In a nurturing, Christ-centered setting, children ages 18 months to 5 years explore God's love every day through play, wonder, and gentle faith moments. Our mixed-age classrooms, small group sizes, and devoted Christian teachers foster kindness, independence, confidence, and school readiness, all within a safe, joyful space that supports families in St. Charles and Harvester, MO.
EARLY CHILDHOOD OVERVIEW
Why Families Choose Zion
Children attend 2, 3, 4 or 5 days per week: half or full day.
Approximately 230 young students fill our classrooms every week!
Sessions run from 8:00-11:30am or from 8:00am-3:00pm. Families have the opportunity to add Before and After Care to their child’s full day schedule.
Our classes are comprised of mixed age groups: 18 months-36 months (ELP) and 3-5 years of age (Preschool). Research has demonstrated that classrooms composed of learners with a range of abilities and gifts will have measurable gains in leadership skills, prosocial behavior, independence and competence in cooperative learning abilities. Older learners nurture younger learners and all children benefit from collaborative learning strategies.
EARLY CHILDHOOD MISSION
We strive to share the love of Christ with each child and family every day.
To share God’s love because He first loved us.
To teach them to love God’s creation.
Through joy, excitement, and curiosity.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Zion History
Zion's Early Childhood Program offer programs specific to the learning needs and styles of children 18 months through age 5. Parents can take confidence in the following attributes of our welcoming, Christ-centered environments:
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Addressing the needs of all learners
We address the needs of all learners through developmentally appropriate practice (DAP), the Missouri Early Learning Standards, the Spiritual Milestones as stated by the Child Ministry Department of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and formative assessments in a portfolio format.
Learning Strategies
We encourage independent and interdependent learning strategies in all curricular areas. Curricular strategies include Project Construct; Handwriting Without Tears; Second Step: Social-Emotional Early Learning; One In Christ and SMARTboards (Interactive Whiteboards) in every classroom.
Communication
We communicate daily with families through our Early Childhood Blogs/Instagram and our staff child ratios are low (1:4 and 1:8).
Experienced Teachers
We are accredited with the Lutheran Schools Accreditation Association and our teachers hold Bachelor Degrees in Education or degrees related to Child Development.