Summary
Contact Info
Bethlehem Lutheran Church & Early Childhood Center-Part Day
925 Balour Dr.
Encinitas
, CA
92024
www.blcenc.org/
Tel:
(760)-753-2471 ext. 17
Director:
Gail Winterbourne
bcpresch@blcenc.org
General Approach to Learning
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Play-based with some structure |
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| Predominantly teacher-led instruction |
Application Information
| Applications accepted |
After a face-to-face meeting at the school |
Key Statistics
| Student/teacher ratio |
8:1 |
| School year |
09/2008 - 06/2009 |
Parent Ratings
| Parents at this school would recommend this school to other parents. |
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| Quality of teaching |
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| Development of social skills and work habits |
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| Home-school connection |
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| Parent community |
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| Discipline |
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| Facilities |
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| Health |
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| Safety |
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| Handling of separation |
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Survey Information
Number of parents surveyed:
4
Director survey: Yes
Savvy Source survey: Yes
General Info
Basic Stats
| Student/teacher ratio |
8:1
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| Average tenure for teachers |
8 yrs.
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% of teachers with:
| - Teaching credentials |
10%
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Transportation and Drop-off Policies
Transportation
Dropoff Procedure
Features of the Preschool
| Provide a kindergarten and elementary school program |
Yes
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| Affiliated with a religious institution |
Yes
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| Teach religious concepts |
Yes
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| • We are a Christian sponsored facility and we celebrate and share our faith. Our program is open to any child regardless of race, religion or ancestry. Our goal is to minister to children and families enrolled in our programs. In an age-appropriate way, our teachers show by example Christ's way of loving acceptance and forgiveness. Our developmentally appropriate curriculum provides opportunity to show non-judgemental unconditional love to each child.
Our Pastors are an integral part of our program and share stories, conversation and songs on a regular basis. Visits with our Pastors held within the Church sanctuary give the children an awareness of that special place. Christian messages are present in bible stories, songs and poems. They are messages that nurture faith in young children.
Families are regularly informed of church activities and events. They are invited and encouraged to get involved. Stephen Ministry brochures are available to our families.
The Christian holidays are observed in age-appropriate ways. All are welcome at Bethlehem.
(Excerpted from Early Childhood Center Statement of Religious Instruction from the website) |
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| Some experience serving children with special needs |
Yes
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| • We collaborate with parents of children who have IEP's. We have resources and do referrals.
We work to provide a quality program for all children. |
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Accreditation, Membership & Awards
| Accreditation by the National Association of Young Children |
Yes
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Facilities
| CONDITION OF FACILITIES RATING (4.4) |
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| Building, bathrooms, hallway |
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| Classroom equipment and furniture |
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| Outside play equipment |
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Facilities Include:
| Classrooms (with bathroom attached) |
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| Classrooms (with kitchenette attached) |
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| Art room |
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| Library |
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Playground
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Director's Comments
Question to director: Do you have any additional thoughts on what parents should consider when looking at your school? Is there any advice that you would like to provide to prospective parents?
We welcome you and your child to Bethlehem Community Preschool. Our school offers a balanced program with opportunity for your child to grow as an individual in all areas of development. The first steps away from home are made comfortable by caring adults who are trained to meet your child's individual needs in a safe, healthful environment. We feel children learn best in a low-key, non pressured environment. Our staff provides activites that allow for optimum development of a child's imagination, initiative and autonomy. We feel these areas of development need to be utilized to the maximum during the years from three to six.
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
The teachers are very nurturing and kind. I think it is a safe school and I really like the teachers and other parents. I am not sure about the curriculum. I would like to see my child come home with completed artwork/crafts and writing/language projects.
Parent #2
I decided my child should leave this preschool because I felt the teaching standard was particularly poor, my childs' teacher although kind was completely behind the times and unable to monitor behaviour within the class and organize activities at the same time. Conflicts between children happened regularly and were not dealt with appropriately. During the year my child attended Bethlehem Preschool I approached the director with concerns several times, on each ocassion I found myself dissatisfied with the outcome. As a result of conversations with other parents I discovered that many of the parents shared my views.
Parent #3
I LOVE this preschool. Bethlehem Community Preschool (part time program). It is playbased but the play and work they do during the day really develops the skills that children need to enter kindergarten. My son has attended this preschool for two years. He had the same teachers both years. They are so nuturing and use positive reinforcement rather than punishment or time out...and it works! The children are very happy and learning! I can not say enought about this wonderful preschool.
School Philosophy & Day in the Life
School Philosophy and Mission
Our school offers a balanced program with opportunity for your child to grow as and individual in all areas of development. The first steps away from home are made comfortable, with caring adults who are trained to meet your child's individual needs - in a safe, healthful environment.
We feel children learn best in a low-key, non-pressured environment. Our teachers provide activities that allow for optimum development of a child's IMAGINATION, INITIATIVE and AUTONOMY. We feel these areas of development need to be utilized to the maximum during the years from three to six.
Our Goals and Objectives
• To help children develop a positive self image.
• To give children a foundation for future learning.
• To meet children's needs as individuals and as a group.
• To encourage children to develop a positive attitude towards teachers, school and learning.
• To provide opportunities for children to develop their "whole selves" socially, emotionally, physically, cognitively and creatively.
• To encourage children to express themselves through materials, movement and language by providing ample time and adequate opportunities.
• To develop an appreciation of music through use of musical instruments, creative movement and song.
• To encourage appreciation of art by use of many mediums, tools and freedom of expression.
To develop emotionally and socially through constructive co-active play and positive conflict resolutions.
(excerpted from website)
Typical Day-In-The-Life At This School
Director has not yet submitted this information to the Savvy Source
Quality of Teaching
Teachers Are:
| OVERALL RATING: (4.0) |
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| Full of energy and seemingly happy in job |
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| Patient and affectionate with children |
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| Talks with children and listens carefully when they are talking with him/her |
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| Praises children for accomplishments and good behavior |
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| Provides feedback on what my child does during the day |
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| Shares insights on my child that are helpful and accurate |
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| Identifies my child’s strengths and weaknesses |
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| If necessary, provides additional support to my child during pickup and drop-off |
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| Resolves disputes quickly, calmly and fairly in a manner that allows children to learn from the dispute |
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| Notices children who are not on task and/or engaging with other children appropriately and quickly reengages them |
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| Manages the energy level of the children so that all children feel safe and able to learn |
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| Provides additional support to a child when s/he is clearly failing in her/his efforts |
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| Strikes the proper balance between active and quiet play for children |
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Director's Comments on Individualized Teaching
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
Children exhibiting inappropriate behaviour were allowed to dominate the class.
Home School Connection
Home-School Connection
| OVERALL RATING (4.1) |
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| Conducts an open house at start of school year |
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| Conducts a parent-teacher meeting at start of school year |
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| Conducts regular parent teacher conferences |
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| Provides summary of child’s learning at end of year |
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| Provides guidance on developmental goals for the following year |
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| Provides guidance on best Kindergarten and elementary schools |
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Director's and Parents' Comments
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
Bethlehem did not handle the 'start of pre-school separation' at all. Although our daughter spent her last year of pre-school there and enjoyed it, we had to remove our 2 1/2 yr old son after only 6 days because, when he had trouble separating from his father in the morning, they would make him sit alone on a bench until he stopped crying. This was not acceptable to us.
Parent #2
I felt particularly un-connected with activities with-in the school, I found communication to be particularly poor.
Parent Community
| COHESIVENESS RATING (3.0) |
Parents:
Modes of Communication Between School and Home
Kindergarten Placement & Tips
Parents' Admission Tips
Advice from Parents to Prospective Parents on Admissions
Parent #1
Get to know the director of the school and check back periodically with the director and admissions staff so they know that you are really, really interested in attending there. This is important because there are so many people on mulitple preschool waiting lists.
