Liberty Life - Winter 2010 - Liberty Christian School

Early Childhood EducationOne of the many goals of Liberty’soutstanding early childhood education(ECE) program is to preparepreschoolers for success academicallyas they enter kindergarten.Parent Chelle Werntz had two of herthree children attend Liberty’s ECE.“The two younger ones who went toLiberty’s ECE had a smooth transitioninto Lower School. In kindergarten,they fell right in line with the ABekareading program and were betterprepared for the discipline androutines of Lower School,” she said.Werntz added, “What made Liberty’sECE so special for us was the lovingenvironment. We felt comfortableleaving our children there knowingthey would not only be hugged, kissed,and prayed over, but they wouldfrom wrong. Also we felt they wouldenvironment that was coupled withprofessional moral guidance.“Our experience was nothing butpositive, from the curriculum, to theBible lessons being applied in dailyactivities, to the encouragement ofparental involvement. All of the staffmakes the ECE a very nurturingenvironment for the children to learnand play.“Liberty’s ECE program providedmany learning opportunities thatinvolved centers, music, computers,and Scripture study. This ECEprogram is also special because of thefamilies involved. The ECE wing isa beautiful, safe environment with itsown playground and lunchroom.“The ECE gave our children a joy forlearning and a good moral foundationat such an early age. Principal AnnaJoyner and all of the teachers and staffhave such a love for the Lord andthe children. They have made such aon my children that will be theirfoundation for their future learningand their relationship with the Lord.”Page 6Liberty LifeLiberty’s ECE offers a joyful andencouraging environment forpreschoolers to grow spiritually,academically, and physically the wayGod intended. The curriculum isChristian-based with music movementand computer education every day.Parent Amy Ward said her children’sexperience in the ECE has beenfantastic.She said, “As our boys graduatedfrom the ECE, they were preparedfor Lower School to advance in everyaspect of their education. ECE’satmosphere of fun, education, andcaring, all in a context of Christ-likelove, is one of the many reasons whywe are here.“Liberty’sECE isamazing.”“The chief reason that t the ECE is sogood is the teachers and leadership.When you drop off your children topeople who love and are constantlypraying for them, you are locked armin arm with a partner in helping raiseyour child.“The teachers and leaders have alwaysbeen such a blessing to our family,joy when our kids go to school. Thechildren are so loved and cared forby these dear people. I can’t imaginea better environment for my childrento learn about the world God createdand His tremendous love for them asevidenced by their teachers.”The ECE program also developsan atmosphere of imagination, andsupports character development.Parent D’Ann Chappel said she hastruly loved the ECE program for herchildren – two of her children wentthrough the ECE at Liberty and aredoing great in Lower School, and herthird child is currently in the ECE.Chappel said, “The ECE prepared mychildren very well for Lower School.In ECE, my children’s individualstrengths and weaknesses were notedand then encouraged or mitigated,depending on what was best for thatchild. That is an art and a rarelyseen ability, even among dedicatededucators.”Chappel went on to say that she thinksLiberty’s ECE is amazing.She said, “The teachers do all of the‘normal’ things – my children learnedABCs, songs, 123s, and art. Theyalso learned that learning is fun!More importantly, they learned thatlife is fun, that there are acceptableand unacceptable behaviors, and thatadults will truly love them no matterwhat. The entire staff at the ECE lovesthe whole family of the child, not justthe child. I believe that the ECE hasaccomplished something incrediblyrare, and that is life here on earth as itreally should be.“I do believe that Liberty’s ECEprogram is better than others. I’vebeen involved with two other greatprograms, but there is something aboutthe level of love and acceptance atLiberty’s that sets it apart.”The ECE provides an environmentfocused on Christ’s love for thestudents as uniquely-designed childrenof God who are being prepared forsuccess in their educational career. Astudent’s journey at Liberty truly doesbegin in the ECE.ECE Director Dr. Marcy Nicklasconcluded, “What an amazing EarlyChildhood Education program wehave at Liberty! Liberty’s preschooland pre-kindergarten classes offer theperfect combination of developmentalreadiness activities and academicinstruction in a Christ-centered