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Why Choose First Presbyterian Preschool
Since 1963, First Presbyterian Preschool continues to embrace its strong reputation for initiating a lifetime love of learning for young children. With four developmentally appropriate class options, children leave well-prepared for kindergarten. We make sure of it!
See what it’s like to be part of First Presbyterian Preschool!
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We Have...
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Our Philosophy
Our philosophy is to appropriately engage children in their own learning. At the benefit of our low teacher to student ratio, children work co-operatively in small groups.
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Our Curriculum
Overall, our curriculum focuses upon horizontal enrichment through the development of:
- Social competence
- Personal empowerment
- Independence
- Creativity and intellectual curiosity
- Inductive and deductive reasoning strategies
Literacy, math, and science are skillfully embedded in all activities using developmentally appropriate approaches. For example, we use Handwriting Without Tears to introduce the alphabet through hands-on letter play.
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Faculty & Staff
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Suzie Brunner
Preschool Director-
Years at First Presbyterian Preschool:6
Denison University – B.A. Economics
Why I like to teach:
“I like to teach because as a teacher you have a unique ability to be a part of a child’s formative years. It is humbling to watch children grow and transform. They truly show you what is possible with determination in a nurturing and engaging environment. It’s that lightbulb moment in a child’s eyes when they realize that learning is fun!”
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Kathleen Aberle
Explorer-
Years at First Presbyterian Preschool:2
Loras College, BA Psychology
Why I like to teach:
“I feel like I learn something new everyday. It is a joy to see the world through the eyes of children. I love to encourage children especially when they are faced with a challenge.”
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Suzanne Carberry
Voyager, Enrollment Manager-
Years at First Presbyterian Preschool:11
Roosevelt University
Why I like to teach:
“I love working with children and encouraging them to experience new challenges.”
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Ami Crawford
Music-
Years at First Presbyterian Preschool:16
Lake Forest College – B.A. Music, B.A. Communications
Meets weekly with each class for music.
Why I like to teach:
“Witnessing the joy and enthusiasm radiating from the youngsters as they sing and dance to music they’ve learned in class is rewarding beyond measure. It is a blessing to have the opportunity to share my passion, while helping to build a foundation for a lifelong love of music!”
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Annie Ignoffo
Discovery Teacher Assistant-
Years at First Presbyterian Preschool:4
Lake Forest College
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Kelly Haramis
Explorer Teacher Assistant-
Years at First Presbyterian Preschool:4
Penn State University
Why I like to teach:
“I like teaching because every day is filled with joy, whether we are creating art projects, reading a book, or using our imaginations as we play with baby dolls or magnetic dinosaurs.”
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Colleen Kaminsky
Voyager-
Years at First Presbyterian Preschool:First
Western Michigan University
Why I like to teach:
“I like to teach because I love children! I love exploring with them, being creative with them, using imagination with them, being silly with them. Knowing I can make a difference in a child’s life is very special.“
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Lindsey Kelly
Voyager-
Years at First Presbyterian Preschool:6
Salve Regina University – Bachelors in Liberal Arts
DePaul University – Masters in Early Childhood EducationWhy I like to teach:
“I teach because it is what I’ve always wanted to do. Interacting with the children each day provides me a continual source of joy and fulfillment. “
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Betsy Mackey
Odyssey-
Years at First Presbyterian Preschool:2
Syracuse University
Why I like to teach:
“I like teaching because schools are such positive places. I feel so fortunate to work in an environment where we focus on creativity, curiosity, and kindness.”
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Shannon Martin
Voyager-
Years at First Presbyterian Preschool:First
Maryville University
Why I like to teach:
“I love being able to enrich young minds each day, where we can grow together and learn the fundamental building blocks of life.”
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Brianna Meade
Voyager-
Years at First Presbyterian Preschool:2
California State University Northridge
Why I like to teach:
“There is nothing like the joy of watching the children learn and grow every year. Their smiles make my day!”
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Sue Peecher
Art Appreciation-
Years at First Presbyterian Preschool:28
Michigan State University – B.S. Multi-Disciplinary Studies
Early Childhood Education courses at C.L.C.Why I like to teach:
“I love the personal connections you make with children and their excitement as they learn.”
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Jen Redding
Discovery-
Years at First Presbyterian Preschool:7
Ohio University – Bachelor of Science in Education
National Louis University – Master’s Degree in Mathematics EducationWhy I like to teach:
“I love teaching and grew up knowing I always wanted to be a teacher. I love listening to my students and learning how their minds work. Watching them explore and nurturing their creativity is the best part of our time together! ”
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Marianne Stride
Odyssey Teacher Assistant-
Years at First Presbyterian Preschool:7
The College of St. Benedict – Liberal Arts/Social WorkWhy I like to teach:
“After raising four children of my own and serving as a room parent for many years, I know how much I like to actively work with young children on a daily basis.”
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Katie Thomson
Discovery-
Years at First Presbyterian Preschool:2
Ohio University, Early Childhood/Primary Education
Why I like to teach:
“I love teaching because children are so curious and excited to explore! I especially love the preschool age group because you get to watch them discover so much for the first time. Their pure happiness and joy is really something special to experience each day!”
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