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St. Peter’s Child Care & Preschool The
St. Peter’s Center was conceived as more than a place for quality child care for busy, working parents.
It is devoted to the children’s education and development during their formative years, with the welfare of the
whole family firmly in mind. The Christian context in which
St. Peter’s Child Care & Preschool operates influences both the developmentally age-appropriate curriculum
and the atmosphere of the day-to-day life at the Center. The
Preschool has a “Chapel Time” each day, and all the children learn various table prayers before lunch and snacks.
More importantly, the Christian influence of the Center is seen in the interactions among the children, between the
children and the staff members, as well as the relationship between the Center and its families. Faith, respect,
forgiveness, patience, encouragement, accountability—all these and more are traits learned and experienced each day.
Yet, children and families are not required to be members of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church or any church
to experience this unique atmosphere at the Center.
While the Center and its staff have been fully licensed by the State of Wisconsin since opening on August 1,
1994, accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) was awarded in December,
2000, and continues in good standing today. NAEYC accreditation is a rigorous, voluntary process of intensive
self-study and validation visits by outside early childhood professionals. These materials are independently
reviewed by a team in Washington, D.C. which grants or defers accreditation. Once granted, accreditation
must be regularly renewed. The accreditation process focuses on the children’s experiences in the
Center. All aspects of the St. Peter’s program are considered: health, safety, staffing and staff
qualifications, physical environment and, above all, the Center’s program for child development, care and education. The Center staff’s voluntary participation in the Wisconsin
Model Early Learning Standards was completed in recent months. These Standards refer
to specific development areas and expectations for children ages 3-5 as they prepare for Kindergarten.
Together with the developmentally appropriate curriculum already in place through NAEYC accreditation, the Wisconsin
Model Early Learning Standards ensure that children at the St. Peter’s Center receive the finest preparation for
school. The Staff is frequently commended
by outside observers in the early childhood profession, and often sought out for advice by planning committees from area communities
who desire to emulate the Center's program. The Staff includes Connie Hendrickson, Carol Schulz, Janet Ryce and
Amy Paskey. St. Peter’s Child Care & Preschool is open year round (except major holidays), Monday through Friday, 6
a.m. to 5:30 p.m., for children ages 2 to 8. For more information, please contact the Center Director, Connie Hendrickson,
at 608-635-4825 or Cmdh62@aol.com.
Click on the title for
an excellent video NAEYC Accreditation: The Right Choice for Kids |
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