PROGRAMS FOR 2½, 3 AND 4 YEAR OLDS
Families Matter is a program for children under the age of 5, along with their caregivers. Children hear stories, sing songs, make crafts and have a snack.
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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.
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.
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. In addition to our regular classrooms we offer a Building and Climbing Classroom and a Sensory and Exploration Classroom.
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.
The children prepare to leave for home. They are encouraged to put their papers in their tote bags and put on their own coats.
In addition to our on-site program, we attempt to widen each child’s horizons by taking them on educational field trips to some of the local resources found in the surrounding communities. Some of the trips are within walking distance to the school. When transportation is required, we use only registered school vehicles driven by properly licensed drivers. Parents must sign a permission slip for each trip.
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.
“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
“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
“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
