Preschool FAQs

What is the typical child to teacher ratio? 
Our three and four year old classes may enroll 14 children staffed with a teacher and teacher assistant. The pre-kindergarten classes enroll as many as 16 children staffed with a teacher and teacher assistant.

How is security handled? 
Harvest Christian Academy is a secured building. The facility is secure with a lobby level security desk and a school level permitted entry system. Security staff walk the building making rounds which include our preschool area. All children are checked in and out to prior authorized adults when arriving and leaving so that we know who is at school at any given time.  Parents are issued a parking tag for building access.

What are the qualifications of your staff? 
Our preschool teachers are trained, Christian professionals.  In addition to their teaching credentials all teachers are required to complete twenty hours of in-service per year and are CPR/First Aid trained. The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) certifies each staff member.

How is Christian education implemented into the curriculum? 
Harvest Christian Academy Preschool is distinctive in its approach because the staff facilitates Bible stories, worship, and godly characteristics into each theme or unit as it is taught. Prayer is a fundamental part of each learning day. Very young children are able to develop a vocabulary and a simple understanding of God's love for them and how His love supports our daily life.

What does a typical day look like?

• Arrival:  As children arrive in their classroom they are greeted by their teacher and given a choice of table activities such as play dough, pegs, puzzles and manipulatives until the majority of the children arrive to begin the day.
• Opening Time:  The day begins with prayer then may include pledge to the flag, discussion of the weather, the calendar and a book or activity setting up the day.
• Movement and Music:  Each day a music and movement time is enjoyed by the children in our Movement Room. Along with developing gross motor skills, listening, following directions, cooperation and fair play concepts are encouraged.
• Snack:  A healthy snack is provided. Items included, but are not limited to: juice, milk, fresh or canned fruit, crackers, biscuits ,cereal or pretzels. We partake in snack as a class while including life skills such as thanking God for our food, table manners, and sharing.
• Circle Time:  Circle time is a group activity where the children learn to listen and work as a group. Theme activities are discussed and individual participation is encouraged. Bible and theme stories are read to the children and incorporated into our day.
• Outside Play:  Our outside playground is used daily when weather permits.
• Center Time:  An important part of our Preschool Day is spent exploring the various centers in our classrooms. Some areas are available every day such as housekeeping, art, blocks, the dramatic play center, the reading corner and media tables. Other centers are changed weekly or monthly such as the writing, listening, math, science and game centers. Exploring centers is a time to learn through play, investigation and repetition with equipment and materials. During this time the teacher works with small groups on various skills, and the classroom aide supervises the learning centers.
• Closing:  During the last 10/15 minutes of class we review the day and quiet down with a story associated with our theme or unit of study. Each week we follow a theme that is incorporated into all areas as appropriate and integrated with the Bible.  Our day is then closed with a prayer.