St. Luke's Child Enrichment Center provides a loving environment for your child designed to stimulate social skills, gross motor development, perceptual skills, art experiences, letter and number recognition, and reading readiness. Hands-on activities using manipulatives and guided practice enhance and enrich the learning process using developmentally-appropriate curriculum.
The Child Enrichment Center Preschool encourages diversity and admits students of any religion, race, color, national or eth nic origin. St. Luke's Child Enrichment Center Preschool does not discrim inate on the basis of race, color or national and ethnic origin ;n Its admissions and educational policies, activities, scholarship program or hiring policies. In keeping with Montana State law, there will be no more than eight students per teacher.
Why us?
MISSION
The Preschool seeks to establish a safe and healthy learning environment which appreciates early childhood as a unique and valuable stage of development. In an environment that nurtures self-esteem, the Center provides young children with the means to develop physically, spiritually, socially, emotionally and cognitively with an emphasis on self-reliance skills. Children are guided to achieve their full potential in the context of individual and community relationsh ips that are based on tru st, positive regard, faith commitment and resp ect.
LOCATION
The entrance for the Preschool is on 2nd Ave with ample parking for picking up and dropping off children. We are close to museums, the new l ibrary, cultural attractions, and many businesses. We have a secure building, with a large open classroom space with numerous learning centers, a church hall and stage, kitchen, snack room, and a fenced park for outdoor play.
SCHEDULE
Classes run from September to May, 9 a.m. - noon Three day class • 4 and 5 year olds Two day class • 3 and 4 year olds
HISTORY
St. Luke's Child Enrichment Center was opened 20 years ago with the generou:s support of parishioners. Children of all rel igions and race are welcome. St Luke's Episcopal Church has a long philanthropic history in the community and is one of the oldest churches in downtown Billings. Extensive renovations were made to the educat ion wing of the church building to create a beauti ful preschool space.
STAFF
The Child Enrichment Center has an excellent student/teacher ratio of 1 to 6. Our lead teacher, Katie Schneider, has a Masters of Education and taught Kindergarten in the Bi llings Public Schools prior to joining SLCEC. The Preschool is a 501(c)3, non-profit organizat ion, and is governed by an independent, volunteer board. ©
In the Classroom
Education Philosophy
During the ages of bir h to five years of age, children ar developing at a fast rate physically and intelle tua v. Thev will learn more durim the fi rst five years than any other time in their l ife. We parents and educators need to provide opportunities to make this learning possible. We believe that learning th rough play with developmentally-appropriate curriculum advances social skills, academic growth, and gross and fine motor readiness.
LEARNING CENTERS
Centers are changed daily, weekly and monthly to reflect our learning focus. There is always something new to engage your child and encourage skills and knowledge. Our goal is to help your child get the right foundation in their educat ional journ ey. We do that through reading readiness, songs and movement, hands-on art and science experiences, number recognition and promot ing perce·ptual skills in a pat ient, loving environment.
COMMUNICATIONS
Parents are welcome in the classroom to visit and to volunteer. We also have a monthly newsletter, post act ivities at school , and have a Facebook page that is regularly updated. Ms. Katie and board members may be reached any t ime, through phone or emai l.
PRE-K
We know you want your child to have the best start. Sm all classes mean students receive one-on-one attention. Our dedicated and experienced teacher will evaluate your child's individual needs and help them succeed.
VOLUNTEERS
We have trained volunteers who are in the classroom to encourage posit ive play and help students with activities.