Epworth United Methodist Church Preschool and Kindergarten

The Epworth Preschool and Kindergarten (EPK) is a non-profit organization created by the Epworth United Methodist Church (EUMC) in 1981 as an educational outreach program to children and their families in the greater Gaithersburg area. EPK provides a developmentally appropriate preschool program for children ages 2 through 5 whose approval is coordinated through Maryland Department of Education Early Childhood Development, Office of Child Care. The Transitional Kindergarten/Kindergarten program provides a developmentally appropriate Kindergarten program for 5-year-olds that is approved by Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), educational Program for non-public schools.

Statement of Intent

As a mission of EUMC, EPK believes that children are created in the image of God. We encourage the exploration of diversity among our students and their families. Our program seeks to uphold the sanctity of each child and the sacredness of learning while also reinforcing positive character development which, while not unique to Christianity, is based upon the fundaments of Christ’s example and the Christian fruit of the Spirit:  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23). We further believe that children are increasingly a vulnerable group, often not receiving the nurturing loving care necessary to encourage their growth. In addition, quality education for young children is becoming increasingly unaffordable for many families. In this context, EPK offers a critical service to the community and a concrete expression of EUMC’s faith in Christ.

A Christian component is part of the curriculum. Children will meet and learn about “The Fruit of the Spirit”: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23) as an expression of God’s love. Twice a month, the children, through the knowledge and experience of these lessons, will take away an example in their heads, hands, and hearts.

·      Bible stories, from both the old and New Testament, will be used as part of the teaching to illustrate the fruit of the Spirit.

·      Jesus will be named when he appears in a story.

·      The focus of all teaching will be on God’s love using the following scriptures:

o  Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control

o  1 John 4:16 God is love

·      acknowledge Jesus as Lord

·      refer to Jesus as a “special friend” as an age-appropriate way to describe this understanding

·       prayers will be made in the name of Jesus when offered

·       core Scripture added to

o  John 15:5    [Jesus] I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you stay joined to me, and I to you, you will produce plenty of fruit. But separated from me you won’t be able to do anything

·      Core Value taught

o  God is love

Mission, Vision, and Core Values

EPK is an educational mission of EUMC which provides quality, educational programs within a warm, nurturing Christian environment so that children will grow to become lifelong learners and have greater opportunity to become people of faith in the community.

Providing a loving and nurturing environment for children to learn, through play and relationships, as they discover the joy of God’s love.

Core Values of Education

·      Warm and Supportive Environment

·      Hands-on Creative Activities

·      Real Life Experiences

·      Moving and Playing

·      Developmentally Appropriate Activities

Core Values of Faith

·      God is Love

·      God Loves me no Matter What

·      God Makes me Great!

·      Jesus is God’s Greatest Gift

·      We are all Growing in His Love

Educational Philosophy

EPK offers its preschool and transitional kindergarten/kindergarten children a warm, supportive atmosphere that fosters creative activities and individual growth through experimentation and exploration. Children are unique individuals with varying rates of growth, capabilities, and interests. They learn through trial and error, pleasure, imitation, participation, and exploration. With the use of ample physical space and child-size equipment, EPK has designed a learning center that provides children with numerous opportunities to use their senses, muscles, curiosity, and language.

Instructional Goals

The instructional goals of EPK are to provide age-appropriate activities and experiences in Social Emotional Experiences, Language, Arts, Social Studies, Math, Science, Music, and Physical Education. Qualified teachers implement the curriculum in these areas by using materials and equipment that are consistent with the development of children ages 2 - 5 years.

EPK follows the Creative Curriculum program, a research-based approach in which the children have ownership over their educational experience and development.  Learning objectives are seamlessly integrated into "play", and children explore topics of interest through investigation, "hands-on” experiences, and revisiting their work overtime. As educational partners, parents and teachers work together to support the learning environment. Limitations and boundaries have been set to ensure safety and a feeling of security, but not to the extent of stifling enthusiasm and imagination. At EPK, the primary goal is to assist children in developing a feeling of caring and sharing with others, self-awareness, and self-assurance.