Welcome to the First United Methodist Church Preschool!
Preschool enrollment ongoing!
Preschool is enrolling now for next School year, ages 2-5. Schedule a tour today with Dee Menzies, Preschool Director at 310-395-7292.
Preschool Philosophy
It is our philosophy that each child learns naturally through play and exploration in a stimulating environment that promotes physical, mental, emotional, social, creative and spiritual growth. Individual differences are recognized and celebrated as children grow and gain knowledge in all areas of development. It is our commitment to our families to prepare each child to move smoothly to their next level of learning while in a safe, fun, creative and loving environment. We believe that each child’s success depends on strong partnerships between parents, teachers and community. (Adapting current theories of care and education as well as continuous education for parents and teachers to incorporate these practices is essential to the success of our program.)
The Preschool was started in 1948 and over the years has gained the reputation as one of the finest in the city.
First UMC Preschool is more than a school. It is a community of parents, teachers and staff to whom the children’s health, safety and well-being is the highest priority. To that end…
Our Commitment is:
- To treat all as children of God, deserving of unconditional respect, patience and love – regardless of faith or religious practices.
- To make our school a happy, vibrant, fun, energetic, and joyful place.
- To promote and safeguard the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of all.
- To foster a positive, peaceful environment, free from judgment and intolerance.
- To explore, embrace and celebrate our individuality and our differences.
- To treat all with care, cooperation and creativity.
All in accordance with the highest standards of our community and our profession.
Preschool License # 191600232
First UMC Preschool featured in the City of Santa Monica website: Early Education in Santa Monica: First United Methodist Church Preschool
“The first years of life are the best time to ensure a strong future for all Santa Monica children. Early education advances equity and is essential for thriving families and communities. Whether children begin care as infants, toddlers, or preschoolers, Santa Monica is home to a wide range of early learning programs, with varying curriculums, hours, and costs. Our communities are stronger when every child is healthy, safe, and engaged in early learning. Read on to learn about the passionate and diverse professionals doing this important work in Santa Monica.
Preschool Spring Fair
Save the date for Sunday, May 26, for the Annual Preschool Spring Fair. All are welcome! Festivities include a bounce house, food & drinks, bake sale, arts and crafts, games, and more! Ticket prices: $20 for first child, $10 for each additional child (Food and games included.) $10 for adults. (Food included.)
Sunday, May 26, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., in the Courtyard and Simkins Hall
NAEYC Accredited
June 2022: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) has awarded First UMC Preschool a new five-year term of accreditation. Ranking among the top-rated preschools of the nation, our First UMC Preschool classes rated scores ranging from 97% to 99% in all class ratings and observations. This is an amazing feat that would not have been possible without the support of our entire Preschool community–teachers, church staff, parents, children, and our custodial crew. Thank you, teachers, for the outstanding environment and program you provide for our precious children everyday! This NAEYC honor and recognition highlights the core values of our Preschool. Congratulations to all!! We applaud and appreciate your dedicated efforts and are blessed to work with an award-winning, loving community.
2017: We are thrilled to announce First UMC of Santa Monica is fully accredited by the NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children). It is a rigorous national program that represents the mark of quality in early childhood education by expecting quality schools to meet and adhere to standards in ten different areas. Their primary goal provides an evaluation system to raise the bar for early childhood programs. We started this eighteen month process in 2016 and just received confirmation that we are one of only twelve preschools in Santa Monica with this special accreditation.
Standards include:
1. Promoting positive relationships between children and teachers
2. Implementing a curriculum that supports learning
3. Teaching that supports curriculum goals
4. Establishing a system of assessment for children’s learning
5. Promoting the health of children
6. Employing teachers who have a professional commitment
7. Maintaining relationships with families
8. Identifying community resources to support goals
9. Maintaining a safe physical environment
10. Having program management follow policies to maintain high-quality experiences for children, families, and staff.
We are proud to exceed the standards of this national organization. Congratulations to all who made this happen. Well done!
See more at www.NAEYC.org