Church of the Savior - Lutheran

Nursery School

Where friends learn to "make love grow" in a Christian environment and build socialization skills. For information, please call: 201.261.0420

Classes for 3 and 4 years olds
Morning and afternoon classes
State Licensed Nursery School with Certified Teaching Staff
Program runs from September to June
"Happy time for 2's" (with Parent)
"All By Myself" for Two and half year olds

STATE CERTIFICATION
The Church of the Savior Nursery School meets the New Jersey State requirements for Day Care Centers and is fully licensed and approved.

Gail Hayman, Nursery School Director and Head Teacher

PHILOSOPHY
Church of the Savior Nursery School has been part of the ministry of the Church of the Savior Lutheran Congregation since 1971. The school is established in obedience to and as an instrument of the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ, who said: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." Matthew 28:18-19We use a creative approach, dealing in different media. Each child works at his or her own level; therefore products will not be the same for every child. The process is more important than the product. There will not be an art project every day.

As an extension of the Church, the School functions in partnership with parents to provide a Christian Education and to support the Christian home. We affirm that an atmosphere of redeeming grace and Christian love is the essential context for all learning and development and that...

Children may be provided with a comprehensive program of pre-school education, so they may begin to develop their talents and skills for responsible Christian living and service.
Children may be nurtured in the Word and Will of God
Children may, in faith, learn to know and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and grow in their relationship with Him and with each other.
Children may, by God's grace, experience a full Christian life on earth and be assured of eternal life.
Children may learn to recognize themselves as persons of worth made by God in His image
Children may learn to understand and appreciate their talents as gifts from God and use them to the Glory of God in His service

Each individual person may have the optimum opportunity to develop his/her fullest potential so that the whole person may grow to maturity in Christ - physically, mentally, emotionally, intellectually, socially, and especially spiritually.

To accomplish the above purposes, we rely upon the promise of the Lord, who said: "Lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age"
Matthew:28:20

CURRICULUM

The curriculum of the Church of the Savior Nursery School reflects the need of the young child for a variety of first hand experiences to help him become aware of God' world, and of himself and others. Content is taught within a framework that is Christ-centered and developmentally appropriate for young children. We consider the learning process to be very important. Through "discovery learning" children grow in many areas -- art, music, language, math, science, social skills, perceptual-motor development. Our classrooms are child-oriented with opportunities for both structured and self-directed activities and experiences.

NURTURE & RESPECT

The nurturing of Christian faith in a child and a respect for others is a responsibility that the school shares with the home and the church. The parents have the primary responsibility to provide Christian nurture and a wholesome atmosphere for the child. The school can, at best, supplement the Christian atmosphere of love and willing obedience which is maintained in the home. When a problem does arise in school, it will be handled at first by the teacher and the child. The parents and the Director will be involved as the situation warrants. Communication between the home and school (child, parent, and teacher) is essential. We use a positive approach, helping the child to deal with anger appropriately.

We ask children to express feelings with words, rather than bodily contact, to "make love grow." Our goal is self-discipline. Children will not be allowed to hurt themselves or others, or to damage property. We will attempt to redirect a child who is out of bounds, and in extreme situations, may separate that child (under adult supervision) from the group until he/she is able to return.

In connection with "making love grow," children may not bring toy guns or weapons to school.

UNIQUE FEATURES OF OUR SCHOOL

Baptism Celebrations

We celebrate God's grace in making us members of His family through baptism. Parents are invited to their child's baptismal celebration, sharing mementos (clothing, pictures, candles, etc.) of their baptism during the celebrations.
Chapel

During the year we schedule numerous visits to the church for each class, for informal worship services
with the Pastor. Parents are welcome to join us.
Parent's Days

Each class schedules a special Saturday morning in October or early November so parents can experience a mini school day with their children. Painting, building, playing in the sand or in the kitchen, enjoying the play-ground - all help parents become more familiar with their child's exciting days at school.
Art

We use a creative approach, dealing in different media. Each child works at his or her own level; therefore products will not be the same for every child. The process is more important than the product. There will not be an art project every day.
Field Trips

At intervals during the year, field trips related to the children's needs are planned. Prior to each trip, a permission form must be signed for each child by his or her parent. Parent's participation is essential to the success fo this program. We need volunteers to drive and help supervise children.
Computer Program

Children in the 4 year old classes participate in this program, which is designed to be a computer-awareness experience. Colorful, self-correcting games about shape and color, size and logic, patterns and sequence, alphabet and numbers, and Bible stories allow the children to work at different levels of difficulty according to their interest and abilities. Monitoring by an adult assists the teacher in diagnosing areas where additional practice - either with the computer or with other material - might be helpful to a particular child.
Parent Conferences

It is our belief that the child benefits most when the school and the home demonstrate mutual concern about his or her growth and development. The teacher and/or the Director will always make herself available (barring prior appointments) to discuss your child's progress. This is in addition to two regularly scheduled conferences during the year. The school may suggest referral services where necessary.
Home Visits

Before school begins in September, each teacher visits with each child in her class at the child's home to help make a comfortable transition from home to school. Name tags, separate suggestions, and a picture of herself and her assistant for the child to keep are all brought by the teacher at the home visit.