SFUMC Preschool
The Saint Francis United Methodist Church Preschool is organized to meet the SFUMC Preschooldevelopmental needs of children 16 months through five years of age in a loving Christian environment and has been serving the Triangle community since 1988. The preschool operates in accordance with the mission and principles as set by the Saint Francis United Methodist Church Preschool Board and United Ministry Council. Our Preschool Director, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , can be reached at 919-362-8657.

Mission Statement and Objectives

The Saint Francis United Methodist Church Preschool shall function to provide quality experiences to help the preschool children grow and develop a positive attitude toward school. The preschool is a mission program of Saint Francis UMC that reaches out to non-church member families in our community.

Objectives of the Preschool

  1. To provide opportunities for spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and physical growth in a loving atmosphere through a developmentally age-appropriate Christian based curriculum in the United Methodist tradition.
  2. To provide an environment and activities that will enrich each child's development, creativity and self-esteem.
  3. To provide opportunities for children to work and play both individually and in groups, promoting love and respect for one another.
  4. To provide appropriate activities such as indoor/outdoor play; experiences in art, music, and movement; and concept development using age-appropriate materials.
  5. To assist families undergoing extreme hardship.

Curriculum and Class Requirements

We provide a developmentally age-appropriate curriculum that includes academic, social, and spiritual activities to enhance the child's abilities for future school work. Each age group will have music class and outside time daily, as well as monthly chapel. Below is a breakdown by age group.

Toddler

Classes begin at 9:15 am and end at 12:15 pm. The Toddlers will have a shortened schedule for the first few weeks to help the children adjust to their new surroundings.  They meet two days a week, either M/W or T/TH. They must be able to walk independently by the first day of school. The program provides social and emotional development through constructive play.  The student to staff ratio is six students to two teachers. (Please note that the minimum age for the Toddler class is 16 months; children must be one on or before March 31.)  

Twos       

Classes begin at 9:15 am and end at 12:15 pm. They meet two days a week, either M/W or T/TH. The curriculum provides social, emotional, motor and cognitive development through independent and structured play.  The student to staff ratio is ten students to two teachers.

Threes   

Classes begin at 9:15 am and end at 12:15 pm. They meet three days a week, M/W/F, or two days a week, T/TH. We ask that they be potty trained by eight weeks after the first day of school. The curriculum provides social, emotional, motor and cognitive development through independent and structured play.  The student to staff ratio is twelve students to two teachers.

Fours       

Classes begin at 9:15 am. and end at 12:45 pm.  We have three different class options for the Four Year Old program: 

  • The three to four day class attends school on M/W/F then M/T/W/F beginning in January.
  • The four to five day class attends school on M/T/W/TH then all five days beginning in January.
  • The five day class attends all five days throughout the school year.

The curriculum provides social, emotional, motor, and cognitive development through independent and structured play. There is added focus on science skills, writing, and numbers. The children will be asked to bring a lunch every day in order to help them learn how to use appropriate manners at the table, open their food packages, and clean up their lunch area. All of these experiences will prepare them for future success in school. The student to staff ratio is twelve students to two teachers.

The four-year-old classes will participate in a Christmas program, graduation program, and host a Mother's Day Tea.

Calendar

The preschool year operates in parallel with the Wake County School system traditional calendar (approximately September through May).  The preschool also observes United Methodist, local, state, and federal holidays.

Saint Francis Preschool Calendar 2009-2010 

August 31 & September 1
Orientation 
September 2 & 3
First Day of Preschool 
September 7 Holiday
October 30 Workday - No School 
November 11  Holiday 
November 25-27
Thanksgiving Holiday
December 21 - January 1
Christmas Holiday
January 18
Holiday 
January 25
Workday - No School 
February 15 Workday - No School
March 29 - April 5
Spring Break 
May 26 Last Day of Preschool 

The preschool will have several events throughout the year which are special for both the children and parents such as the Halloween Parade and Father/Child day.

Click here to print a copy of the 2009-2010 Calendar.

Fall 2010 Registration Information

Open House

We will hold an Open House on January 21 and 27 at 10:00 am. Tours are also available by appointment. If you have any questions, please contact our Director, Kathryn Ervin, at 919/362-8657 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Click here to obtain a copy of our registration form.

Registration Fees

Registration fees are $95 for the first child, $75 for each additional sibling. Registration fees are due at registration.

Registration Dates

Current Students/Siblings Registration:  
   Forms due to the office on or before January 29
Church Members and Siblings of Alumni:
 
   Church Members February 5 - 9:30 am
   Siblings of Alumni February 8 - 9:30 am
   If a lottery is necessary, it will occur on your registration day.
General Public Registration: February 12 - 9:30am
   Public registration is by lottery. Registration numbers will be handed out
   upon arrival and called randomly.

2010-2011 Tuition

Monthly tuition for each class, due by the 10th of the month is:

  • Toddlers -- $135/month
  • Twos -- $135/month
  • Threes -- $135/month for T/Th, $165/month for M/W/F
  • Three to Four Day Fours -- $190/month Sept.-Dec.; $210/month, Jan.-May
  • Four to Five Day Fours -- $210/month, Sept.-Dec.; $230/month, Jan.-May
  • Five Days -- $230/month

General Registration Information and Policy

Children must attain the minimum age for their class on or before August 31 in the school year to be enrolled.  (Please note that the minimum age for the Toddler class is 16 months; children must be one on or before March 31).

The preschool desires a 50/50-boy/girl ratio for each classroom at registration whenever possible. 

If registration exceeds available space, registrants will be put on a waiting list on a first come, first served basis.

The Saint Francis United Methodist Church Preschool Board shall make final interpretation and administration of these registration policies.

Saint Francis United Methodist Church Preschool admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.