St. Paul’s Preschool was founded as St. Paul’s Kindergarten in 1957. From beginning as one class of kindergartners with two teachers to the present-day configuration of 14 classes ranging from infants (4 months of age) to readiness (5-year-olds) and a staff of 30 teachers, the preschool program at St. Paul’s has continued to provide quality early childhood education.  In acknowledgement of the milestone of our 50th anniversary, the Preschool Board held a special party in the spring of 2008. 

Preschool enrollment for the 2008/09 school year is just under 200 children, with approximately 135 in attendance on most days. The Preschool is currently providing full or partial scholarships for several children who might otherwise be unable to attend.  We have two autistic students who are being mainstreamed in regular classes. Each of these children is accompanied by a “shadow” who facilitates that child’s integration into the classroom routine. We know that not only the autistic children benefit from our program, but also the typical children who learn through their interaction with differently-abled classmates. It is a win-win situation for all concerned.

The Preschool Board is extremely supportive and attentive to our needs. This dedicated group of parents, teachers, church staff, and parishioners works quietly behind the scenes for the good of the entire Preschool program, overseeing the budget, planning improvements, and dealing with other issues that come up. In addition to the usual responsibilities, the board recently approved resurfacing the concrete on the 2-year-old playground and the walkway on the 3/4/5-year-old playground with a safety surface, and making needed improvements on both playgrounds. 

Our teachers are the best to be found anywhere. Most staff members have acquired their NC Early Childhood Credentials, while many hold early childhood and elementary education degrees, and all participate in meetings, workshops, and outside reading designed to invigorate early childhood teachers and their classes. The current director has been at the helm for 23 years. The entire staff works constantly to maintain the highest professional standards.   SPP teachers go “above and beyond” each day to provide the best educational environment for the children in their care.

Parent Council sponsors a variety of activities including Art-By-Me, classroom collage placemats, Doughnuts with Daddy, the ever-popular Santa Tea, the annual SPP Clothing Exchange, Photo Sculptures, and the newcomer’s get-together at the beginning of school. Our very popular Fall Festival, held on the playground on a late October Sunday afternoon, features games and activities for the children and a chance for parents to visit with friends, old and new. Parent Council members contribute in many ways to the successful operation of the Preschool throughout the year, and we are indebted to them. The money raised by Parent Council fundraisers goes toward classroom equipment (toys, games, etc.) and other things that benefit the children and teachers. 

As always, parents support our teachers by providing enjoyable holiday parties, reading to classes, substituting, and helping in a variety of ways. Without the excellent parental support of fundraisers and fun-raisers throughout the school year, we would be lacking in many areas.   We are fortunate to have such wonderful families at St. Paul’s Preschool.

Three- and four-year-olds attend chapel each Wednesday morning.  All classes (2 years and above) enjoy weekly music classes. Our fours and fives also have shop (clay and woodworking). Parent volunteers provide such enrichment as science classes for the older children, and our preschoolers derive great benefit from these experiences. Extra-curricular classes are offered in computers, dance, and gymnastics. These after-school programs allow parents to enrich their children’s lives while letting them stay in a setting that is convenient and in which the child already feels comfortable. 

Some may consider our jobs to be merely “babysitting,” but, in reality, we, the staff of St. Paul’s Preschool, are given the opportunity to work with children when they are learning more than at any other time in their lives. This is an awesome responsibility, but one that we eagerly accept and appreciate. The children’s bright smiles, excited voices, and love of life and learning give all of us reasons for enjoying our time together each morning. Thank you, St. Paul’s, for making this possible.

                                                                                                                                                Judy Ingram,

                                                                                                                                                Preschool Director

Preschool Board 2008/09

Kimberly Gentry,

        Chair

Roger Echols,

        Vice-Chair

Anne Dunn,

        Secretary

Andrew Hano

Cary Marcantonio

Paige Daniel

The Rev. John Shields,

        Interim Rector

Judy Ingram,

        Preschool Director

Shelley Holden &

        Meredith Masten,

        Parent Council Co-Chairs

Lucy Paynter,

        Vestry Liaison

Stacy Holley,

        Director of Christian Education

        for Youth and Children
Teacher Representatives (one per meeting)