Philosophy– Harmony Preschool is a ministry of Harmony United Methodist Church. The preschool program is child-centered, individualized and designed to provide for the social, emotional, spiritual, and physical development of each child while preparing them for kindergarten.
Charter– You can click the following link to view the Preschool Bylaws: Harmony Bylaws
Curriculum– Our curriculum is thematic and our staff uses a play- based, interactive, center-based approach. The classroom themes and activities are based on seasons, holidays and topics such as animals and nature, etc. All of the classes have daily “Circle Time” (calendar, weather, reading books) and daily playground time. The classes also attend music and chapel each week.
State Regulations– Harmony Preschool exceeds the Virginia State regulations for a child care center operated by a church. Monthly fire drills are performed and regular inspections by both the Fire Marshal and the Health Department are conducted. Staff members are required to have background checks and Child Abuse and Neglect Registry Checks. In addition, all staff receive CPR and First Aid training, as well as, Medication Administration Training.
Class Size -12 students per class will be enrolled in our three-year-old classes and our Pre-K four-year-old classes. Each classroom will have a Lead teacher and an Assistant Teacher.
Teacher Qualifications– Our Lead Teachers have Bachelor’s or Associate’s degrees in Education with experience working with children. All Harmony Preschool teachers have a genuine love and interest in working with young children.
Playground– A playground is located on the east side of the church and children go out for recess each day, weather permitting. We also use the large fellowship hall to play in the cold winter months and rainy days.
Behavior Management– Techniques used at Harmony Preschool include reinforcing acceptable behavior, ignoring unacceptable behavior, offering choices, redirecting behavior, setting limits and learning to express feelings with words instead of actions.
Snacks– We are an allergy sensitive school and we provide a peanut free environment. Parents provide snacks for their child’s class on a rotating basis. A list of recommended snacks will be provided at the start of the school year.
Schedule– Our school year begins the Tuesday after Labor Day and ends the Thursday before Memorial Day. We follow LCPS for closures and delays.