First Christian Church

The Adventure Nook (TAN) Mother's Day Out Program

A ministry of the First Christian Church of Birmingham

 

PHILOSOPHY

 

The Adventure Nook Mother’s Day Out and Preschool strives to provide a Christian environment in which each child can develop his or her mental, emotional, social, physical, and spiritual growth. We promote a learning atmosphere in which the child will maintain a positive self-image, and feel loved and secure, as he or she grows in stages of readiness. We offer a graduated program that provides natural learning experiences for children 15 months through 2 years, and a more structured environment for children 3 and 4 years old. All classes provide for the child at his or her individual level of need and growth.

 

FACILITY

The Adventure Nook is privileged to operate as a ministry of First Christian Church. The facility we share includes a full-size gymnasium (great for riding trikes!), an excellent library, playground, and clean, comfortable classrooms. We provide a safe and secure environment in which your child can learn and play.

Contact: Director Beth Patterson at 991-9952 for more details.

 

CHILD/TEACHER RATIOS

Toddlers (15-23 mo.) 6:1
Two-year olds 8:1
Three-year olds 8:1
 Four-year olds 10:1

 

SCHEDULE

Regular Session: (Class days vary)
September – May 9:30a.m. - 1:30p.m.
Summer TAN: (Tuesdays and Thursdays)
Mid-June through Mid-July 9:30a.m. - 1:00p.m.

 

PROGRAMS

Mother’s Day Out (MDO) serves children 15 months through 2 years of age. Our focus is on helping the child separate from Mom and Dad and adjust to the social environment of same-age children. The teachers provide a nurturing environment in which children can explore, practice independence, build vocabulary, and develop social skills. Emphasis is on love, acceptance, and fun.

 

Our preschool (PreK) program serves children 3 and 4 years of age. The 3-year old class is a time of transition to a more structured environment. Play remains an integral part of the child’s experience, but the curriculum becomes more focused. Children learn the “rules of school” and develop their skills of cooperation, self-control, and self-help.

 

The 4-year old class is geared toward kindergarten readiness. Sounds and symbols of the alphabet are introduced. Number concepts are explored. The goal is exposure and the peaking of interest rather than mastery. Children have plenty of time for self-directed play and social interaction. Four-year olds take 4 to 5 field trips during the year.

 

All preschool children participate in music, movement, library, and chapel classes on a weekly basis. Gym/ playground time is scheduled daily. All three and four year old classes have a 30 minute computer class weekly provided by “Mouseworks”.

 

Additional activities throughout the year:

 

Pumpkin Patch – Field trip taken by 4k classes to Baker’s Farm in Harpersville

 

Fall Festival – our annual fund-raiser: food, games, fun room and raffle

 

Community Helper Visits – visit from firefighters, dental hygienist, musician, etc.

 

Library Story Hour – local storyteller share seasonal books 

 

Thanksgiving Feast – All children eat together in the gym dressed as Pilgrims and Native Americans

 

Individual Pictures – taken in October

Class Pictures – taken in March

 

TAN Circus – 3k and 4k classes dress up as their favorite circus animal and perform in the gym for parents and other visitors

 

Valentine Tea – A special day for Moms to come to share a special snack

 

Donuts for Dads – A special day for dads to share donuts and juice

 

Easter Egg Hunt – all children share the special time with their class

 

Art Show/Musical/Book Fair – Our gym turns into a art gallery with artwork from all our children.  3k and 4K classes sing special music. Scholastic Book Fair is held in the gym, we earn points to purchase new books for our school

 

Nature Walks – Pastor Edd takes 3k and 4k classes on a walk in the Spring and Fall

 

Weekly Chapel – 3k and 4k classes taught by First Christian Pastors. The children learn to pray, hear Bible stories, sing Christian songs.

 

“Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” - Proverbs 22:6