't have space for a large garden, you can use a large pot (or 1/2 barrel) filled with soil. Flower gardens are great, but so are vegetable gardens. Three things that seem to be the best for young children to plant are fast-growing radishes, tall sunflowers, and pumpkins for carving or mini ones for enjoying.
If you don't have space for a large garden, you can use a large pot (or 1/2 barrel) filled with soil. Flower gardens are great, but so are vegetable gardens. Three things that seem to be the best for young children to plant are fast-growing radishes, tall sunflowers, and pumpkins for carving or mini ones for enjoying.
2. Go to the park
Bring bread to feed the ducks, if there are any to feed!
Bring bread to feed the ducks, if there are any to feed!
3. Pick up litter in your neighborhood or at a park
Wear thick gloves.
Wear thick gloves.
4. Play an old-fashioned game
Duck, Duck Goose, Ring Around the Rosies, London Bridge, etc. Your local library probably has a book or two that lists various games and their rules. Invite the neighbors over to play.
Duck, Duck Goose, Ring Around the Rosies, London Bridge, etc. Your local library probably has a book or two that lists various games and their rules. Invite the neighbors over to play.
5. Have relay races
Egg toss, 3-legged race, ball (or egg) on a spoon, etc.
Egg toss, 3-legged race, ball (or egg) on a spoon, etc.
6. Wash the car
Especially good for a hot day!
Especially good for a hot day!
7. Pick flowers and deliver them to a neighbor
Make their day!
Make their day!
8. Play reverse musical chairs
Take a chair away just before the music starts each time, just as in regular musical chairs, but no one ever goes "out." Instead, those who are without a chair to sit on must sit on someone's lap. Soon the pile-ups will have everyone laughing too much to play anymore!
Take a chair away just before the music starts each time, just as in regular musical chairs, but no one ever goes "out." Instead, those who are without a chair to sit on must sit on someone's lap. Soon the pile-ups will have everyone laughing too much to play anymore!
9. Blow up a couple of balloons
This is an inexpensive way to have a lot of fun, and planned games are unecessary, as they'll be tossing them around and having fun before you could say anything anyway!
This is an inexpensive way to have a lot of fun, and planned games are unecessary, as they'll be tossing them around and having fun before you could say anything anyway!
10. Write a story together
Have one person start the story, then another continues, then another, and so on. You can just tell it or tape-record it instead of writing it down. To make a funny story, have each person write down just one paragraph of a story separately. Give them a subject or a few starter words, then put them together to make one story.
Have one person start the story, then another continues, then another, and so on. You can just tell it or tape-record it instead of writing it down. To make a funny story, have each person write down just one paragraph of a story separately. Give them a subject or a few starter words, then put them together to make one story.
11. Write special notes to each other
Leave notes on the recipient's pillow for them to find at night. This is a good way to keep the kids writing over the summer.
Leave notes on the recipient's pillow for them to find at night. This is a good way to keep the kids writing over the summer.
12. Have a treasure hunt
The treasure could be something small and simple, such as stickers, candy, or even just a picture of a treasure box full of jewels. Let the kids each take turns hiding a treasure and drawing up the map.
The treasure could be something small and simple, such as stickers, candy, or even just a picture of a treasure box full of jewels. Let the kids each take turns hiding a treasure and drawing up the map.
13. Have a girls' night
Send the men (and/or boys) of the family out somewhere, or have them watch a video in one room while the girls spend time together in another (or hold a boys' night at the same time--camping out, going to a ballgame, doin' guy stuff). Have fun giggling, doing hair and nails, playing dress-up or whatever.
Send the men (and/or boys) of the family out somewhere, or have them watch a video in one room while the girls spend time together in another (or hold a boys' night at the same time--camping out, going to a ballgame, doin' guy stuff). Have fun giggling, doing hair and nails, playing dress-up or whatever.
14. Throw a family dance party
Blow up a couple of balloons, stick in a tape or CD and have some fun! Don't worry if someone doesn't really know how to dance, just move.
Blow up a couple of balloons, stick in a tape or CD and have some fun! Don't worry if someone doesn't really know how to dance, just move.
15. Go to the library
Make this at least a weekly event. Get both individual books and a family book that you will read from together each day. Even older children who know how to read usually enjoy hearing stories, and you can talk about the books as a family as well.
Make this at least a weekly event. Get both individual books and a family book that you will read from together each day. Even older children who know how to read usually enjoy hearing stories, and you can talk about the books as a family as well.
16. Put on a family play
The kids write the script and design the costumes. Keep it simple. When the play is ready, perform it for Grandma or some willing neighbors. Be sure to pass out tickets to the event, and assign someone to be the ticket-taker.
The kids write the script and design the costumes. Keep it simple. When the play is ready, perform it for Grandma or some willing neighbors. Be sure to pass out tickets to the event, and assign someone to be the ticket-taker.
17. Play tic-tac-toe using sidewalk chalk
18. Play "Name that Tune"
One person chooses a song that everyone knows and hums or plays the first four notes. If no one can guess the song, then five notes are hummed, then six, and so on. This can be a good travel game, provided the players can hum loudly enough for everyone to hear.
One person chooses a song that everyone knows and hums or plays the first four notes. If no one can guess the song, then five notes are hummed, then six, and so on. This can be a good travel game, provided the players can hum loudly enough for everyone to hear.
19. Hold cooking classes
Teach the kids how to follow a recipe and cook meals, but also have some fun cooking desserts. Have a contest to see who can make up the best original recipe, then let everyone enjoy eating their creations.
20. Make up a news report and tape it
Don't forget the commercials!
Don't forget the commercials!
21. Make homemade ice cream or popsicles
22. Get a book of science experiments and try some
23. Learn something new together
A foreign language, karate, square dancing, knitting, flower arranging, etc.
A foreign language, karate, square dancing, knitting, flower arranging, etc.
20. Ride the bus
If riding the bus is not something that they regularly do, the kids will probably get a thrill out of doing it. You can entice older kids to come along if the ride includes a stop at the ice cream store!
If riding the bus is not something that they regularly do, the kids will probably get a thrill out of doing it. You can entice older kids to come along if the ride includes a stop at the ice cream store!
21. Fly a kite
Go to the park or a school field.
Go to the park or a school field.
22. Volunteer in the community
Most communities have abundant opportunities for giving service, and should have at least a few that are appropriate for younger children (as long as you are there to supervise them).
Most communities have abundant opportunities for giving service, and should have at least a few that are appropriate for younger children (as long as you are there to supervise them).
23. Make homemade greeting cards
Make a whole boxful of assorted cards for various occasions to use the rest of the year. Or make Christmas cards now to give later, or to sell in the fall to earn a little Christmas cash.
Make a whole boxful of assorted cards for various occasions to use the rest of the year. Or make Christmas cards now to give later, or to sell in the fall to earn a little Christmas cash.
24. Have a watermelon seed spitting contest
For the brave, try a a pie eating contest!
For the brave, try a a pie eating contest!
25. Build a model house
Use toothpicks and gum drops, or pretzels and peanut butter.
Use toothpicks and gum drops, or pretzels and peanut butter.
After trying some of these activities, if a family member says they can't think of anything to do, ask them to come up with an idea--brainstorm a list if you like. Being self-entertaining is a habit that strengthens through practice. Hopefully these suggestions will serve as exercise equipment for the imagination. Happy summer!
Alice E. Workman is the mother of three, a writer and homeschooler. She is the Editor of Love of Learning, a free email newsletter for parents and homeschoolers. Information and back issues of Love of Learning can be found at http://edsupply.hypermart.net
M/W/F Class Spring Program
The Spring Program will take place in the church sanctuary. We will have Lunch-a-Bunch later that day, if needed, but students are welcome to leave with their families after the program.
See you there!
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