Preschool & Extended Care Program
We are now enrolling for the 2024-2025 school year.
UTILIZING BEST PRACTICES AND COVID-19 GUIDELINES, OUR PROGRAM IS CURRENTLY OFFERING
A QUALITY, FLEXIBLE, PLAY-BASED PROGRAM FOR ALL FAMILIES IN OUR COMMUNITY.
Please read through the information below, and review the documents that are linked.
If you have additional questions, please direct them to Tracy Leszcynski, Director,
via email or call 610-867-2956.
Welcoming to All
First Presbyterian Church Preschool and Extended Care Program has been serving local families
for over 55 years, and is open to all children regardless of their religious affiliation.
We believe each child is precious and unique in the eyes of God, and that children learn and grow
by playing and working with other children and adults in a warm, nurturing environment.
Our focus is to provide learning activities for different learning styles. We encourage children
to explore and discover the world around them. This kind of safe, accepting environment is important
in developing self-esteem and a love for learning.
We offer morning preschool classes for 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-year-olds and Extended Care in the afternoons
for 3-, 4- and 5-year-olds. We know every family’s needs are different and are pleased to offer
a variety of scheduling options.
Our curriculum includes (as appropriate under Covid-19 guidelines):
> large and small motor skill development through “no-fail” art projects, small motor manipulatives, name writing, playground activities and our Music and Movement program
> playground visits every day possible and play in the Kirk Center Gym in inclement weather
> art activities that focus on “process,” not “product,” as a way to encourage creativity and experimentation with materials
> language development through show and tell, circle and center activities and allowing children time to interact without teacher intervention
> reading skills through letter and sound recognition, being read to daily, board games, and a print-rich environment
> pre-math skills through counting games and activities, number recognition, board games and using the calendar
> social skills involving problem solving, dramatic play, conflict resolution, sharing and taking turns
> classroom “Chapel” twice a month – a Bible Story or lesson, song, and prayer
> holiday Chapels for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter in the Sanctuary where all are invited
Each of our teachers is certified in early childhood or elementary education, and the majority have been with us for many years. They are committed to our children and families, providing them with a safe, loving environment in which to play and learn.
All classes are staffed by two teachers, and class sizes are at or below state-prescribed maximums. All Preschool and Extended Care staff, as well as all church staff, have received State Police, Child Abuse, and FBI fingerprint clearances, as required by state law.
Our bright, spacious, and secure facility includes:
> child-sized bathroom facilities inside each classroom
> low windows for children to see outside
> one-way windows for parent observation
> fenced-in playground
> gym for inside play
> large lending library
Let's Connect!
Mail:
2344 Center Street
Bethlehem, PA 18017
Contact Us:
610-867-5865
info@fpc-bethlehem.org
Media Inquiries:
Carol Burns
Communications Manager
610-867-5865, ext. 238
Email Us:
Senior Pastor/Head of Staff: The Rev. J.C. Austin
Associate Pastor for Justice and Community Impact:
The Rev. Lindsey Altvater Clifton
Pastoral Associate for Formation and Compassion:
The Rev. Suzanne Trump
Director of Music Ministries: David Macbeth
Director of Church Administration: David Crook
Weekday Preschool Director: Tracy Leszcynski
Rentals/Facility Usage: Carol Burns
Facilities Maintenance Manager: Kevin Konczyk