Great Beginnings Preschool





Preschool News

Dear Church Friends and Preschool Parents, On behalf of the Staff of Great Beginnings Preschool we would like to both Thank You and Congratulate you on your continued support and sponsorship of Great Beginnings as were nominated and voted as the #1 preschool in Tracy once again!!!! As one who has spent the greater part of life involved in education and particularly here at "Great Beginnings" I wish you to know that my heart confirms what the Tracy Press voters wrote, that Great Beginnings is #1. I have been privileged to work with a dedicated staff of teachers who constantly place the needs of the students above their own. I consider it an honor to associate with those individuals who so obviously have a single objective-the welfare of the students placed in their care. I have known this for years however it is nice to see others as noted in the Tracy Press have come to the same conclusion. Success has not come without obstacles and challenges to overcome, however with the guidance and support of our Preschool Board of Directors we have been able to conquer these challenges. Finally, we at Great Beginnings deeply appreciate our supporters and the group of individuals you represent. In voting us #1 preschool again and again, you help us set standards for children and guidelines for those of us who educate. Thank you again for your support! It is refreshing to know there are people out there who are watching with love and with care!


Sincerely,

Rae Ann Ruiz
Director, Great Beginnings Preschool

Our Philosophy:

*We, at Great Beginnings Preschool believe that children should be allowed to take an active part in their environment; that learning occurs through doing and experimenting. It is our role to see young lives shaped into useful and full functioning individuals.

*The credentialed and experienced staff members strive to meet the needs of each child as an individual, and to provide a safe environment where children are free to make choices at their own particular level of social, mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical development. We will provide a quality educational program where children will develop a positive self- image..

*Great Beginnings Preschool welcomes children ages 2- 1/2(potty trained) thru 10 years of age. Preschool and Staff Specifics:

*Great Beginnings Preschool is licensed by the State of California, Department of Social Services, which sets minimum standards for the administration, personnel, program, services, and equipment. Our school meets or exceeds all state, county, and local requirements.Our staff members are all certified in C.P.R. and First Aid .

Our Programs:

Full-time Child Care:
*This program is designed to offer quality child care for working and busy parents. Included in this program is our Enrichment Program from 9-12p.m. plus early morning and late afternoon creative free choices. Child care operates all year round, however designated holidays listed in the admissions agreement will be observed.

Preschool Program:
*This program offers preschoolers a wide variety of learning tools, including arts and crafts, music and movement, circle time, indoor and outdoor activity periods and a mid-morning snack. A theme and a letter of alphabet are introduced weekly, around which the teachers base the daily curriculum.

Pre-Kindergarten Program:
*This program offers Pre-K students a whole language developmental learning program.

*Your child will build language awareness through writing their name, practicing writing the alphabet, letter identification, and introduction to phonic sounds. *A theme and letter of the alphabet will be introduced weekly, around which the teachers will base the daily curriculum. 		Math will be incorporated daily. During the daily circle time the children will be introduced to numbers and counting in reviewing the calendar, date, day of the week, month and year. Math is also incorporated in the curriculum in other ways such as sorting, classifying, counting and sequencing.

Chapel:
*A basic introduction to bible songs and simple bible stories are presented in a fun, up beat format with the Pastor of the United Methodist Church. Chapel is approximately 15 minutes and is Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Chapel time is non-denominational and is presented in an age appropriate manner.

Meals:
*Healthy and hearty snacks are offered midmorning and mid- afternoon after nap time. Snacks often include several food groups with fresh seasonal fruit and veggies offered.

*Great Beginnings is a "Peanut Free" school. No products containing nuts are served to the children, and we ask that parents refrain from sending nut products in the childrens' lunches. This ensures a safe environment for those children suffering from nut allergies.