It seems as though parents are rushing to find a pre-school for their children almost before they get them home from the hospital. Having a place reserved for their children is one less thing to worry about when the time comes.

Knowing that your child is in a safe learning environment is an important factor to take into consideration.

Many schools, like St. John’s Little Lambs, have waiting lists for limited enrollment in their daycare, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classes. That prompts parents to waste no time in choosing and applying for admission to the school of their choice.

Christina Horne, originally from Michigan, moved to Cullman three years ago. The Hornes have a seven-year-old son, and a daughter who is four.

This fall, her children will attend Cullman Christian School.

“Fortunately, we didn’t have to be placed on a waiting list,” said Horne. “We knew that this is where we wanted them to go because it was important to us that our children have a Christian education — to instill the values that we teach them at home.”

Horne is presently home-schooling, but has entered her children in pre-K and kindergarten classes at Cullman. “They are excited,” she said. “They can’t wait for school to start. They ask us everyday when it’s going to be August.”

First Baptist Church has expanded its kindergarten and pre-kindergarten program to include an extra classroom this year.

 Director Lori Bowden started to feel bad for parents who were on a waiting list, not knowing when or if their child would be able to attend the First Baptist Pre-K and K programs, so she decided to open up another classroom, for a total of three.

“There are a lot of people in this area who value a Christian education, and I was pretty sure I could find someone qualified who needed a job,” she said.

She did exactly that.  

 Class sizes are kept below state mandated ratios. There is no deadline for registration, but Bowden would like to remind parents that school starts Aug. 20.

Children bring their own lunches. Snacks are provided. Parents and grandparents are always welcome to come and tour the facility at anytime.

For more information: 256-590-5477 cfbcweekday@gmail.com

Vinemont Christian Academy

Vinemont Christian Academy opened its doors in 1975. Director/Pastor Kenneth Terry has enrollment underway right now for kindergarten and pre-K classes, with no waiting list. “We do, however, like for parents to register before September 1,” he stressed.

“We have parent orientation so that parents can learn about the curriculum,” Terry explained. “Communication between parents and teachers plays a key role in our program.”

“Our focus is on the child and on learning.”

Vinemont Christian Academy uses the Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) curriculum, designed for individualization. Art and music are integrated into the program.

The school goes from daycare through 12th grade. “What distinguishes us is that we offer a Bible-based, Bible-centered, Christian education,” said Terry. “We accept students from other denominations as long as they are from Christian families.”

Students are diagnosed and placed in their level, which allows them to learn at their own pace. For more information, contact the Vinemont Christian Academy at 256-734-2882.

 

Christ Covenant Presbyterian Christian School

Previously, Christ Covenant Presbyterian Christian School has offered a half-day stay for children in pre-school and 5K. However, this year, in addition to the half-day, there will also be a full-day option for all classes.

Director Jennie Reid is excited about this additional option.

“We don’t have a waiting list or a deadline to enroll,” said Reid, “But we do like to have students on roll before school starts. However, we are flexible and willing to accommodate parents on that,” she said. “They are welcome to come by now and fill out registration forms so as not to get caught in the last-minute rush.”

Covenant Christian School uses the Abeka Curriculum. Students attend chapel once per week and are offered art and music in addition to the general curriculum.

Students are required to bring their own meals and snacks.

“We go on lots of field trips,” said Reid. “This year we will go to SciQuest, and Santa’s Village in Huntsville.”

“We like for the parents to meet the faculty and get a feel for our school,” said Reid. “We do offer a discount for families with more than one child.”

You can contact Reid at 256-338-1114, or the school office at 256-739-0505 for more information.

 

Sacred Heart Catholic School

Sacred Heart Catholic School offers three-, four- and five-year-old kindergarten classes and accepts students as long as there is space available.

There is no waiting list this year, and no deadline to register for the 3 and 4K classes, however, the 5K classes require pre-enrollment. “Uniforms are not required at Sacred Heart until students reach 5K,” says 5K teacher  Jennifer Lorring.  

“The 4 and 5K classes use the computer lab, and we all have lunch in the lunchroom with the main body of the school,” said teacher Dana Conn. “It’s good for the little ones to have the total school experience, including the library and playground.”

Conn makes sure that her small charges learn independence, sharing, getting along with other students and are at ease with being away from their parents. The 5K class often takes field trips to places like Gullion Farms Pumpkin Patch, where they combine learning about farm animals with choosing a pumpkin to take home.

“We have structured academics in the mornings,” explained Conn. “Then we have story time, play, making friends and nap time.”

All of Lorring’s 5K students were reading on some level by Christmas last year, and knew over 100 sight words by the end of school.

Parents are always welcome to schedule appointments for a consultation with teachers. For more information on Sacred Heart’s 3, 4, and 5K programs, call 256-734-4563. They do accept other denominations.   

Cullman Primary School

The Cullman City School System has several pre-school options. Cullman Primary School, houses the Play and Learning Side by Side (PALS) program, a pre-school class for three and four year olds, and has six Head Start classrooms. There are currently 13 rooms to accommodate kindergarten classes. Enrollment varies from year to year.

Children turning five on or before September 2 are eligible for kindergarten.  

Principal of the Primary School, Tricia Culpepper, who also serves as Head Start director, says that the school does its best to try to accommodate families that are out of district.

“Currently, Cullman City Primary School also houses Head Start, which is a federally funded program for three and four-year-old students,” Culpepper said. “Families must meet income and other eligibility requirements to qualify for the program. The enrollment is 120, and bus service is provided.”

For more information about the Head Start Program and Cullman Primary School, parents can contact Lois Bice at 256-775-0234.

Cullman City Preschool Program for special needs pre-schoolers

Cullman City Schools offers a Play and Learning Side by Side (PALS) pre-school program, with one classroom of ten typically developing children, blended with pre-Play and school children with disabilities. “We do have a waiting list for typically developing peers to enroll,” said Student Services Coordinator Debbie Wright.

The PALS Program, based at Cullman City Primary School, is an inclusive pre-school program for three – and four-year-olds with and without disabilities.

“The mission of this innovative program is to provide a developmentally appropriate early intervention program for pre-schoolers who reside in the city of Cullman,” Wright explained. “The program emphasizes learning through a play-based, child-initiated approach. Age and individually-appropriate instruction is provided for each child, focusing on appropriate learning opportunities to facilitate development and transition to kindergarten.”

In this program, children with disabilities benefit from appropriate interactions and observations of same-age peers; children without disabilities (typical peers) benefit by learning about disabilities at a young age. “Each site is staffed with one certified teacher and one paraprofessional, all employees of the Cullman City School System,” said Wright.

Daily activities are based on preschool standards established by the Alabama State Department of Education. Classroom activities are adapted and/or modified based on each child’s individual needs.

“Parents may request a conference at any time during the year to discuss their child’s progress,” encouraged Wright.

“Children with special needs are eligible to attend on their third birthday,” said Wright.

“An Individual Education Program (IEP) team will meet to determine the appropriate placement and needs of each child. The team will determine if placement in this program is needed to meet the special needs of the child,” Wright explained.  

Children may continue to receive services in the PALS classroom until they are eligible for kindergarten.

A typical peer must be a resident of Cullman City or be a child of an employee of Cullman City Schools.

“Peers must turn three on or before September 1 to be eligible to start at the beginning of the school year,” said Wright. “Peers who turn three later in the school year may be considered for enrollment after their third birthday if there is an opening.”

Selection of typical peers will be based on the needs of the classroom. Children who are receiving services through an IEP but do not qualify for the PALS program (such as speech therapy) will not be considered as a typical peer.

First United Methodist Church/Sonshine Pre-School

While there is currently a waiting list at the Sonshine Pre-School, Director Susan Waters encourages parents to place their child’s name on the list so that as slots become available they can be contacted.

“We started fall registration in March,” Waters explained. “But as people drop out or move up, slots become available. The list is not as long this time as it has been in the past.”

Lunches are brought by the children and snacks are provided by the school. Sunshine Pre-School offers several options for parents, such as the number of days per week that they require, and a Mom’s Day Out for children ages one-five. Parents are offered the choice of which day they prefer.

“Our primary purpose is to get children ready for kindergarten,” said Waters. “We strive to make sure that they love school and are self-confident and assured when they move up.”

“We maintain a ratio of one teacher per seven students, which is below state requirements. Our teachers are highly educated and experienced,” said Waters. “We stress motor skills and phonics.”

For more information on First United Methodist’s Sonshine Pre-School, please call 256-737-0365.

Romper Room Inc. Kindergarten and Day Care

Romper Room Inc. Kindergarten and Daycare Center will celebrate its 50th anniversary in March of 2013. It was opened by Ollie Oden, and is now owned by her daughter, Carmen Oden, who grew up in the daycare herself.

Carmen bought the business in 1990. She kept her own children here, so there have been three generations of their family, plus many, many other families in the Cullman area who have come through Romper Room’s doors.

Romper Room teacher of 12 years, Christy Atchley is a former student. She also brought her son, Mason, to Romper Room.  “I consider it my second home” said Atchley. “I have great co-workers, who all work well together and are like family. I would never have considered sending my son anywhere else.”

There are a total of five teachers, including Oden, at Romper Room.

“We have been providing child care that parents can trust since 1963, and we consider ourselves as extended family to the children in our care,” Oden pointed out. “We often spend more hours per day with them than anyone else, so we grow to love them and we provide a very loving and caring atmosphere for them.”

Romper Room is licensed through the State of Alabama. As with all licensed daycare providers, they are required to follow all state mandated rules and regulations, including using the Alabama Early Learning Guidelines, which are provided by the Alabama Department of Human Resources. They are regularly inspected by both the health and fire departments to insure the safety of the children in their care. Oden also has current evacuation procedures in place for emergencies.

Romper Room provides snacks and a hot, home cooked meal each day, following the USDA nutritional guidelines.

“Our teachers lead activities and children at Romper Room have supervised free time, which allows for creativity,” said Oden. “Children this age learn through play and by socializing with their friends.”

Alabama licensed daycare owner/directors are required to participate in continuing education, and must have 48 hours of training every 24 months. Teachers in Alabama licensed day care and pre-school facilities must have 24 hours of training every 24 months. Oden makes sure that she and her teachers are kept current on these educational requirements.

Romper Room Inc. Kindergarten and Day Care is licensed for 48 children, and there is currently no waiting list.

Operating hours are from 6:30 a.m. – 5:15 p.m. Monday through Friday. Ages range from 18 months to 8 years.

For more information, contact Oden at 256-739-0395. Romper Room is located at 901 2nd Ave. N.E. in Cullman.

 

St. Paul’s Lutheran School

In operation since 1954, St. Paul’s Lutheran School has recently seen some exciting changes. There is a new principal, five new teachers, and a new pastor.

The hallways are filled with the scent of the new workbooks which line the shelves. The gleaming tile of remodeled bathrooms gives the school a brand new look.

The new principal at St. Paul’s, Laurie Ninke, comes from Scottsboro, where her husband is a Lutheran pastor. She is excited to be a part of St. Paul’s School.

Teacher Stephanie Ferrell and the staff have worked hard to re-vamp the pre-school curriculum.

 St. Paul’s prepares their students well for kindergarten and grade school. “When they leave kindergarten they will be able to order off the menu at Chick-fil-A,” said Ferrell. “They will also be able to add, subtract and know simple fractions.”

Pastor John Bussman, who is a Cullman naïve, is also excited to be a part of St. Paul’s School. “My door is always opened to any child or parent,” said Bussman.

Bussman is young, energetic and motivated to make St. Paul’s School one of the best in the area.

“St. Paul’s School provides a Christ-centered education,” said Pastor Bussman.  

Classes range from pre-school for three and four year olds, to kindergarten and on to the sixth grade. “Our reputation speaks for itself,” said Pastor Bussman. “There are many Cullman High School honors graduates who came up in St. Paul’s.”

“Hopefully they have built strong relationships here with their friends, pastor and teachers, to whom they can always come for support,” said Pastor Bussman.

Students attend chapel every Wednesday at 8 a.m. and Bible classes are taught every day. “We incorporate the Bible into everything, including math,” Ferrell pointed out.

Director of Music at St. Paul’s is Alice Butler, who welcomes all children to join the choir. Choir practice is scheduled each Tuesday afternoon at 3:30.

Teacher Janice Newlin oversees the computer lab, and the library at St. Paul’s is staffed by volunteers.

Art is integrated into the curriculum, and Ferrell’s students have access to Kindle Fire in the classroom. “It’s easier for them to use a keypad than to maneuver a mouse,” she explained.  

 “We are all very involved with the school,” he said. “The school is the mission of the church, and the church supports the school.”

“The teachers have strong, Christ-centered relationships with each other and with the children. The older children serve as role models to the younger kids,” said Ferrell.

“We accept any child of any domination here at St. Paul’s,” Pastor Bussman stressed.

St. Paul’s School provides children with hot, healthy lunches and snacks every day (older children bring their own snacks).

During school hours of operation the school is on lockdown for the safety of the students.

The school year at St. Paul’s begins Aug. 13, with 8 a.m. chapel, but Bussman points out that admission is flexible and students will be accepted at any time.

For more information contact Principal Laurie Ninke at 256-734-6580, the church office at 256-734-3575, or visit them on Facebook, or their website at www.stpaulscullman.com

 

Kidzone, LLC

At Kidzone you will find a lot of happy kids, in bright, cheerful surroundings. Rooms are large and kid friendly, with plenty of toys, games and learning tools geared for little ones.

Working moms and dads will appreciate that Kidzone provides a hot, nutritious breakfast, lunch, snacks and supper for their students.

As an Alabama licensed daycare, Kidzone is a part of the Federal food program, so all meals are balanced and planned to ensure the freshest and most wholesome products available.

“We serve 100 percent juice and all of our meals are cooked on-site,” said owner/director Sherry Eady.

Kidzone has three vans. The older students frequently go on field trips to the Birmingham Zoo, the McWane Center, and swimming.

“This year the pre-K classes will visit the pumpkin patch and the Huntsville Botanical Gardens,” said Eady.

Lisa Lewis, who teaches the three year olds, has a degree in early childhood development.  Tammy Gill, the four-year-old teacher is in the process of attaining her associate’s degree in early childhood development.

“An elementary school teacher helped us set up our curriculum so our students will be ready to go into the school system well prepared,” said Eady. “We combined the public school requirements with the Abeka program, so that there is no gap in their educational development when they leave here.”

“We work on a variety of subjects, even adding some history and science in our lessons,” she added.

Not only academic subjects are stressed at Kinzone, the staff also places emphasis on behavior. “We try to redirect any undesirable behaviors in a positive manner,” explained Eady. “We work alongside parents to ensure that our students exhibit good manners and courteous behavior. We teach Christian principals as well as art, music, play-time cooperation, and social skills, like sharing and having a positive attitude on life,” said Eady.

“We have always had cultural diversity here,” she said. “It’s a part of our classes in all age groups. Child Development encourages that diversity, and we reinforce patience and understanding in our students so that they are well-rounded and familiar with children of various cultures and with special needs.”

Kidzone is handicapped accessible.

The facility is inspected by state licensing inspectors and the building itself is built to withstand 120 mile per hour winds. The doors are fireproof, and parents must have the security code to enter for the safety of the students.

Kidzone has a student capacity of 184, and currently has 150 students.

Eady also owns Kids World, and welcomes parents to visit either facility for a tour.

There is no waiting list at Kidzone or Kids World. “We provide everything our students need,” said Eady. “The only thing parents have to send with students is an extra change of clothes.”

There is a discount for parents with more than one child.

Kidzone opens at 5 a.m. and closes at 9:30 p.m. Monday – Friday.

For more information, contact Sherry Eady at 256-739-9444 or visit the website at kidzone09@att.net.