History and Purpose
Play and Learn Preschool was established in 1982 primarily as a Mother’s Day Out Program under the Education Ministry of Yale Avenue Christian Church. Through the ensuing decades this program became a transitioning ministry serving not only the congregation but also the surrounding community. In October of 2002, the program was approved as a licensed two star preschool under the auspices of the Department of Human Services in the State of Oklahoma. As a result, the progam has evolved into a Christian early learning center for very young children, which provides care and instruction to children of all economic levels. The preschool was incorporated November 12, 2004 as a not-for-profit corporation and received IRS 501 c 3 tax exempt approval as a public charity May 24, 2006. Although a separate corporation, the preschool retains a relationship as an affiliated Ministry with Yale Avenue Christian Church. All families are invited and encouraged to worship and share in the ministries of Yale Avenue Christian Church.
Licensing and Stars Rating
Play and Learn Preschool is licensed by OKDHS (Oklahoma Department of Human Services) and is a participant in the Oklahoma Stars program as a Two Star Preschool. We are a participant in the ITEP (Infant & Toddler Enhancement Program through the Child Care Resource Center of Tulsa). The Preschool is a member of NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children), ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International), and TEAM (Tulsa Educator Advocates and Mentors).
Days and Hours of Operation
Play and Learn Preschool is open year-round with the exception of certain designated times such as holidays and breaks. Click on newsletter for monthly calender details and full menu.
The Preschool is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday providing an extended day for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Families may enter and exit through the West doors of the Education Building of Yale Avenue Christian Church. Clink on Enrollment for full-time and part-time student enrollment options.
Children may arrive as early as 7:30 a.m. but should arrive no later than 9 a.m. so that they will be present for all educational activities being provided. Children may stay as late as 5:30 p.m. but can be dismissed as early as 2:30 p.m. No Child will be released to a person without authorization. As a requirement for enrollment, release information must be recorded on the Enrollment Forms and / or at the time the child is brought to preschool.
Leadership Team
Carla Story, our Preschool Director, manages and provides oversight for the preschool. She has her Director's Credetial and over 26 years of experience in the field of early childhood care and education. Fati Karimian, Assistant Director - Curriculum, coordinates the curriculum, the co-curricular activities and teaches the specialty classes. She has her Bachelors Degree from NSU, Director's Credetial and over 12 years experience. Misty Bean, Assistant Director - Finance, oversees and coordinates the finances. She has her Certificate of Mastery, Director's Credential and over 9 years of experience. Tia Campos, our Child Nutrition Coordinator also serves as the Facilities Coordinator. She manages the food program and the facilities program to maitain complinance with applicable requirements.
The Teaching Team
Our faculty has varied levels of child care education and experience with many having been on staff 4 to 8 years or more. Their education levels include CDA, Certified Master Teacher, Associate and Bachelor Degrees. We encourage and emphasize continuing education for the faculty. All faculty members are required to have a minimum of 20 hours of workshops and continuing education courses each year in addition to CPR, first-aid and food handlers certifications. Our faculty is comprised of loving and caring teachers who bring positive influence to our children.
Advisory Team
Bill Rhoades serves as consultant and advisor to the Leadership Team and the Preschool Board of Directors. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Education, a Master of Arts Degree and is a licensed minister in the Christain Church, Disciples of Christ in Oklahoma. His years of experience in education, finance and ministry provide assistance in various ways to the preschool. A Board of Directors of 11 provide ongoing oversight and direction to the preschool leadership and faculty.
Our Students
Play and Learn Preschool provides a secure, clean and pleasant environment in which the children receive developmentally appropriate activities and experiences in a Christian setting. Because of the community need, we have made additional provision for infant and toddler care.
Cleassroom Placement
Children from 6 weeks through 5 years may be enrolled in the Play and Learn Preschool Program. Children are grouped according to age and development with input from parents. Initial placement begins September 1 and may be adjusted as the child grows and develops. Teachers provide attentive and personal interaction with each child. Placements and ratios are in compliance with licensing requirements.
Transitions
Children are placed in age appropriate rooms, i.e., infants, toddlers, two's, etc. However, not all childen grow and mature at the same rate, therefore, a transition may be recommended from one room to another as being appropriate for and beneficial to the child. In consultation with the parents and teachers, a transition from one room to another may be recommended. Due care is taken by staff to assist the child in making a happy and successful room change.
Infants (younger - 1½ to 6 months) (older - 6 to 12 months)
As the younger infants develop and are ready, they are moved to the older infants area. A basic schedule is utilized including art projects and some curriculum. The infants are permitted to play outside when weather is appropriate and begin eating food from the kitchen. Parents are advised at pick-up time through a daily report and dialogue with the teacher regarding the events of the day.
Toddlers and Twos (Toddlers ages 12 to 24 months) (Twos ages 24 to 36 months)
As infants are ready, they move to the toddler area which includes our "younger” and “older” toddler rooms. Our toddlers enjoy the outside playground, learning centers in their rooms, building blocks and specialty classes such as exercise, music and Spanish. Our teachers assist the toddlers in learning how to deal with their feelings and emotions. Parents are encouraged to visit and share in their activities. Parents are advised at pick-up time through a daily report and dialogue with the teacher regarding the events of the day.
Threes Fours and Fives
Children have a busy day as they work through experiences presented in our curriculum which also incorporates Christian values and related themes. Centers of interest are provided including a center with computers incorporating games that reinforce basic skills in shapes, numbers, etc. They especially enjoy the shaded areas of the playground as well as the indoor gym. Also, they have the opportunity to be more involved in our specialty classes such as Spanish, exercise and art / music, in addition to attending chapel. Daily reports are provided summarizing the events of the day.
Curriculum
The curriculum at Play and Learn Preschool is centered around the provision of individual nurturing and professional care in a Christian environment. Our goal is to help the children develop a strong sense of self-worth in an atmosphere conducive to learning, and through the process of play, learn about the world around them. Our curriculum is not as much a method as it is a way of thinking and working with young children. The curriculum is planned according to its suitability by age group and includes opportunities to meet the different needs. interest, and maturation levels of the children. This enables the children to develop concepts about themselves, others and the world around them by observing, interacting with others and looking for ways to solve problems.
Various theme-based topics are explored by our children. For example, animals, family, and transportation are just a few of the many lesson topics covered which provide age appropriate, developmental activities related to the daily experiences of the students. These topics help to develop basic educational concepts through art, science, movement, language and math. Teachers incorporate concept games and activities in their circle time such as matching, sequencing, patterning, opposites, etc., then respond by observing and evaluating what the children do and how they react to the experience. Christian values are integrated into this process through the use of age appropriate stories and materials used to illustrate and celebrate the world God created for us.
Integrated into the basic curriculum are specialty classes that provide additional experiences for the children including Spanish, exercise, music and other cultural topics. Some exposure to computers is also provided to preschoolers.
Throughout the year special visits to our preschool take place such as Safari Joe’s Exotic Animals, Aquarium on Wheels, the Fire Department, the Police Department, the City Bus and live animals to name a few.
A Typical day
Preschoolers arrive to open centers of interest in their classrooms followed by breakfast. Group time with lessons, specialty classes and outdoor time complete the morning. At lunch, they receive a hot well balanced meal which is followed by a rest period. In the afternoon they continue with centers of interest, stories, snack time, music / art and outdoor time. Daily reports are available for parents summarizing the activities of the day.
Chapel
Once each week the older toddlers and preschoolers attend a chapel service with our pastor. While chapel is not mandatory, we encourage all students to share in the story time and singing of songs. The children love to sing the B.I.B.L.E. song with body motions at the closing of chapel. This is a meaningful and beneficial time for the children.
Food Program and Meals
Play and Learn Preschool participates in the Child and Adult Care Food Program which provides a well-balanced breakfast, lunch and snack for the children each day. A monthly menu is prepared, posted and also published in the Discovery Days Newsletter, in print and on the website. No outside food may be brought in except for birhtday parties or special classroom celebrations. No home baked items are allowed. Food must be store purchased and packaged.
Discipline Policy
Our philosophy regarding discipline techniques is to help the children learn to control their actions and be responsible for those actions. Each child is told they have a choice in how they behave and warnings are given along with the consequence if the behavior continues. The children are given a verbal warning and told that they have a choice, they can choose to follow the rules or a particular consequence will take place. The “think about it” or “time out” philosophy is generally used for those who can’t make that choice and just need a break. Positive reinforcement and redirection of a child’s interest is more effective than a negative approach or “battle of wills.” Different classroom management techniques are used in each classroom to help children know when to “slow down” and re-think their behavior before they can continue with their learning. If a behavior problem persists, a parent / teacher conference may be necessary to help provide consistency between home and preschool. A parent may schedule a conference for any reason by contacting our Director, Assistant Director or your child’s teacher.
Interaction with parents
Parents are welcomed and encouraged to participate in the preschool lives of their children. You are invited to visit at any time and share in the ongoing activities. Various events are planned throughout the year such as the Grandparents Day, Fall Carnival, Holiday Parties, Birthday Parties, Muffins for Mom and Donuts for Dads, which provide opportunities for families to share preschool experiences together.
Parental Communication is very important and is accomplished through various approaches including the Daily Activities Report and our monthly newsletter, “Discovery Days”. Also, staff members are available at the Welcome Desk to greet parents and students throughout the day and teachers receive and dismiss their students from the classroom. We welcome the opportunity to visit with parents and family at any time. In addition, other resources are provided to parents from time to time in cooperation with the Child Resource Center of Tulsa.
While parent consultations can be held at any time, the Spring Parent / Teacher conferences are usually scheduled in March to report on the progress of each student noting accomplishments and areas that need improvement. Throughout the school year, teachers compile portfolio records on each child which is a part of the IEP ((Individualized Educational Plan). This portfolio of information is provided to the parent at the end of the Child’s preschool journey with Play and Learn Preschool.
Expected Outcome
Our mission at Play and Learn Preschool is "teaching children for future success" by preparing them for the coming years of formal schooling and life experiences. This is acheived by providing age appropriate activities that spiritually, socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually stimulate, nurture and build self-confidence in the children.
