Letter: Faith-based preschool option for parents

To the editor:

I have been following with great interest the recent articles on kindergarten preparedness in your publication. As a preschool educator, and mother of a kindergarten teacher, I am well aware of the needs of children entering the public school system.

The new full-day kindergarten programs and accelerated kindergarten standards make early childhood education a priority.

I appreciate the attention you have given to some fine preschools in our county but want to remind parents that they have another excellent opportunity to give their little ones a great start in their academic careers.

Many churches offer high-

quality programs that help children develop academically, physically, socially and spiritually. Churches may choose not to have national accreditation because it may prescribe or limit the type of faith lessons that teachers are allowed to present.

I have been involved with Guardian Angel Preschool (formerly New Whiteland Christian Preschool) for 19 years. Our current teachers have been invested in our program for a minimum of 12 years. We have voluntarily had background checks and first aid training because it is the professional thing to do.

Our teachers have also been involved in continuing education and have all completed certification in early childhood education. Our sponsoring ministry, Whiteland United Methodist Church, provides us with a safe, attractive learning space. Our unique program offers children the chance to visit a literacy room, a math and science room, an art room and an imagination room each day — all that, plus the chance to learn character-building lessons from God’s word.

Since we operate as a ministry to families in our area, we also have very reasonable monthly rates and a variety of payment options. We would love to collaborate with the other preschools in the county to share best practices and creative ideas. We would also love for parents considering preschool options for their children to give faith based programs in your area a try.

Lisa Campbell

financial director,

Guardian Angel Preschool,

Whiteland