About Our Program
Messiah Child Enrichment Preschool (CEP) is a religiously exempt part time preschool that offers classes for children 22 months through 4 years of age. Each classroom has one lead teacher and one assistant teacher. Our staff to children ratio meets or exceeds the Virginia licensing requirements. All teachers and assistants are certified in CPR and First Aid.
A PLAY BASED program, CEP teachers use the Creative Curriculum to design days filled with individual free play time, art, sensory table activities, stories and songs, dramatic play, circle time, science, learning centers, poems and finger plays, cooking, indoor and outdoor gross motor play and MORE. Music classes are taught once a week. Students participate in hands on science labs weekly, too. As a Christian preschool, we are dedicated to providing a loving and safe environment. All classes attend monthly Chapel Time with Messiah UMC staff.
Our director, Katie Polk, has been with CEP since her children started the program in 2002. She volunteered as a CEP Board member and Chapel Time leader and then joined our staff in 2008 when her youngest started in the 2 year old class. A graduate of Virginia Tech with a degree in Early Childhood Education, Ms. Katie taught in our 2's and 3's classes before becoming the Director. Ms. Katie loves interacting with our families and teaching science each week.
Program Philosohpy
CEP's philosophy is that children learn best about themselves and their environment in an atmosphere where a variety of experiences exist and achievement pressures are limited.
In keeping with this philosophy, CEP provides an environment where children can:
- Develop a positive self image
- Learn how to self regulate, handling emotions in an appropriate way
- Act on their environment
- Develop independence and a sense of personal responsibility
- Learn to trust and care about those around them.
CEP strive to meet the following program goals:
- Help children grow in independence
- To learn to give, share and receive affection
- To learn to get along with others
- To develop self control and self discipline
- To learn non-sexist human roles
- To learn and practice large and fine motor skills
- To begin to understand their physical world
- To foster the development of language, both listening and speaking
- To provide an environment where children can experience the love and teaching of God through the implementation of Christian principles expressed in the commitment, talents, examples and decisions of a dedicated staff.
Parent Reviews
"Our experience has been exceptional at Messiah Preschool. The teachers are truly invested in my child's education and growth as learners. Adjustments are made as needed to meet the needs. Small class sizes and leveled learning have enabled my child to gain confidence in learning abilities. Also, the administration is open minded and thinks outside the box to make a successful educational experience. I am truly blessed with their care and service for my child!" -- CEP parent
"Both of my kids look forward to their days at CEP. The teachers are engaging and encourage imagination through play-based learning. I love how well the staff communicates with parents by sending pictures throughout the day and detailing activities. I highly recommend CEP to any families looking for part time preschool!" -- CEP parent & board member
"Our child attended CPE for two years and loved it. The teachers are wonderful! Every day was full of enriching, fun, and creative activities. We highly recommend CEP!" -- CEP Parent
Messiah Child Enrichment Preschool (CEP) is a ministry of Messiah United Methodist Church
Located at 6215 Rolling Rd, Springfield, VA 22152
SCHEDULE A TOUR OF OUR PRESCHOOL TODAY!
Call 703-569-3033 or email cepdirector@messiahumc.org
