THE PLAYHOUSE
MOM'S MORNING OUT AT FIRST PRESWhat is The Playhouse?
The Playhouse is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church for families with young children (ages 1-3). The mission of the church is to know Christ and to make Christ known together. To work towards that mission, we use the Gospel Project, which is used for First Presbyterian Church children’s ministry. We engage children with Christian songs and principles and incorporate the opportunity for children to share the Gospel with others.
THE PLAYHOUSE
CURRICULUM
Montessori Inspired: Neither our teachers or our curriculum are certified Montessori. We are, however, inspired by the Montessori philosophy, which promotes a prepared environment that follows the lead of the child. We guide children with an ordered arrangement of learning materials and routine of order. There is freedom of choice and movement in the classroom where teachers act as a guide to help children progress to the next level of development. They are invited to experience the world with their five senses. In the Montessori environment, nothing is ever done for the child that he can do for himself. This is the most important thing parents can reinforce at home to promote independence and confidence for his future development.
Practical Life: Through the repetition of Practical Life activities, children develop and refine the basic skills that will serve them all their lives. The Playhouse offers the early Practical Life exercises, such as Pouring, Opening and Closing, Spooning, Bead Stringing, and Water Activities. These activities are aimed at enhancing the child’s development of fine motor control, hand-eye coordination, balance, sense of order, concentration and independence.
Language: The Language materials in The Playhouse encourage the refinement and enrichment of language as the first steps on the road to writing and finally reading. Early Language materials and oral exercises like storytelling and reading aloud support the toddler’s need to be immersed in language. Activities include books, puzzles, naming objects like fruits, vegetables and animals, and beginning sound games.
Sensorial: A toddler’s senses are challenged to match and sort objects by size, shape, color, or texture in the environment. Sorting is used to assist the child in creating mental categories. Exploring how water, sand, clay and other materials behave when manipulated is fascinating to the child as well.
Math: To help prepare the mathematical mind, toddlers are exposed to the world of numbers through counting games and concrete materials. Math activities include stacking and nesting cubes, number blocks and puzzles, and sorting and counting materials.
The Playhouse runs Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30-11:30 AM, starting September 6. Our program will follow the same calendar as the Children’s House Montessori School.
THE PLAYHOUSE TUITION RATES
Church Members – $130/month
Non-Member – $150/month
Contact The Playhouse Coordinator, Peggy Wolbrecht, below for more information.
THE PLAYHOUSE SCHEDULE – 2023-24
Thursday, August 24 – Meet the Teacher (9:00-11:00)
Tuesday, September 5 – First Day of Playhouse (8:30-11:30)
Tuesday, October 10 – Fall Break
Tuesday and Thursday, November 21 and 23 (returning Tuesday, November 28) – Thanksgiving Break
Tuesday, December 21 – January 2 (returning Thursday, January 4) – Christmas Break
Tuesday, February 13 – Mardi Gras Break
Tuesday, March 21 – Easter Egg Hunt
Tuesday and Thursday, March 26 and 28 (returning Tuesday, April 2) – Spring Break
Thursday, May 16 – Last Day of Playhouse/Water Play
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a Montessori-inspired program, and how does it differ from other Mom's Morning Out programs?
Neither our teachers or our curriculum are certified Montessori. We are, however, inspired by the Montessori philosophy, which promotes a prepared environment that follows the lead of the child. We guide children with an ordered arrangement of learning materials, activities and the philosophy based on the work of Dr. Maria Montessori.
What aged children do you accept at The Playhouse?
How much does it cost to have my child attend The Playhouse?
How many days will my child attend The Playhouse each week?
Do you have a holiday schedule?
Will enrolling my child in The Playhouse automatically qualify my child for admission to The Children's House?
INTERESTED IN ENROLLING?
Thank you for your interest in our program! Enrollment is now open for 2022-23. Please fill out and submit our interest form below. We will be happy to contact you to discuss enrollment or answer any questions.