Educational Approach and Philosophy
At Play and Prep Preschool, children are seen as whole developing beings. All areas of development: social/emotional, cognitive, and physical, are of equal concern. We seek to help children understand and meet their own needs, while being aware of the needs of others and of the group itself.
Play and Prep Preschool offers 2-5 year old children a happy and purposeful group experience. In doing so, we act in partnership with the families in nurturing each child’s development outside the home. While our school is owned, housed and operated by Solon United Methodist Church, it welcomes families of all racial, religious and economic backgrounds.
Our teachers design their programs using Ohio Department of Education Standards, with the knowledge that children learn most and best from taking an active role in the process. Thus, much of what is provided allows the child to manipulate, discover, experience and create. The teachers serve to guide this process by planning an environment that addresses the varied developmental levels of each child in the class, and by being a source of support and information. Through observation and assessment our teachers provide feedback to parents about all aspects of their child’s development.
We realize that parents entrust their children to us at a very early age. In response to this trust, staff members endeavor to create a supportive atmosphere respectful of children’s feelings, needs and concerns. We encourage understanding of the balance between the rights and responsibilities of each member of a group. We respect the integrity of each family with its own patterns and preferences. Our hope for the children is that they will grow to be happy, relaxed, self-confident people who are eager to learn.
History and Board
Play and Prep Preschool is a non-profit, non-denominational school operated by Solon United Methodist Church. The school opened in the fall of 2012, offering a safe and nurturing educational environment for children, 2 through 5 years of age.
To better serve the needs of the community Play and Prep Preschool was started in 2012 by Michelle Peters, Director, and Scott Low, pastor of Solon United Methodist Church.
Play and Prep Preschool functions under the authority and guidance of the Play and Prep Preschool Board, consisting of: church members, pastor, preschool director and three parent representatives. The board meets quarterly and/or as needed.
Admission and Enrollment
Play and Prep Preschool will not discriminate in the enrollment of children
based on race, color, religion, creed, handicap, ancestry, national origin, or sex.
Admissions for the academic year begin in January; preference is extended to families with children already enrolled and to alumni of Play and Prep Preschool. In order to be able to attend Play and Prep Preschool, children must have turned 2 years old (for Learning 2gether class), 3 years old (for 3s class), or 4 years old (for 4s class), by September 30 of the fall of desired entrance. Students attending the 5 year old class must have turned 5 years of age by November 30th of the current year or December 31st with the recommendation of a Play and Prep Teacher. The 3s, 4s and 5s students must be toilet trained.
Staff
Director: Mrs. Michelle Peters
5s class: Mrs. Carol Juergemeier
4s class: Mrs. Michelle Peters
3s class: Mrs. Teresa Schofalvi
Learning 2gether class: Mrs. Teresa Schofalvi
Assitant Teachers: Ms. Rebekah Bramley and Mrs. Nicole Meli
Science:
Music: Ms. Rebekah Bramley
Woodshop: Mr. Robert Peters (Woodshop Bob)
Creative Movement: Mrs. Nicole Meli
Hours and Classes
The 2s class meets on Tuesday mornings for 1 ½ hours from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. Maximum class size 8.
The 3s class meets on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings for 2 3/4 hours from 9:00 am to 11:45 am. Maximum class size 12.
The 4s Pre-K class meets on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings for 2 ¾ hours from 9:00 am to 11:45 am. Maximum class size 14.
The 5s Pre-K class meets Monday through Friday for 2 3/4 hours from 9:00 am to 11:45 am. Maximum class size 8.
Early Birds: 8:15 am to 9:00 am
Extended Day Enrichment: 11:45 am – 3:00 pm
Special classes
Learning from a variety of adults during the school week adds another valuable dimension to the child’s experience. Special classes such as music, science, wood-shop, and creative movement are also offered throughout the week.
Music – 20 minutes per week
Creative movement – 20 minutes per week
Wood-shop – 10 minutes (2 children at a time) per week
Science – 20 minutes (½ class at a time) per week
Scholarship Assistance
Play and Prep Preschool is able to offer financial assistance for families in need. The Scholarship Fund is maintained principally through monies raised by grants and by private contributions. Application for scholarship assistance may be made through the Director and Church Pastor.