First Presbyterian Preschool prepares for new year

SALEM - For over three-quarters of a century the First Presbyterian Preschool has been the first step on the path to learning for children in Salem and surrounding communities. By making each child an active participant in his or her learning experience, the preschool fosters a sense of accomplishment, social development, and a lifelong love of learning in each child who passes through its doors.

Carol Ricciardi, a past teacher and administrator for the First Presbyterian Preschool, who now sits on its board, said she is excited to see the preschool opening for another year of excitement and discovery. She said those behind the preschool's success have worked diligently to create a program that incorporates all the latest research in early childhood development and creates a classroom experience that benefits not only the student, but also his or her family.

The five-day-a-week program combines the best elements of preschool and childcare for children between the ages of 3 and 5. Full-day and half-day programs allow for flexible scheduling, and keeping a low student-teacher ratio allows the teachers to focus on the students as individual learners, incorporating each child's strengths and abilities into the learning process. Following a Christian theme, the First Presbyterian Preschool is well on its way to earning its second star in Ohio's "Step Up to Quality" program, and it participates in the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services (ODJFS) publicly funded childcare.

The First Presbyterian Preschool board is also pleased to announce that Jennifer Gillis will be taking on the duties as director and teacher for the 2022-23 school year. Gillis brings 25 years of experience in early childhood education to her new position, and she has become well known and loved by children in the Salem community, spending her entire career in several preschools around the town.

Ricciardi said she is excited to welcome Gillis to the First Presbyterian Preschool.

"Jennifer brings to our program a genuine love for teaching young children, a creative teaching style, and a strong passion for developmentally appropriate practices for young children," Ricciardi said. "She will be a tremendous asset to our preschool program."

Gillis believes that children are naturally inquisitive and are motivated to solve problems. She said the program at First Presbyterian supports this through meaningful play, and the curriculum puts emphasis on learning that will help the whole child's total development. This includes emotional, physical, cognitive, and social development as well as the development of self-esteem within each child.

The unique learning styles of children are considered, she said, and children are encouraged to make choices, accept the consequences, and participate actively in learning. Intentional learning experiences and a child-centered environment help build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

"Early childhood is a time of enthusiasm, exploration, and discovery," Gillis said. "Our preschool program supports the growth and development of young children. Children are active, social individuals who learn by exploring the world around them. Children learn best when they are active participants in their own learning, their curiosity to know influences classroom planning, and hands-on investigations. Our program will provide an atmosphere in which young children can work and play together in a child-centered environment utilizing a developmentally appropriate curriculum. We provide activities that will promote a child's natural curiosity, to develop self-confidence and independence, and other readiness skills needed in preparation for kindergarten."

The First Presbyterian Preschool might just be what families interested in bringing out the best in their young children are looking for. The preschool is now accepting new students for the 2022-23 school year and can work with families to determine the program and funding that best suits their needs. Enrollment packets can be picked up in the First Presbyterian Church of Salem's office, Monday through Friday. More information is available by calling 330-332-8620.

While preschool, enrichment classes and kindergarten are all familiar elements of the early childhood education landscape today, this was not the case when Genevieve Dunn was preparing her two young sons to enter school in the early 1940s. At that time, a child's first experience with school was entering the first grade at the age of 6, and Dunn thought they would benefit by learning a few things before setting foot in the classroom.

She invited the boys' friends to be a part of the experiment, and soon the group was gathering at the Dunn home each day to play while they learned and learn while they played. Word of Dunn's impromptu class spread, and even after her sons entered the first grade, she was being asked by eager parents to help their children the way she had helped her sons and their friends. However, the size of Dunn's classes outgrew her home, and more room was found for them at the First Presbyterian Church of Salem.

Ricciardi said she, Gillis and everyone involved with the First Presbyterian Preschool are working to keep up that long tradition of excellence.

"Our Preschool has provided quality education for young children in Salem and surrounding communities for over 75 years." Ricciardi said. "So much has changed in Early Childhood Education since Mrs. Dunn first opened the school. Our preschool has worked diligently to keep up with these important and timely changes."