Kids First Preschool announces registration, expansion
SANDPOINT — First Lutheran Church recently announced that it will be expanding its Kids First Preschool and pre-kindergarten program this fall to include kindergarten.
“It seemed like the natural next step,” said school administrator Claudia Vogler of the expansion.
The Christian-based school will also add services to help those parents who work and struggle to find child care both before school and transportation to daycare facilities after school.
Vogler said parents will be able to drop their children off as early as 7 a.m. for a minimal charge and the school will transport students to local daycares after school is dismissed.
“A lot of families have both parents working outside of the home,” said Vogler.
“This service will offer another option to many families who desire their child to attend a preschool or private kindergarten but have issues with transportation and before school care.”
The school uses Creative Curriculum, ZOO-Phonics and also incorporates Bible stories, art, physical education and music into its school day.
“We also do yoga and have cooking classes with the kids,” said Vogler adding that the kids always look forward to the many field trips throughout the year and weekly chapel service.
Kids First is unique in many respects but what truly distinguishes it from other schools is the relationships the children have with the residents of Luther Park, an assisted living facility adjacent to the school.
“It benefits both the children and the seniors,” said Pastor Dave Olson of First Lutheran Church of the intergenerational activities.
Classroom instructors utilize the Love and Logic philosophy, made famous by world renowned psychiatrist Foster Cline, who is a member of First Lutheran church
The schedule for the 2012-2013 school year will be Monday through Friday 8:30-11:30 a.m., for kindergarten children. The cost is $185 per month.
For four year old pre-k students, their classes will run Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30-11:30 and will cost $140 per month.
The preschool consists of three year old children who will meet Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 to 11:30 at a cost of $85 per month.
Each class also has a $50 non-refundable registration fee.
Summer can also prove to be a challenging time to keep kids busy for both working parents and those with one parent who stays home.
To help meet that need, Kids First Preschool officials plan to offer a summer camp program for children who are pre-school, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten ages.
The camp will run June through August on Tuesdays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon.
The cost will be $140 per month and activities will include swimming, nature walks, bike riding, gardening, a week of Vacation Bible School with Camp Lutherhaven staff and activities with Luther Park residents.
If you would like to complete an application for either the school or camp, tour the school or have further questions, please contact Claudia Vogler between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at 263-2048. Registration is now open for both the summer camp and the 2012-2013 school year.