Staff, parents, and board members of Trinity Christian Preschool, Trinity Child Development Center and Harbour Pointe Christian Preschool met on Tuesday, May 24 to reflect together on these ministries.
The Schools' mission is to share God's love by partnering with parents and guardians in the social, emotional, physical, spiritual and cognitive development of their child. We provide an age appropriate environment that is safe and caring where children are nurture in the love of Christ.
Participants shared stories that illustrated strengths of the schools.
- Several expressions of care for school families in times of crisis, including connecting to Pastoral Care ministries, highlighted a sense of "family" as well as the value of networking with broader ministries in the congregation.
- Attention to helping new students adjust to the environment made the School feel like "a home away from home."
- Cognitive progress of a student, in spite of family crises, demonstrated the consistent, supportive environment that Schools provide.
- Children being greeted by name and a hug each day they arrive indicates the personal attention given to each student.
- A mother's call to alert staff when her child was injured overseas on vacation shows the depth of love and relationship experienced by children and families.
- Watching children being allowed to work on a project at their own pace, to their own standards shows patience and the willingness to allow children to express themselves freely.
- Connections made to the church through the Schools suggests that they sometimes act as a "front porch," welcoming people into broader congregational involvement.
As potential improvements to the Schools were discussed, desire was expressed for even stronger direct connections with the congregations, including regular pastoral presence; direct outreach and service opportunities for children; more advertising; increased parent interaction; new "family-friendly" events; and upgraded facilities. Some of the dreams that captured most interest included improved playgrounds; new/upgraded facilities; extending more services to those who cannot pay; and creating a full service center to support families needs.
Some insights identied by the those in the group were
- While the two different sites share similar dreams, they are also two separate sites with unique needs--one size does not fit all.
- The relational element of Schools' ministry is critical and we should continue to foster this. Personal relationship is even more important than school work.
- Amazing to recall the progress from one room 24 years ago at the School's beginning.
- There are so many things we love about the Preschool!
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