St. Mark’s United Methodist Church
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Mission Statement
We believe that children learn best through play and meaningful relationships with peers and loving adults. Our environment allows children to experience and develop a deep love of learning. The tools for healthy social interactions are modeled, taught and applied. We foster a sense of wonder with opportunities for discovery and experimentation. We value and accept each child’s developmental stage and unique style. We provide a supportive network for families to build a bridge between home and school. St. Mark’s is a place where: Children begin to develop a lifelong love of learning Children PLAY Children are empowered Children learn through experience and discovery Children’s early literacy is valued and encouraged Children learn to trust and are trusted Children’s natural creativity and curiosity are fostered Children and adults become a peaceful community of learning, sharing their joy and wonder.
About This Cause
Our Nursery School offers programming for children four months through five years. Each classroom maintains small student to teacher ratios, and offers different programming options to accommodate the needs of families and children. All classes begin at 9:30 and end at 12. Classes are staffed by a collaborative team of teachers who create a sense of community and cooperation, forming strong relationships with the children. Children who attend St. Mark’s are given the freedom to play, have fun, and take risks with support from loving adults who are committed to honoring this important period of development. Teachers use observation to follow the lead of the child to support each individual’s unique learning experience. Children are supported within relationships to communicate, problem solve and resolve conflicts with increasing independence. Throughout the year, parent participants and IU Field Experience students join teaching teams and contribute to the care children receive, and the variety of adults that children have the opportunity to interact with and learn from. Our Kindergarten is one of the few half day programs available in Bloomington, offering children an alternative opportunity to grow and learn at their own pace. The kindergarten day begins at 9 am and goes to 12:30. Two teachers work together to facilitate an emergent learning curriculum for up to 14 students. An emergent curriculum is one that is decided by the children’s interests as they occur. In our child led program, teachers collaborate with the children throughout the year to decide on topics of inquiry. As teachers facilitate discovery and exploration of topics, kindergarten students learn skills while participating in project work, centers, and small and large group time. These activities meet and exceed the Indiana State standards as well as the requirements and expectations of most first grade programs throughout our area. Every day, children are given multiple opportunities to engage in free play, where many do their most important work. During play, children learn and practice social skills and communication skills with guidance from their teachers when needed. Teachers observe children’s play and interests to inform both natural and planned teachable moments. Kindergarten is a very special year in a child’s life. Many people consider kindergarten the first step of the child’s academic career. We consider this year a continuation of what we hope will be a lifetime love of learning and an important year of social and emotional growth. Our Community- At St. Mark’s we believe in the power of a strong and supportive community. We adhere to NAEYC’s Anti-Discrimination Position Statement when hiring staff and teachers. We welcome children and families of every race, sex, religion, ethnic or national origin, language and ability. Equally, we welcome families in whatever way they present themselves, honoring all gender identities, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, belief systems, and family structures by practicing mutual respect and affirmation. We do not teach religious doctrine, but focus on developing caring relationships and the experience of wonder in the world around us. Our teachers work to consciously treat all children with equal respect and consideration, interacting with them in ways that build self-esteem, and valuing differences between individuals. Our classrooms and children’s literature is curated to contain visual images that counter stereotypes. Adults in our community strive to model acceptance, tolerance, kindness and set an anti-discrimination intention. Accreditation- Since 1990, St. Mark's has maintained accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). As the nation's leading voice in early childhood education, NAEYC requires that their accreditation be reviewed and renewed every five years. This complex process involves self-study, evaluation, and site visits from NAEYC validators. We are excited to report that St. Mark's was commended in all 10 standard areas. We are thrilled that what we do for children and their families is recognized as excellent by the most prestigious national early childhood organization.