Willow Creek Preschool
Our Preschool
Willow Creek Church is pleased to offer a safe, quality Preschool for the residents of Winter Springs and its surrounding communities.
For years, our committed Preschool staff has provided young children with a loving environment in which to grow and prepare for a lifetime of accomplishment to the glory of God. Please explore our website for more information about our Preschool and discover the blessing it might become for you and your child. As always, please call us with any questions. We’d love to talk to you!
Preschool Mission
Willow Creek Preschool is a Christ-centered preschool committed to faithfully building children through truth and love.
Willow Creek Preschool is a ministry of Willow Creek Church, governed by the leadership of Elders and Pastors. As an outreach of the church, we are committed to “glorifying God by declaring and demonstrating the power of the gospel, and inviting people to discover and deepen their relationship with Jesus”. We hold to the Biblical doctrine of redemption through the saving grace of Jesus, as well as the Biblical doctrine of family as outlined in the Bible and the Westminster Confession of Faith.
Willow Creek Preschool was established in 1995. We believe that children learn best and appropriately at their God-given developmental level. As we have grown through the years, we continue to maintain the high standards of care and teaching with which we began. Our hearts and arms are open as we care, teach and minister to God’s precious little ones.
Our program provides a loving, Christian environment that fosters learning through play, exploration and creativity. We believe this approach is important as this is the time in a child’s life where they learn most of what they need for the future: loving God and each other, sharing, showing kindness, honesty, practicing self-control, communication, listening, a lifelong love of learning, and school readiness skills.
Our goal is to come alongside parents and our desire is to develop friendships with them as we care for, teach and minister to their precious children. We provide opportunities for parents to grow in their understanding and knowledge of child growth and development.
For more information, please contact our Preschool Office at 407-699-0033 or email us at wcpreschool@willowcreekchurch.org
Our Classes
A variety of classes are available for children who are two years to four years (by September 1st of the school year).
2-year-old programs
Two or four days per week (9:00am–1:00pm).
3 year old programs
Three, four or five days per week (9:00am -1:00 pm). All children in our 3 year old program must be independent in their toileting.
4 year old programs
Four or five days per week (9:00 am-1:00pm) VPK and non VPK options are available. All children in our 4 year old program must be independent in their toileting.
Optional "Stay & Play"
Available for 3 & 4-year-olds from 1:00pm–2:30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays for an additional fee*
Early morning drop off is available each morning from 8:30–9:00am. for an additional fee*
*see registration and tuition page for fees
Our Teachers
Willow Creek Preschool is proud to provide our students with a loving and dedicated staff of teachers who are dedicated to providing the very best experience for you and your child. We strive daily to teach, direct, encourage, and love each child according to their God-given abilities.
All teaching staff must give clear evidence of faith in Jesus Christ. We are committed to teaching God’s word and planting those seeds of faith in each and every child.
The following are requirements for our teachers:
- All teaching staff is required to have 40 hours of state-mandated Early Childhood training, 5 hours of literacy training, and continue their training annually with 10 hours of in-service classes.
- All staff are fingerprinted and checked both federally and locally.
- Staff meets state requirements for certification in Child First Aid and CPR training.
- All VPK staff are required to have a 4-year degree (preferably in Early Childhood Education or a related field) or have a Child Development Accreditation Degree. All VPK teachers meet the Florida Standard requirements.
If you have questions about our preschool teachers and staff, please contact Willow Creek Church Preschool Director.
Curriculum:
Willow Creek Preschool uses the Wee Learn Curriculum (a Faith-based curriculum recognized for VPK). Philosophically it is a hands-on curriculum that encourages participation from students and open ended, individual outcome. Self-esteem through students thought or project is built through independent and accepted results.
We have also incorporated the Creative Curriculum as a resource as well. All written language is taught phonetically and math is hands-on learning. We encourage individualized scaffolding in the classroom and through playful teaching, students (who are developmentally ready) are highly prepared for Kindergarten when they leave Willow Creek.
Lesson plans are posted in classrooms and monthly calendars are given to parents indicating the Unit of study as well as other information.
Willow Creek Preschool also integrates STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) into the curriculum. Children are encouraged through STEM activities to plan, predict, identify problems, solve problems, design, sequence, and pattern, share discoveries, explore shapes, use tools and ask questions.
Each age group uses our “Discovery Room” 4-5 weeks each year to enhance that week’s unit. The Discovery Room is set up with puzzles, sensory tables, games and props related to that week’s unit. Each class in that age group has access to the fun learning environment 30 minutes each day that week.
Spiritual Growth:
Our Faith is interwoven throughout each day of school. Our goal is to nurture a love of God and an understanding of His Son, Jesus Christ. We encourage children to see God in everything and to gain the knowledge of His constant love and presence. Each age group has a Bible reading plan that is joyfully carried out.
Children also attend chapel weekly from 9:15-9:35. Chapel is a time of singing fun songs of faith and a Bible story. Willow Creek Church staff and other leaders take turns teaching the Bible lesson. Parents are invited to join us for chapel at any time throughout the school year.
Music:
Our music program is based on fun and physical activity. Children learn listening skills, rhythm, knowledge of instruments, singing, memorization and movement to music. We have also married into our music program the S.M.I.L.E. Lab (Sensory Motor Intense Learning Environment). S.M.I.L.E. uses large motor and fine motor activities to challenge, encourage and grow children through intentional activities. Children are given hands-on time at fun and unique stations that increase brain development, hand eye coordination, balance, core strength and learning capacity through play and defined cross-over movements. This program has been proven to develop brain connections which promote learning potential.
Playground:
Willow Creek has an excellent playground designed to encourage both independent and cooperative play. Children visit the playground 30 minutes a day (2 year olds are outside for two 30 minute blocks) and are supervised by their teacher. We love our playground! It consists of swings, slides, climbing equipment, plenty of open space for free running and imaginative play.
Registration and Tuition Rates
We are so pleased to have you consider enrolling your child at the Willow Creek Church Preschool!