About Mayflower Preschool
In 1968, 10 years after Mayflower Congregational Church was founded, the new education wing of the church was dedicated. At this time the church decided to establish a preschool as a community outreach program. Preschool enrollment grew from 24 children in 1968 to over 200 in a short period of time. Due to this expansion, it was necessary for Mayflower Preschool to become a separate non-profit entity.
The focus of the preschool has changed throughout the years. With increasing accountability at all levels of public education, preschool has become much more of an academic experience focused on preparing children for kindergarten. State expectations and accreditation standards for early childhood education have changed significantly. Mayflower Preschool meets these high standards. The school has been accredited by NAEYC (the National Association for the Education of Young Children) since 1993.
The Preschool is administered by the Mayflower Preschool Council. The Council is comprised of parents and community members who have a dedicated interest in the preschool. The committees of the council are: Communications, Future Planning/Personnel, House and Grounds, Fundraising, and Finance. Meetings are held once a month during the school year in the evening. All policies and procedures which govern the preschool are determined by the council.
The focus of the preschool has changed throughout the years. With increasing accountability at all levels of public education, preschool has become much more of an academic experience focused on preparing children for kindergarten. State expectations and accreditation standards for early childhood education have changed significantly. Mayflower Preschool meets these high standards. The school has been accredited by NAEYC (the National Association for the Education of Young Children) since 1993.
The Preschool is administered by the Mayflower Preschool Council. The Council is comprised of parents and community members who have a dedicated interest in the preschool. The committees of the council are: Communications, Future Planning/Personnel, House and Grounds, Fundraising, and Finance. Meetings are held once a month during the school year in the evening. All policies and procedures which govern the preschool are determined by the council.
NAEYC Accredited Preschool
The National Association for the Education of Young Children administers the nation’s largest and most widely recognized voluntary accreditation system for high-quality early childhood programs. Its purpose is to improve the quality of care and education provided for young children and to recognize early childhood programs that function in accordance with the criteria for high-quality early childhood programs.
In accredited early childhood programs you will see…
To learn more about NAEYC's accreditation standards and criteria visit their Website.
In accredited early childhood programs you will see…
- A healthy and safe environment for children
- Frequent, positive, and warm interactions among teachers and children
- Open communication with parents, who are always welcome visitors in the program
- Respect for cultural diversity and diversity in learning styles
- Good child-teacher ratios in the classes
- Specially trained teachers
- Ongoing professional development
- Planned learning activities and materials appropriate to children’s age and development
- Effective administration
- Ongoing, systematic evaluation
To learn more about NAEYC's accreditation standards and criteria visit their Website.
Mayflower Preschool has been accredited by the
National Association for the Education of Young Children. |
Mayflower Preschool
2345 Robinson RD SE Grand Rapids, Michigan 49506 (616) 459-7386 preschool@mayflowerchurch.org |