Christ Lutheran Preschool is a warm and loving place for children to make friends, play, learn, and explore together. We welcome children of all faiths and traditions, ages two through five. We offer half-day classes, before- and after-school care, and afternoon exploration programs. Our staff provides an atmosphere of Christian love by nurturing a love of self and others where emphasis is placed on social and emotional development. Our curriculum provides developmentally appropriate learning experiences for our students that set them up for a successful start in kindergarten, the first year of their elementary school learning journey.
Preschool-Registration for 2020-2021 is open. Enroll today!
We offer classes for the following ages:
- Two Year Olds: – a play program for children who are 2 years old by September 30. Not required to be toilet trained
- Three Year Olds: 2- and 3-day/week options, for children who are toilet trained and three years old by September 30
- Four Year Olds: 3- and 5-days/week options for children who are toilet trained and four years old by September 30
Christ Lutheran Preschool classes are in session September through May, and follow the Fairfax County Public Schools calendar and inclement weather delays and closures.
Program Goals
Social development is of utmost importance to the Christ Lutheran Preschool staff. Consideration of and love for others is at the core of this development; these are habits and dispositions that are highly valued and nurtured in our relaxed and loving atmosphere. Our dedicated staff strives to help our preschoolers achieve the following:
- Learn to interact positively and appropriately with others
- Learn to assume responsibility for one’s actions
- Learn to express ideas and feelings
- Learn to share in work and play
School-readiness goals include:
- Enjoying books and stories through shared reading, puppets, and dramatic play
- Exploring the alphabet
- Exploring numbers and counting
- Exploring nature through outdoor play, classroom centers, and field trips
- Developing fine-motor skills through building and arts and crafts
- Enjoying opportunities for gross-motor development through movement activities and outdoor play
- Exploring and enjoying music through singing, movement, and playing instruments
Christ Lutheran students also enjoy monthly field trips and family celebrations, including: Thanksgiving Feast, Donuts for Dads, Mother’s Day luncheon, and End-of-year picnic celebration.
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FAQs
What is a co-op preschool?
Rather than utilize teacher aids in our classrooms, we benefit from having parent helpers assist during the school day on a rotating basis, which is about once a month. Parent helpers enjoy experiencing a preschool day with their children when they’re able to assist in all aspects of the preschool day, including setting up and helping with hands-on activities and projects, reading to children, helping with hand-washing, guiding the children during clean up time, and assisting during imaginative play. What an excellent way for parents to be involved with their children’s first school experience! In addition, this precious time in the classroom gives parents the opportunity to get to know their children’s classmates and teacher! Parents often comment on how enjoyable it is to see their children in action, interacting with playmates and thriving in a loving, caring environment.
How often will I be required to be a parent helper?
Parents of two and three year olds serve as helpers about once a month. Parents of four year olds help out in their children’s classrooms about four times a year. If one is unable to help due to work or other commitments, there is a $25 non-participation fee which covers the cost of hiring a substitute aid.
Does Christ Lutheran Preschool teach academics?
In keeping with early childhood educational research and best practices, the Christ Lutheran Preschool staff believes that social and emotional development is of utmost importance during the preschool years and should take precedence over the acquisition of factual knowledge and rote learning. Children who enter kindergarten acclimated to the school setting, and armed with essential social skills, such as sharing, using words to express feelings, and pitching in to doing simple jobs, such as hanging up outerwear and cleaning up after activities will ‘hit the ground running’ when they enter kindergarten. Our preschoolers learn to interact appropriately with classmates by using their words, sharing and taking turns. They become increasingly self-reliant after their time with us, performing the day’s activities, and they grow and mature with their verbal and listening skills so they are ready for their kindergarten experience.
Christ Lutheran Preschool students are exposed to the alphabet, recognizing and printing their name, numbers, and developing their fine and gross motor skills.
We have been pleased to receive positive feedback from kindergarten teachers in our Fairfax elementary schools about how well prepared the children from Christ Lutheran Preschool are when they enter their classrooms!
Is religion taught at Christ Lutheran?
Our preschool teachers foster Christian love rather than a Christian curriculum. Children share in a welcoming prayer in the morning circle, say grace before snack time and attend a ‘chapel’ session once a week where the emphasis is placed on Christian values rather than religious dogma.