Playing, sharing, and making friends while learning skills that will foster future success – that is what’s happening at Bethlehem Preschool! The preschool serves three age groups. The two year olds meet on Mondays and Wednesdays; the three year olds attend on Tuesdays and Thursdays; and the four year olds gather on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The preschool is in session from September through May and serves children in the local community. This outreach mission of the church helps children to develop spiritually, physically, socially, mentally, and emotionally while gaining readiness for elementary school. Goals for the children include learning self-discipline and developing positive self-images. The youngsters are encouraged to be curious about the world around them and appreciate the value of all living things, as shown by God’s love. To attain these goals, the teachers provide a variety of “free play” centers, movement games, art projects, and Circle Time. This includes a story, language development activities, and songs. The curriculum includes exposure to areas such as the alphabet, numbers, colors, shapes, health, science, and social studies. The newly renovated playground (2008), with soft rubber mulch, provides a safe, allergy free environment where the youngsters can run, climb, slide, dig, and play ball. Each child receives individual attention and is directed toward reaching his or her maximum potential. Mothers of the preschoolers frequently find camaraderie and personal enrichment by attending the monthly MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meetings sponsored by Bethlehem United Methodist Church. Information about MOPS can be found at the following link: MOPS.

Fabulous 4's Class loves digging in the giant sandbox	Thrilling 3's Class sing songs and listen to stories during circle time

Bethlehem Preschool has a long history of serving the Smith Mountain Lake Community. It was established in 1984 as an outreach ministry under Christian Education. It has its own seven member board which is responsible to the Administrative Board of Bethlehem United Methodist Church. The preschool staff and board are committed to upholding the reputation the school has earned as a caring, nurturing, safe preschool. Bethlehem Preschool annually completes all the necessary requirements of the Virginia Department of Social Services to operate as a religious exempt child day canter. The Director and the Lead Teachers are required to have a high school diploma and a degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field or, alternatively, to have significant, relevant preschool teaching experience. Assistant Teachers are required to have a high school diploma or GED and experience with young children. The preschool is staffed by the Director, who also is the Lead Teacher for the three and four year old children, her Assistant Teacher, the Lead Teacher for the class of two year olds, and her Assistant Teacher. Information about each teacher can be found on Our Staff Page. Please call the Director, Terry Saul, at 540-297-7957, extension 1, for more information about the preschool or to be placed on the waiting list. It is never too early to submit your child’s name!

The Terrific Twos are always happy at Snack Time.

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