Creation Kids Preschool

The 2010-11 school year marks the 12th year of operation for Creation Kids Preschool. What began as hopeful conversation for a few members of St. Johns Lutheran Church in the spring of 1998, soon became a focused mission to strengthen the faith life of its youngest congregation members and provide outreach ministry to families in the community. After little over a year of hard work, the vision of a few became reality for St. Johns Lutheran Church. Since the fall of 1999, Creation Kids Preschool has provided quality, Christian-based preschool programming for hundreds of children and their families within Kasson-Mantorville and the surrounding communities.

When the preschool first opened, Creation Kids offered two classes to four year olds. Each class met three days per week. Creation Kids Preschool still offers those same classes but has since added a three year old program, as well as a Bridge class for children who may be waiting an extra year before entering Kindergarten or who will turn five soon after the start of the school year. The Bridge class offers a slightly more challenging curriculum for children ready for a Kindergarten-like environment. The Bridge class currently meets four times per week. Ten years ago, what busied the halls of St. Johns on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, now fills them with activity four days a week, morning and afternoon.

In the fall of 2009, the shape of Creation Kids Preschool changed yet again as the weekly schedule for the Bridge program expanded from three to four days, once again answering the requests of those families whom it serves. In addition, a transportation coordinator will be available for the families who may need assistance finding carpools.
Lack of transportation to and from preschool has kept families from attending Creation Kids in the past, but rarely has it truly been a problem. There are plenty of parents that are willing to carpool. The problem has been connecting those families. Our hope is that a coordinator focusing her efforts on bringing transportation opportunities together for those who need them will alleviate those uncertainties, explains one CKP Board member.

A typical week at Creation Kids includes large and small group time, free play, art, snack, outdoor play, and show and tell. Sounds a bit like any other preschool? It is, but there is something else that makes Creation Kids unique. The Bible stories, songs, and chapel time that are a central part of the curriculum set it apart and make it a desirable choice for many.

One parent reports, It is so fun to hear the life questions our son comes up with and the ease with which he can talk about Gods love. His growing faith is part of every day life, conversation, and activities, whether playing with friends or helping out at home. Its not just for church.

Current preschool teachers include Rhonda Johnson, who has been with the program since 1999, and Kimberly Johnson, who is in her fourth year with Creation Kids Preschool. Assistant teacher Angie Hanson.

Creation Kids Preschool provides a quality, Christian-based preschool program for children in our congregation and community. Our goals are to nurture the intellectual, spiritual, emotional, social, and physical development of each child. Our mission is to help children grow in their faith and love of God.

Child Ages:

3 years - 5 years

Licenses & Accreditations:

MinnesotaDepartmentofHumanServices

Preschool:

Yes