Early Childhood Teachers

Linda Kuntz - 3 Year Olds
Tarah Ferrier - 4 Year Olds
Kate Loufik - 4 Year Olds
Jennifer Myers - Kindergarten

Robin Talbot - Computer/Technology
Beverly Ingraham - Music
Jerry Conicello - Phys. Ed.
Linda Moye - Art


Early Childhood Department

Open this weeks issue of The Early Edition. (PDF)*


Penn Christian Academy Preschool is accredited by Association of Christian Schools International. Though religiously exempt from licensure, we strive to self-regulate to the Pennsylvania state regulations for early education programs.

PCA Academy Parent Handbook 2008 (PDF)*

PCA Preschool Student Handbook 2008 (PDF)*

*Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. CLICK HERE to download the latest version of Acrobat Reader.

Preschool - Kindergarten Programs

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6

The Learning Plan

At Penn Christian Academy, the learning plan is built on the fundamental truth that each child is a valuable individual who possesses unique gifts and learning styles. Students enrolled in PCA's Preschool and Kindergarten program build positive relationships with classmates and teachers. Together they explore nature, science, art, music, drama, physical exercise, reading, writing, mathematics and God's Word. With a high degree of sensitivity to each child's learning readiness, teachers encourage each students' progress.

The Learning Environment

PCA's Preschool and Kindergarten are located on the Penn Christian Academy campus in Norristown. The suburban setting provides eleven acres complete with two playgrounds. The school building (52,000 square feet) supports the preschool - kindergarten learning program with large classrooms, full size gymnasium, preschool gymnasium, cafeteria, library, art , music and computer rooms. Colorful classrooms are filled with learning centers, print rich materials and a vast assortment of manipulatives.

The Learning Team

PCA's warm and friendly teachers are early childhood education professionals with an average teaching experience of fourteen years. Teachers are evaluated regularly and attend professional development workshops every semester. Parent-teacher conferences help maintain common goals for the progress and achievement of each child.

The Preschool and Kindergarten Program

Penn Christian Academy's Preschool and Kindergarten are positive, bright, lively and colorful environments that focus on the development of the whole child. Guided by caring teachers, children experience the joy and adventure of learning. Individualized attention from teachers, peer group cooperative learning and parent involvement combine to make the Christ-centered atmosphere a delight for children.

Kindergarten

  • Must be 5 by September 1
  • Half or Full Day options
  • Busing available
  • Gym/Art/Music/Library/Computer Specials
  • Thematic Units
  • "Home Projects"
  • Class Books
  • Journals/Pictionaries
  • Phonics/Handwriting/Mathematics/Reading Workbooks
  • Learning Activities

Pre-Kindergarten

  • Must be 4 by September 1st
  • 3 or 5, Full or Half Day options
  • Daily Bible lessons & prayer
  • Book Buddies
  • Interest Areas/Learning Activities
  • Thematic Units
  • Journaling
  • Cooking through the alphabet
  • "In-house" field trips
  • Music/Fitness programs

Preschool

  • Must be 3 by September 1
  • 2, 3 or 5 Half or Full Day programs
  • Color/Number/Shape/Letter recognition
  • Daily Bible Stories & prayer
  • Journaling
  • Music & Fitness programs
  • Interest Areas
  • Thematic Units
  • Learning Activities

Department Highlights

  • Monthly Chapels
  • Special Event Days
  • All-School Prayer
  • International Month
  • Before & After School Care available (7:00 - 8:15 A.M., 3:30 - 6:00 P.M.)
  • Hot lunch program (optional)




Extension of Half-Day Dismissal

For our half-day students, dismissal may be extended until 12:30 to allow your child to stay for lunch and recess. The cost is $5.00 a day or $15.00 for a calendar week. Students may bring a lunch or buy a lunch ($2.50). Students may stay a full day for $15.00 a day. More information is available in the main office.

In partnering with each of you in the education of your child, we want to make sure that you fully understand our approach to correction. The following is taken from the PCA Handbook.

Discipline in the Preschool / Kindergarten

When a guideline or directive is not followed, it is restated one-on-one with the child to assess the level of understanding. If after careful explanation the child continues with inappropriate behavior, the parent or guardian will be contacted and informed of the situation through a Parent Communication (referred to as a P.C.), which is to be signed and returned the next school day.

If the behavior continues, a conference between the parent and the classroom teacher will be required. In fostering a "Peaceful, Loving, and Kind" environment, the following procedures are enforced when a child endangers him/herself or others (hitting and pushing) and/or directions are not followed to the point of non-participation with the class and/or a disruption to the class.

First occurrence - A time out is given and a P.C. is sent home. The early childhood administrator will also speak with the child.

Second occurrence - Same as above plus the child is removed from the classroom for a short time.

Third occurrence - Same as above plus a phone conference with the teacher.

Fourth occurrence - A conference with the administrator, involved teachers, and parent(s) to set up future terms.

Additional action may be necessary at any step of this process.
A "time out" is an opportunity for a child to sit down and to think about what they have just done, recall the appropriate response, and purpose to do it. A "time out" requires the child to sit in a chair for three (3) - five (5) minutes, able to see and hear everything that is happening around them, remaining in view of the teacher.

P.C.'s are used to communicate various items to parents. These forms are to be signed and returned the next school day. Parents should keep the yellow copy and return the white copy to school in the child's folder.

Discipline is the guided process whereby we nurture (instruct and train) the children to evidence Christ-like maturity. Typically, only gentle correction is needed.

Communication is essential in our partnership. Please talk directly to your child's teacher first and then myself with any questions. It is a blessing to work with each of you!

Penn Christian Academy

50 W. Germantown Pike
Norristown, PA. 19401
Tel. 610-279-6628
Fax: 610-279-1956