Graham Road
United Methodist
Church

Graham Road United Methodist Church Preschool

Graham Road UMC Preschool has been in continuous operation for over 40 years as part of Graham Road United Methodist Church, which makes us one of the oldest cooperative preschools in the area. Our program offers quality preschool activities for the children of Graham Road United Methodist Church and the community at large.

Philosophy

Graham Road United Methodist Church Preschool, or "GRUMCPS" for short, located in Falls Church, VA, is a cooperative, non-profit extended church school. The purpose of GRUMCPS is to provide young children and their families an opportunity to participate in an early learning experience within a Christian framework. The school recognizes that each child is a unique individual and with that in mind, the program provides a balanced emphasis on the mental, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual growth of each child. As a cooperative preschool, GRUMCPS emphasizes family involvement in all aspects of the program.

The goal of the preschool is to help each child:

Develop a good self-concept
Have a wide variety of learning experiences
Learn to independently choose activities that interest him/her
Have opportunities to develop individual talents and explore materials creatively
Develop social skills, which make work and play with others a satisfying experience
Develop physical skills suitable to age and growth patterns
Feel comfortable within the environments of home, school, church, and community
Help children experience God's love through the teachers and church as a community of faith

The preschool curriculum provides a wide variety of activities and experiences, including creative free play, group activities, craft activities, one-on-one activities with the teachers.

In addition, all students enjoy a music teacher who comes in once a week. Twice a month the 3- and 4- year old children go to chapel for a Bible lesson and twice a month a science instructor comes to the school to teach a hands-on science lesson.

Throughout the year we have a number of other scheduled visitors who instruct the children in matters such as personal safety, fire prevention, dental hygiene and recycling. A yearly event that brings the preschool and Church Family together is the Children's Sabbath held on a Sunday in the spring.

Class times

All class times are from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. The Preschool has classes for 2 to 5 year old Children.

The 2-year old class has 10 children who come to school on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The 3-year old class has 15 children who come to school on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
The 4-year old class has 15 children who come to school Monday through Thursday.

Staff

Our Preschool has seven paid staff members. Each of our classes has a Teacher and an Assistant.

Our teaching teams in the 4's class have been with our school for years and fill the week with wonderful programs and activities. The teacher in our 3's class has been here for over 15 years, and has worked well with her assistant for over 7 years. They bring love and guidance to the children and their parents. Another great pair in our preschool family is our 2's teacher and assistant, who do a wonderful job introducing the little ones to our preschool family.

The Office Director is a long-time preschool "mom" and board member, her office hours are Monday through Thursday. Not only does she work on office matters, but she is here to help answer any questions that might arise. All staff members work under the guidance of the Senior Pastor and Education Director.

Co-op program

We are proud to be able to offer such a fine program at tuition rates among the lowest in the area. The cooperative nature of our preschool makes this possible. Our successful program depends on family involvement at all levels. Each family contributes to the operation of the preschool by providing snacks, participating in fundraising with a fall yard sale and spring time auction, help in keeping the playground and classrooms clean and volunteering for activities throughout the year. A committee of approximately ten parents works closely with the teachers and church representatives in monthly meetings.

In accordance with State of Virginia regulations, we have filed the appropriate documentation to maintain our religious exemption status. We have also offered a seminar on child abuse awareness training for employees, substitute teachers, committee members and parents.

Here at Graham Road United Methodist Church Preschool a Christian atmosphere is maintained, and children of all faiths are warmly welcomed. We encourage everyone to think of GRUMCP as their school and to help us create the best environment possible for our children. We are looking forward to a rewarding school year, one in which the children will grow and thrive.