Founded in 1975, Covenant Preschool and Childcare provides a child-centered learning environment with Christian nurture. The school strives to develop the whole child - socially, emotionally, intellectually, physically, and spiritually.

Morning preschool classes (9:00-11:30 AM), before- and after-school extended care, and a summer day camp program are offered for children ages two- through five-years. Tuition assistance may be available based on financial need.

The Preschool Coordinator can be reached at (302) 764-8503.

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PRESCHOOL HAPPENINGS

PRESCHOOL AWARDED GRANT

Covenant Preschool was recently awarded a grant from Prevent Child Abuse Delaware to implement the Strengthening Families Initiative in Delaware. Our school is one of only four in the State of Delaware to be chosen to take part in this initiative called "Partnering with Parents." We will be working to strengthen the connection between preschool staff and the families we serve.

The Partnering with Parents Initiative focuses on five protective factors and building those factors within the families being served. These factors include Resilient parents, Knowledge of parenting and child development, Concrete support in times of need, Social connections, and Social emotional development for children. Preschool staff members Ellen Tyrawski, Elaine Murphy, and Patti Lynch, along with preschool parents Kelly Ensslin and Tara Eggleston, are working to identify where our preschool will best benefit from improvements, creating an action plan, and putting it into place. Needless to say, we are thrilled to have been chosen to participate in this program and we look forward to improving the services we provide to our preschool families.

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After our long snow break, Covenant Preschool staff and students returned rested and thankful to be together again. Our VIP Night was postponed because of the snow and we will be rescheduling this popular event in the coming weeks. The children in Mrs. Ritchie's and Mrs. Murphy's classes were busy practicing "Praise Him, Praise Him, All Ye Little Children" in preparation for their presentation during the church's Lenten service. We hope you were able to attend and enjoy their efforts.

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Looking ahead to the 2010-2011 school year, we are accepting registrations for all classes. If you have a child aged 2-5 years and are looking for a Christian preschool experience, or if you know of someone who may be interested, please contact Ellen in the Preschool Office (764-8503) to schedule a tour and receive registration information.

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It is also time for us to prepare for our 2010 Summer Day Camp. This year,
there will be big fun during summer at Covenant Preschool. Based on the book Thinking Big, Learning Big by Marie Faust Evitt, our camp activities will connect science, math, literacy and language activities into one fun, learning experience. Thinking Big, Learning Big is an integrated, inquiry-based curriculum that allows children to learn by seeing, feeling and doing on a grand scale. Weekly activities will also include writing, art, cooking, dramatic play and gross motor fun. Weekly themes and schedules are being finalized, and registration information should be available shortly. Please contact Ellen in the Preschool Office for more information.