Preschool at FBA
We know that the decision as to where your child goes to preschool is an important one. We are delighted that you have chosen First Baptist Academy for your family, and look forward to getting to know each of you better! Your child’s day at First Baptist Academy will be filled with developmentally-appropriate learning in a loving environment, with a focus on kindergarten readiness. We offer a structured learning environment with hands-on activities that correlate with our learning objectives. We call this “learning through play.” We are thankful that you are part of our family this year and we are excited to partner with you in laying the foundations for your child’s education!
The FBA PreK3 and K4 preschool programs use developmentally appropriate curriculum with a Biblical Worldview, and differentiated instruction to meet student needs at their level.
A Day in the Life at Preschool
PreK3 Program
FBA PreK3 is a well rounded program in which the children engage in a variety of activities that help them to practice readiness skills. Some activities that they enjoy participating in are pretending in the Housekeeping Center, painting at the easel in the Art Center, building structures in the Block Center and using their fine motor skills with play dough. The children also attend Chapel once a month. They sing songs, listen and participate in Bible lessons, and prayer time.
K4 Program
Our K4 Program is purposefully designed to promote the principles of Kingdom Education and academic excellence. We are dedicated in building a strong foundation and igniting a lifelong passion for learning in our children. K4 uses a variety of curriculum tools in a developmentally appropriate environment to ensure that students learn through a Biblical Worldview. Classroom instructional time will include literacy and letter learning activities, math games and activities, science experiences, culinary experiences, art projects, weekly chapel, and special events and socials. Students are introduced to Related Arts classes each week which include: Music , P.E. , Art , and Library time. Each day children have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of outdoor experiences. Our beautiful campus includes a new playground, an outdoor classroom area, trike path, outdoor activity area, nature walks, and gardens. There are many opportunities for children to run, jump, throw, dig, explore, discover, and investigate God’s world while playing with classmates.
Typical Day
Morning Time Activity
Pledges and Prayer
Calendar
Alphabet
Letter Sounds
Language Mechanics
Bible
Math
Morning Read Aloud
Centers
Morning Recess
Handwriting W/O Tears
Lunch
Related Arts (Music, P.E, or Art)
Science/ Social Studies
Afternoon Centers
Afternoon Read Aloud
Student Arrival/Dismissal
The PreK program begins at 8:00 am. Pre-K students may be dropped off beginning at 7:30 am at the PreK playground. Half day students are to be picked up at the East Porte-cochere at 12:00. Full day students will be picked up at the East Porte-cochere 3:00 pm.
How will my child be challenged?
We differentiate our instruction based on student needs. We meet the student at their individual level and provide challenging activities that allow them to progress at a comfortable and developmentally appropriate pace.
Does my child have to be potty trained?
Children must be potty-trained and three or four years old, respectively, by September 1.
Can our child promote early to next grade level?
Our age policy states that a child must be 3, 4, or 5 by September 1 to be eligible for PK3, K4 or K5. This policy is also in place at First Naples Church and is a statewide requirement.
Top 10 Questions for a Prospective Preschool Parent
Preschool may be the first place your child experiences a school setting away from home. Choosing just the right environment for your little one is a top priority, and visiting the facilities in person is essential. There’s no better way to get a feel for the educators and the setting than to spend time there yourself. Here are 11 key questions to ask when visiting your child’s future preschool:
Ask yourself what you want your child to accomplish during their time in preschool:
Are you looking for socialization?
An academic head-start?
Biblical immersion?
Play-based learning?
Or all of the above?
Knowing your own goals for your child will help you ask the right questions at any preschool you’re considering.
Is it developmental, Montessori, classical, traditional, or something else? How does the philosophy shape the daily curriculum and activities? How is learning encouraged? There are many approaches to raising children, and the curriculums and philosophies adopted by preschools reflect that. Know what you’re looking for and find a school that fits in with your overall parenting philosophy.
Make sure that your school of choice has the highest standards for both screening and training their educators. Are the teachers trained specifically in the philosophy of learning the school focuses on?
Anyone who is working with children should be thoroughly background checked. At a Christian preschool, the teachers should be held to high moral and behavioral standards as well.
Every educator should have up-to-date CPR and first aid certifications. When caring for young children, a thorough knowledge of first aid and emergency care is critical.
The answer you are looking for is no larger than a 1 to 10 teacher to student ratio. But keep in mind, while class size matters, class management matters more.
Every school handles discipline differently. Does the school’s philosophy fit in with your discipline philosophy as a family? What are the policies on handling a student who is engaging in destructive or harmful behavior?
Science in preschool looks a bit different than microscopes and laboratories. It might include planting a garden, taking care of a class pet, examining leaves and rocks, or going on an outdoor bug hunt. Exploring the arts will be hands-on, experimenting with painting, drawing, and other mediums. It may involve exposure to classical music, instruments, and dramatic arts. A great preschool will help nurture a sense of curiosity and a desire for exploration in your little one.
Nutrition is a critical part of a child’s learning. Are meals/snacks provided? Or do parents need to send them with their child? Will students with food allergies be carefully accommodated?
How do you handle potty time for students? Do children need to be fully potty trained before they can attend preschool? What is your policy on diapering?
“So blessed to be able to send my children here, loving and kind environment. Great teachers as well.” -Lena, First Baptist Academy parent
Are you ready to schedule a visit of First Baptist Academy’s outstanding preschool? We can’t wait to answer your questions!
Dr. Oliver Phipps
Elementary School Principal