Zion Lutheran Early Childhood Center

PROGRAMS FOR 2½, 3 AND 4 YEAR OLDS

64 FIRST AVENUE, WESTWOOD NJ 07675
201-664-8060

School Calendar

Special Events

CELEBRATING 55 YEARS!!

Auction/Tricky Tray Fundraiser

Thank You to all who made our fundraiser a huge success!

A special thanks to our Gold Sponsors K.B. Electrical Services Co. and Patricia Bradley! Please check our Auction page for a list of all of our sponsors.

Connect with Zion

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No child’s picture or name is put on our Facebook page or on our website.

Our Mission

Zion Lutheran Early Childhood Center was established in 1969 (as Zion Lutheran Nursery School) to provide families with preschool children a place where the child could be part of a program designed to help him/her grow socially, intellectually and creatively in a Christian atmosphere. This preschool program has grown and developed over the years to become one that is highly regarded by parents who have had children enrolled, and also by the community. Our school is licensed by the state of New Jersey and is staffed by certified teachers and qualified assistants.

The goals of Zion Lutheran Early Childhood Center are for the child to develop and grow in five major areas:

SPIRITUAL INTELLECTUAL PHYSICAL EMOTIONAL SOCIAL

Classes

LEARN, CREATE, PLAY, GROW

Zion Lutheran Early Childhood Center offers classes for both 3 and 4 year olds. A 2-1/2 year old class was added in 2010. Each class is staffed with one teacher and one assistant teacher.

Current Class Sessions

The program at Zion Lutheran Early Childhood Center is designed to help each child come to a greater awareness of the world and the people around them. Activities are planned to include language development, mathematical concepts, social studies and science concepts, art, music and motor and visual coordination.

All our classrooms are air conditioned.

Registration Info

Testimonials

WHAT PARENTS SAY ABOUT US

“2 Generations of happy preschoolers in my house! Both myself and my daughter…love Zion & Mrs. Meisten…..and the whole staff at school! Zion is like home for us. Looking forward to sending my youngest next year. Thank u Zion for all that u do to keep my preschooler happy, socialized and learning!”Michelle Capasso

“I am so happy that all 3 of my children went through Zion’s nursery school. The 2 1/2 year old program is perfect for kids starting out in school. I highly recommend taking the time to visit!”Lauren Callea Rinaldi

“I was so nervous to send my “baby” to school! Mrs. Meisten and the rest of the staff really put my mind at ease! We love Zion. I couldn’t be happier with the lessons they learn, the activities they do, and how it is helping to shape my daughter. We already signed up for next year, and my other daughter will be headed there as soon as she is old enough.”Kimberly Lucia Haffler

“Considering it was his first social experience, my son cried the first few days. He now sings openly, shares with peers, and talks about his teachers and friends even though school ended a month ago! This was the best thing that happened to him so far – can’t wait for September!”Aerin Wilson

Hello Amazing Zion staff members! I just wanted to drop an email to say how grateful we are to all of you for teaching and loving our Trey through all his years there at Zion. We had his kindergarten parent teacher conference last night, and she had nothing but good things to say about our Trey, but she also could not believe how well prepared he was for Kindergarten.He’s even already reading sentences!! That is ALL attributed to his wonderful Zion teachers preparing him. We are forever thankful for all of you who have touched his life and helped mold him into the student he is. He misses you and talks about his Zion family a lot. Have a wonderful school year and enjoy the holidays fast approaching!With love, Kristy, Adam and Trey Preciado

Typical Day

What follows is an outline and brief explanation of what your child may experience in a typical day at Zion Lutheran Early Childhood Center. At Zion, we feel that we are more than a “play-school.” We consider Zion a “preschool” and have developed our entire program with that fact in mind, that our children will be moving on to the elementary school level in a short time. It is our desire to provide children with the experiences necessary to prepare them in all areas for their continued education.

Children arrive and prepare for the day’s activities. They are encouraged to hang up their own coats and put their bookbags in the proper place.

Every day begins with an opening circle time during which the children gather around the teacher and take part in songs, opening prayer and an attendance activity. The students learn what they will be doing during the class session.

During this time, the children will be involved in a great many different activities. They generally will move from one activity to another at the direction of the teacher. Activities include block building, painting, truck riding, large and small muscle development devices, manipulative materials, books and other education toys. In addition, there is a housekeeping center. During this time, the teachers will involve the children in small group activities or projects, designed to develop various concepts or in the area of arts and crafts.

It is at this time that the children are brought together for a more formal learning situation. They are involved in sharing and discussing many interesting things centering around reading readiness and number activities, science, social studies, health, safety and language arts experiences. This is the time they will learn about God and their place in His plan for them. Christian learning is accomplished through stories, songs, prayer ,finger-plays,visual aids, and the example set by the staff. We do celebrate Christmas and Easter in a Christian manner, preparing worship celebratons to which parents, family and friends are invited.

Each day snacks are provided. Snacks may include juice, water,crackers and pretzels. The children are involved in helping to serve the snacks. Those children with allergies are to bring their own snacks.

This again involves the children in large or small group activities. Some of the things the children enjoy are:

INDOORS – games, music, activities, parachute play, exercise, games teaching body awareness and control.

OUTDOORS – there is a fenced-in playground.

The children prepare to leave for home. They are encouraged to put their papers in their tote bags and put on their own coats.

The teachers encourage parents to share their occupations or hobbies with the class. A parent must speak to the teacher first, so an appointment my be scheduled.