St. Andrew Lutheran Church: Early Childhood

“Growing in God's Love”
"Let the children come to Me; do not hinder them. For to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it."
Mark 10:14-15

Our Philosophy
The St. Andrew Early Childhood programs encourage the development of each child's understanding of God, related to life in the world, while providing social interaction and enrichment in a quality Christian environment.

The teaching staff nurtures the growth of trust in a safe, loving and positive atmosphere. The teaching of faith is naturally integrated in all developmental areas—physical, social, emotional, intellectual and spiritual.

Our Commitment

Loving Christian environment
Minnesota state licensed
Low staff-to-child ratios
Christian curriculum

Preschool

General Information

Our day will include small and large group, as well as individual experiences.
Our classrooms are set up with Discovery Learning areas that will allow children to learn through their senses and by doing.
A balance of active and quiet activities will be offered daily.
Two scheduled conferences per year, or conferences at parents' request are offered.
Child/teacher staff ratios:
     3 year olds: 1 to 10 / 2 to 18
     4 year olds: 1 to 10 / 2 to 20
     4 to 5 year olds: 2 to 20
Our program meets or exceeds Minnesota Department of Human Services licensing standards.
Parents are welcome to visit any time.

Sessions and Enrollment Information
2008-2009 Preschool Registration Form

Enrollment for the 2008-2009 Preschool year, for families currently enrolled in our programs and for those on waiting list waiting to be placed.

For registration forms, please contact Sherrie Luettinger or Deb Bigley. Registration is on a first-come basis. If you are unsure as to whether or not your child is ready for kindergarten (and you're considering waiting another year), please register now. The classes for the 4 to 5-year-olds tend to fill quickly. You may wish to discuss this with your child's teacher.

3-Year Olds (by September 1, 2008)
Tues/Thur 9:00-11:30am
Tues/Thur 12:45-3:15pm

3-Year Olds (by September 1, 2008)
Mon/Wed/Fri 9:00-11:30am
Mon/Wed/Fri 12:45-3:15pm
Tues/Wed/Thurs 12:45-3:15pm

4-Year Olds (by September 1, 2008)
Mon thru Fri 9:00-11:30am
Mon/Wed/Fri 9:00-11:30am
Mon/Wed/Fri 12:45-3:15pm
Tues/Thur 12:45-3:15pm

Tuition (effective September, 2008)
2-day program: $119.00 per month
3-day program: $161.00 per month
5-day program: $269.00 per month
Non-refundable $55 registration fee

Preschool Sampler

2008-09 Preschool Sampler Registration Form

Lunch Bunch

An extended program offered to preschool students is Lunch Bunch. Lunch Bunch is a relaxing time to share lunch with friends at preschool, followed by time to play! Weather permitting, we may go outside. If your child is in the morning session, his/her teacher will take your child to the lunch area. You may then pickup your child in the lunch area at 12:45. If your child is in the afternoon session, you bring your child to the lunch area at 11:30am.

Important notes about Lunch Bunch

Lunch Bunch is from 11:30am to 12:45pm. Cost is $7.00 per session (Refunds will be made in the form of credit only for future lunch bunches and only if cancellation is made 24 hours in advance).
A sign-up flyer will be sent home with the preschooler one week prior to the next month's session. This form will enable you to sign up for the days you have checked for that respective month.
Some preschool children are not ready for this extended time or large group experience. Please take into consideration your child's individual needs. Lunch Bunch staff will share concerns in order to provide a safe and positive experience for all. We reserve the right to ask you to wait with your child and try again later.
Refrigeration is not available for this many children, so please do not send food items that need to be refrigerated. Also, items that need to be cut do not do well either.
Please label everything. Do not send items of value or sentiment.

Preschool Summer Camps
Click here for the Summer Camp 2008 Flyer.

Pictures From Exploring the Ocean Summer Camp.

Art for Mini-Masters Summer Camp.

-->

For more information contact Sherrie Luettinger, Preschool Administrative Assistant, at 952-937-2776 ext. 40, or Deb Bigley, Early Childhood Minister at 952-937-2776 ext. 19.

PMO (Parents Morning Out)

Parents Morning Out (PMO) is a ministry of St. Andrew Lutheran Church provided by the Early Childhood Program for children ages 6 months to 2 1/2 years of age. Age breakdown is as follows: Infant (6-17 months) and Toddler (18 months to 2 1/2 years).

Our purpose is to provide an environment in which young children can develop socially and emotionally with a goal to help each child feel safe and secure, while parents take some quality time of their own. We want to help the child(ren) experience God's love through the care given by staff members of PMO.

PMO is a school year commitment beginning in September 2008 and running through mid-May 2009 with sessions Monday, Thursday or Friday mornings from 9:00-11:30 a.m. (with various vacation and holiday breaks throughout the year). Activities included in the PMO program include stories, songs, creative play, videos, art projects and group games. A nutritious snack will be provided each day, preceded by a brief table prayer.

You will need a $40 registration fee for registration.

Tuition is as follows:
    1 child, $70.00 per month per family
    2 children, $100.00 per month per family
    3 children, $130.00 per month per family

Note: Removal from PMO requires a 30-day written notice and one month of tuition.

PMO Registration Form

Further information and registration forms are available by contacting either Sherrie Luettinger, Preschool Administrative Assistant or Deb Bigley, Early Childhood Minister at 952-937-2776.

Mini Sessions

These six to eight-week sessions will provide a wide variety of experiences that will focus on nurturing each child's self esteem as a wonderfully created child of God. Themes may focus around topics such as creative movement, art, or cooking.

These sessions will include many hands-on activities, nature exploration, arts and crafts, music, games, and time enjoying our gym/playground areas. Age- appropriate activities will be planned under the guidance of a certified teacher and will promote the child's social, emotional, physical, and spiritual growth.

Musikgarten
Click here to to be redirected to the Musikgarten information.

Storytime
Storytime (0-5 years old)

Daycare

The St. Andrew Early Childhood Daycare Center accepts with great respect the responsibility and trust you place with us in the care of your young child(ren). It is with much responsibility we carry out quality in all aspects of this program. Our staff is committed to the development of young children and will work with parents as our partners as we consult with you to assure your child(ren) receives the quality of care and learning crucial in these early years. We strive for success, which ensures your child's personal growth, the continued respect of the family which we serve, and the communities we are a part of.

Our center offers early childhood care and learning in a warm, safe, Christian environment. We will strive to meet your child's individual exploration through a child's choice of Discovery Learning areas. We encourage cooperative play and with the guidance of early childhood professionals we are a great place for your child to make new friends. Our center features an indoor gym, outdoor playgrounds, private classrooms for infants, toddlers and preschoolers, practice life dramatic play areas, library cove, creative experiences, hand-on science and math opportunities, music, a wide range of "whole" language experiences . all in a Christian environment.

Meals
Our Early Childhood Daycare Center provides a nutritious breakfast, hot lunch, and an afternoon snack.

Hours
Our center is open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. year round. We will close on major holidays, including Christmas Eve, the day after Thanksgiving and Good Friday. We are also closed for two staff development days each year.

Staff
Our staff are employed by St. Andrew Lutheran Church and are a valued part of our ministry team. Staff are trained in first aid, CPR, receive in-service training throughout the year and are selected for their education, experience with young children, and their desire to use those skills in a Christian environment.

Fee Schedule (effective January 1, 2008)

Infant Classroom
     Five full days $289
     Three full days $226
     Two full days $188

Toddler Classroom
     Five full days $256
     Three full days $203
     Two full days $167

Preschool Classroom
     Five full days $227
     Three full days $188
     Two full days $160

Part-time schedules may be available, but only if we are able to match you with another part-time schedule.

There is a $50 per-family, non-refundable registration fee. Fees are subject to change. Tuition is due the first day of your child's week. A $15 late fee is charged for tuition paid after noon on the second day of your child's week.

For more information contact Linda Fahning, Administrative Assistant, at 952-937-2776 extension 30, or Deb Bigley, Early Childhood Minister.

Early Childhood Programs

Pictures From Exploring the Ocean Summer Camp.

Art for Mini-Masters Summer Camp.