1  What is the mission statement?

The mission of ELP is to inspire children’s natural curiosity to learn through discovery and play in a loving, Christian environment.

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2  How long has ELP been in Pickerington?

ELP was established in 1977 and was the first preschool in the Pickerington area. We have been here ever since supporting families, educating and nurturing children, and providing families with a loving, Christ-centered early education program.

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3  What qualifications do the teachers have?

All ELP teachers have met educational and professional development standards required by the Ohio Dept. of Job and Family Services. Every staff member is certified in CPR, First Aid, Communicable Diseases and Child Abuse Recognition & Prevention. Our teachers continue to receive professional development during their time at ELP, have a passion for children, and work as a team to provide children and families with a secure and loving environment.

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4  What curriculum does ELP use?

ELP does not use a set curriculum. Instead we use the Early Learning Content Standards for the state of Ohio, as well as the kindergarten readiness skills as determined by Pickerington Local School District, to map out the lessons and skills we teach in the classroom. This allows us the freedom to follow student interests, as well as ensures we are preparing each child to walk into kindergarten with the skills (academic and social/emotional) they need to feel confident and successful. 

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5 What is the schedule for ELP?

Morning classes run 9am-11:45am. In order to be supportive of families, we have a drop-off window of 8:30am-9am.  Children are to brought into the classroom by their parent/care giver, anytime between 8:30 & 9am, without missing any classroom time. This time window allows children to have extra free-play time, and also alleviates stress on families to get to school  at a very specific time.  We want coming to school to be a positive experience, and your morning routine to be as easy as possible.  Some free play will also be provided after the 9am start time, for those students who arrive at 9am.  Afternoon classes start t 12:30 PM and end at 3 PM.  Students can be picked up at 11:45am, or 3 PM at the front doors of the church.  Pick up is a drive thru process; you will be given a name plate for the car and teachers will be present to supervise students, as well as help them into the car.  Please note, teachers cannot buckle your child into the car. ELP follows the Pickerington School District calendar for holidays and days off.

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6  What does a typical day at ELP look like?

During their day at ELP, children will have the opportunity to engage in independent and group play, small and large group activities, use their fine and gross motor skills, explore using their senses, get exercise, use their creativity and cognitive skills. Students will participate in circle time, music activities, art and science activities, practice identifying shapes, colors, numbers and letters in a variety of developmentally appropriate ways. We will also have special activities such as library, chapel time, show and tell, etc. While we strive to make the daily schedule predictable to provide children with a sense of routine and security, we also strive to include enough different opportunities to keep children invested and excited about school.