ABOUT US
Philosophy (back to the top)
Fairfax Presbyterian Preschool was established in 1958 as a nonprofit, nonsectarian, interracial, and nonpolitical institution by and under the Session of the Fairfax Presbyterian Church. It currently falls under the Church's Christian Education Ministry. Our program provides half-day classes two to five days a week, depending on the child's age, from September until May. Children must be at least three years old by February 28th or not more than five and a half years old on September 1st of any given school year.
We believe that each day of a child's life should lead toward the growth and development of a healthy and contributing member of society. To accomplish this, our program provides rich and varied learning opportunities which contribute to a child's social, emotional, physical, creative, intellectual, and spiritual growth. Our program is based on the understanding that a child learns naturally through play; we believe that play is the most developmentally appropriate means for young children to learn.
We offer classes that meet the needs of several different age groups. All of our preschool children attend Music and Movement once or twice each week and attend Chapel once every month. Children in the four-day and five-day classes also attend Kindercorner once each week. In addition, the entire preschool has the opportunity to participate in special events, such as field trips, puppet shows, and special days such as pajama day, hat day, and color days, as well as enjoy other resource programs that add exciting variety to our curriculum.
Each class is led by a paid, experienced teacher who meets National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) qualifications. Parents also play an important role through the Parent Participation program, where parents or other caregivers assist in their child's classroom on a rotational basis. The Four-Day 4 Year Old and Pre-Kindergarten classes have a ratio of six children to one adult. All other classes have a ratio of five children to one adult.
Our staff encourages children to be responsible for themselves and to begin to see how their actions affect others. Teachers use positive reinforcement methods, redirection, and discussion to lead to self-discipline. If a child is out of control or simply needs time away from the group, it may be necessary to remove him/her from the immediate situation for a few minutes before bringing him/her back together with his/her peers. A child will never be left alone or unsupervised, humiliated or subjected to verbal abuse, shamed or frightened, or denied food or rest.
The Preschool attempts to follow the same calendar as Fairfax County Public Schools with the exception of the start of the school year, some teacher work days, and the last day of the school year.
Parent Participation (back to the top)
Your participation as a helper in your child's class lets you be a part of his school day, get to know his/her teacher and friends, and meet other parents. Being a Parent Helper in the classroom is a great way for you to watch your child, and other children of the same age, in action and get a first hand look at all the exciting things we do at preschool. It also provides us with a wonderful opportunity to get to know all of our families and have you feel more a part of the FPP family. Parents work in their own child's classroom and provide a healthy snack for the class the day they participate. It is a special day that your child will look forward to and remember for a long time. Please read one of our parent's reflections on Parent Participation (pdf).
Parents work in their child's classroom on a rotational basis. The number of times per year that you will be the Parent Helper depends on the number of children in the classroom and the number of days per week that the class meets. For example, if your child is enrolled in a class of 10 children that meets two days per week, you will participate in the classroom once every 10 days that the class meets. If you are unable to work on your scheduled day, you will need to find another parent who is willing to switch days with you or arrange for a Paid Parent Helper (list provided by the Preschool).
As a preschool licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia, all parents and other caregivers participating in the classroom are required to attend at least four hours of training provided by Preschool staff during the school year. Parent Helpers must attend orientation before they can participate in the classroom. In addition, we require that all parents and other caregivers participating in the classroom undergo a background security check and submit proof of a recent negative TB test before they can participate in the classroom. For more information about these and other requirements, please go to Forms.
Teacher Qualifications (back to the top)
Classroom teachers meet the standard requirements for licensing by the Commonwealth of Virginia as well as accreditation by the NAEYC. In the 2007-2008 school year, all staff will complete 14 hours and, in the 2008-2009 school year, all staff will complete 16 hours of training in Early Childhood Education and Childhood Development.
License & Accreditation (back to the top)
Fairfax Presbyterian Preschool is licensed by the Virginia Department of Social Services. This license is reviewed annually. Our current license is valid through May 2008. We are accredited by the NAEYC. Our current accreditation is valid through May 2010.
Facilities (back to the top)
Fairfax Presbyterian Preschool is located in the sun-splashed classrooms of the Fairfax Presbyterian Church building.
Every classroom enjoys the convenience of a direct exit to the playground and a private, right-sized bathroom.
Our playground is large, shaded, and home to a variety of fun equipment.
We have a large and bright indoor recreation room, which is used during inclement weather and for special events.
We have a classroom dedicated to our popular Music and Movement program and another classroom for our Kindercorner and Chapel programs.
The cheerfully decorated, two-room Nursery suite has plenty of age appropriate toys, books, and baby equipment.
We also have a full kitchen.
Please visit our Online Tour to view a slide show of our facilities.
Fairfax Presbyterian Church (back to the top)
Fairfax Presbyterian Preschool was established in 1958 as a nonprofit, nonsectarian, interracial, and nonpolitical institution by and under the Session of the Fairfax Presbyterian Church. The Preschool currently falls under the Church's Christian Education Ministry.
Employment Opportunities (back to the top)
Please contact the Preschool Director via telephone at 703-273-4333 or via email at fppdirector@fairfaxpresby.com regarding anticipated vacancies for the 2008-2009 school year. All classroom teachers should have a bachelor's degree in education or closely related field; a CDA may be accepted as an alternate qualification. Administrative staff have different qualications; please inquire. Most positions generally follow our academic year. Benefits include personal days and paid holidays. All positions are part-time; we do not offer health insurance or a retirement plan.