Director's Notes & News

The Co-Op Program Our Co-Op program is a unique, yet valuable, asset to our preschool. It allows teachers and families to form strong relationships as they become partners in their child’s overall development. Due to these uncertain times, and our pledge to keep all families safe and healthy during our fall reunion, the decision to continue the Co-Op program is … Read More

When I was in the classroom, we would sing a song about “work and play.” But really in preschool, those words are synonymous. Play is a child’s work.  KUM Preschool provides a strong foundation in early learning through a play-based environment. In this day and age, when school standards and community expectations dictate the path for children’s growth and development, … Read More

Helping Children Deal With Big Emotions The other day in the gym, a group of children were rolling a large exercise ball. A younger child approached and tried to jump on top of the ball. The boys yelled, “No! Stop!” A tug of war over the ball ensued. A teacher stepped in, validating that the boys must feel frustrated that … Read More

Meaningful Music The Pre-K classes have been abuzz with activity as they prepare for the production of The Little Red Hen. While we love to see our little ones dressed in costume under the glowing stage lights, the process leading up to the finale is equally important and meaningful. The story of The Little Red Hen became the central theme … Read More

Full STEAM Ahead at KUM! I love my job. I get to move from classroom to classroom and see the exciting things that are happening at KUM. I have the ability to focus my lens on various learning situations and see value in it all. I observe children use language and communication skills while putting a puzzle together. I watch … Read More

Learning to read and write is a developmental process that begins at a very early age. These skills stem from a child’s basic need to communicate. During infancy, children learn to communicate through verbal and non-verbal actions. As they grow, children begin to use symbols to communicate. Research has shown that very young children can understand that the written word … Read More

I recently read an article written by early childhood guru, Lillian G. Katz, PhD. She reflected on our country’s trend to push academic instruction at the preschool level in order to prepare children for kindergarten. She illustrates the differences between academic goals versus intellectual goals for children. Academic goals consist of acquiring smaller bits of information like alphabet and number recognition, the days … Read More

Some of you may know that I am a big fan of promoting outdoor play for children. Getting children outdoors boasts a long list of benefits. Children who play in nature: Improve their gross-motor skills, including balance, agility and coordination. Exhibit better cognitive development such as reasoning, observation and awareness. Experience reduced stress and enhanced abilities to focus. Participate in social interactions and collaboration … Read More

With the unrest and despair happening in today’s society, this quote stuck out in my mind: “If we want real peace in this world, we should start with educating children.” – Ghandi Classrooms should be the starting point where peace, love and acceptance for others are taught. Our mission states that KUM is a “safe, nurturing, Christian environment where all … Read More