ESUMC Early Childhood Program

What curriculum is taught at ECP? What kinds of things will they learn? 

Conscious Discipline is the comprehensive classroom curriculum we use to create a strong school family. Our goal is to help the children learn self-regulation, to communicate effectively with their peers, and to develop an appreciation for others' feelings. Using the brain based Conscious Discipline Curriculum fosters these skills in all children. 

Additionally we use Emergent Curriculum and base our offerings each week on the interests of the children in the classroom. The teachers work very hard to notice what the children are excited about and then help expand their knowledge on those topics. As we work through different themes, teachers are layering skills the children need for their particular developmental level (For example: opportunities to expand their cognitive skills, strengthen fine and gross motor, etc.)

Lastly, our Pre-K classes incorporate the LetterLand curriculum each week as well, we use the entire year to slowly go through this curriculum, most Wake Co. Kindergartens also use the Letterland curriculum.

 

What does ECP do to prepare my child for Kindergarten? 

All teachers are constantly working to help each child grow in their current stage of development. We believe strongly in preparing our children for life. This means concentrating on learning how to be a confident member of a group, working on making connections with other children, being able to stand up for themselves if something is happening that they don’t like, and overall contributing to the group in confident ways. We expose the children to all areas of  learning and teach them skills through fun, play based activities.

 

This is my child’s first time away from me. How do the teachers care for a tearful/upset child? 

Our staff work extremely hard at the start of each school year to make strong connections with your child. We know that when children feel safe, and seen, they will trust us. We ask parents how they help their child to calm before children start with us, so that we can be ready in ways that are meaningful to them if they feel upset. We know that every child is different and therefore they need different strategies. At the beginning of the year, when separation is hardest for some, we have lots of communication with parents so that we can be a supportive team for their child while we all work through the transition. If a child is unusually upset, and this is out of character for them, we will not hesitate to contact parents to relay this information and ask questions. 
 

How are teachers selected and supported?

All staff go through an intensive interview process, orientation and background check. All Lead Teachers have a degree in an education field or a strong combination of experience and education. All staff are required to have 10 continuing education hours each year, as well as CPR training every other year. The program has an AED and the church has 3 additional AED’s throughout the building. Communication is imperative in our program. The administrators and teachers share the same common belief that we are all here to do what is best for young children. Through those shared beliefs, strong relationships thrive resulting in unwavering support and connections. 

 

What vaccinations must children have prior to attending? Do we have medical exemptions? 

The ESUMC Early Childhood Program is a private, faith-based program and an outreach of the Edenton Street United Methodist Church.  Vaccination is consistent with our religious beliefs.  Each child enrolled in the Program must present a certificate of immunization to the Director prior to the start of school. The certificate must: (a) demonstrate that the child is up-to-date on the routine vaccinations recommended by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and/or the American Academy of Pediatrics; and (b) be completed by the child’s treating healthcare provider, who must be a physician licensed to practice medicine in North Carolina. 

The Program does not accept religious exemptions or personal exemptions. The Director will consider medical exemptions on a case-by-case basis.  To be considered for a medical exemption, the child’s parent or legal guardian must submit to the Director a signed and dated note from the child’s treating physician.
 

Will a teacher tell me if my child needs support? How does ECP support children who have developmental delays? 

Teachers work very hard to build strong relationships with parents. We conduct Fall and Spring Parent/Teacher Conferences each year. Additional conferences can be scheduled at any time if either parents/guardians or teachers would like to talk more about a child’s development. Sometimes we ask parents/guardians for support that includes permission for our Parent/Teacher Consultant from Project Enlightenment to come and conduct an observation. This can provide another level of support as our consultant is able to meet with both parents/guardians and teachers separately, after the observation, and give specific new strategies to try to help a child through a challenging phase. 

 

What is taught at Chapel each week? 

Our weekly chapel is fun, age appropriate, and full of songs and interaction. Our enrichment teacher starts and ends chapel each week by leading songs the children know and love. The lesson portion of chapel is most often led by Shannon Montague, the Edenton St. UMC Director of Children and Family Ministries. Occasionally, a pastor will lead or join us as well. Lessons are always very joyful and hopeful, they focus on the facts that “God loves us” and “God wants us to love ourselves and one another.”