Discover Burkhead United Methodist Church Preschool

By Guest Blogger Sue Ellen Bennett

Are you or someone you know looking for just the right preschool? Come check out Burkhead Preschool on Feb. 1 from 6:00 P.M. -7:00 P.M. My youngest son’s preschool is hosting an Open House for families looking to find the perfect fit for their child. There will be childcare and a light supper provided during this open house event.

I am a mother of three boys, ages 3, 6 and 12. My youngest son has been attending Burkhead since he was a toddler, and is currently in the three year old class. My Kindergartner attended Burkhead from age 3-Readiness. I can’t say enough wonderful words about Burkhead Preschool. If I were limited to just a few words to describe our school and our experience they would be joyful, happy, fun, warm, lots of learning, creative, nurturing and loving...

There are many things that drew me to Burkhead Preschool. Top on my list was the fact that there is virtually no teacher turnover and the families that enroll their children stay. My children have, and are still, creating amazing relationships with other children that will last a lifetime. As a mom and a former educator of young children, I was able to evaluate the school from two different angles. What I see as a mom is the loving and nurturing piece that I find so important. As an educator I am very impressed with the quality and experience of the teachers at the school, as well as the developmental, hands on approach to learning in a safe and loving Christian environment.

Another fantastic feature is the small number of children in each class. The smaller numbers allow each teacher to genuinely nurture, teach and love each child. My kindergartner was in a class of 7 for his Readiness experience! As a former kindergarten teacher I do not believe you can get much better than that! I say to myself often,“What’s the point of Readiness if there are 15-20 children in the class?” With smaller numbers, it is truly a readiness program with substance and focus. By the way, our readiness teacher has 17 years of experience!! In fact, the 12 staff members have a combined 109 years of teaching experience.

Due to an overwhelming demand for another preschool in the Sherwood Forest area, several preschool teachers and a preschool director pulled together, enlisting the help of Burkhead United Methodist Church to build this extraordinary and very special program. Burkhead United Methodist Church, www.burkhead.org, has been so welcoming to our children and their families. The church has been very generous in providing a safe, clean, loving and Christian environment to house our preschool. Burkhead United Methodist Church has made a commitment to serve young children and their families in our community. Their commitment to our preschool is evidenced in their continual financial and personnel support.

Burkhead preschool opened its doors in the fall of 2006 with classes starting at age 12 months through readiness. It is open 5 days a week from 8:50-12:00 with early care and lunch bunch offered. There are various class options for each age. The great thing about their offerings is that if the printed schedule does not fit your needs the director will work with the families to make a better fit. The willingness and desire to be as flexible as possible to meet the needs of each family is absolutely terrific.

In addition to the outstanding staff, the preschool offers Stretch-n-Grow, Fabulously Fun Fitness for Kids!, Creature Teacher, Inc and a weekly music program. The four and five year olds have chapel once a month with the minister of the church, Kathie Sherrill. You can go to their website to get more specifics about the schedule, class offerings, tuition and more.

Burkhead has an excellent, safe, fenced in playground. If it is raining the children are able to use the large fellowship hall to run, play and ride indoor riding toys. It is definitely a plus to have both an indoor and outdoor active play area that is safe and that provides toys and materials for free play. All toys and materials in the school are age-appropriate, and you will always find that children are actively engaged in work or play.

I just love the location! The school is located at 5250 Silas Creek Parkway on the northwest corner of Silas Creek Parkway and Pensby Road, in old Sherwood Forest, between Robinhood and Yorkshire. The entrance is on Pensby Road. It is easy to access the school from all areas of town. After drop off, I can get right on Silas Creek and easily access I40 to get to the Y on time for that most important exercise class. Or, I can stop at the grocery, bank or pharmacy on Robinhood Rd. without feeling like I am back-tracking. Even better I can get to preschool for pick up quickly via Silas Creek if I am at the mall, Target or a doctor’s appointment. What is really nice for the families that have older siblings at Sherwood Forest Elementary is the close proximity to the Preschool. Parents can drop off their child and head to the Elementary school to volunteer or have lunch with their child and know they are not too far away to be on time for pick up.

When starting preschool each year there is always angst on both the parent’s and child’s part. I love the fact that Burkhead provides an opportunity each fall to meet and greet the teacher prior to the first day of school. The children and their families come to school at an appointed time to meet one-on-one with their child’s teacher, see the classroom and the school. The children are able to explore the classroom and be introduced to their teacher. This is a magnificent opportunity for the parents to give information about their child that would not normally be on a registration form. It also provides superb insight for the teacher as she begins the beautiful journey of teaching that particular child. The teachers take this opportunity to listen, answer questions and provide information about the program and expectations. The meet and greet truly makes the first day and the transition easier for both parent and child.

Later in the year there is also an opportunity to meet with the teacher again to conference, one-on-one, about your child’s progress. However, the teachers are always available, easily accessible and eager to meet with you at any point during the school year at your request.

Here are just a few testimonials from former and existing families at Burkhead United Methodist Church Preschool.

“My son had a wonderful preschool experience at Burkhead. The small class sizes allowed him to receive a lot of attention from the teachers. Linda, the preschool director, was always at the front door greeting the children as they arrived at school each day. It was very obvious how much the staff cared for the students. “ Becky DeBruhl

“When our son was diagnosed with Autism, the staff, families, and students at Burkhead were so wonderful! We have had their support every step of the way. We send both of our children there, and they love it!” Wendy Milner

“The class sizes were a selling point for me. The one-on-one personal attention that was given to my children was immeasurable.” Michelle McAdams

“Burkhead Preschool is a wonderful place for children to attend preschool! From the excellent teachers and staff, to the facilities and warm friendly environment, my children could not have been happier and more loved!” Debbie Burns

“I feel blessed to have found Burkhead Methodist Preschool. The dedicated teachers always go the extra mile to ensure a nurturing, creative, and positive learning environment. My son loves the unique crafts, outdoor playtime, storytime, music classes, visits from the Creature Teacher, and participating in the Stretch and Grow fitness program. I am truly grateful for the love and caring they have shown my children.” Gabby Greenwood

“I cannot say enough about Burkhead UMC preschool. As a two-time parent at the school, I sing its praises every chance I get. The students get such great individual attention. The teachers are more than qualified, bringing creativity and experience to their classrooms. My children have enjoyed every minute they have spent at Burkhead. Burkhead UMC Preschool is a happy place.” Leigh Munley

I encourage anyone interested in finding just the right preschool to come to our Open House on Feb. 1. Burkhead will be providing a light supper and childcare. For more information about our preschool and our open house visit our website at www.burkheadpreschool.net Click on the “application” button to find the information about the Open House. The preschool asks that you help in planning by calling or emailing ahead to let them know you are coming. 765-6590 director@burkheadpreschool.net.

Preschool registration is just around the corner, beginning Feb. 22, so come take a peak on February 1!

Posted by Triad Smarty Pants at 5:00 AM