Preschool At The Chapel of The Cross

The Preschool at the Chapel of the Cross, an independently incorporated outreach program of the Chapel of the Cross, operates each weekday from 8:15 am to 12:15 pm, year-round. Our four-hour preschool day and 12-month curriculum are just a few of the unique advantages that PCC offers our families. We serve children of all faiths in our two, three and four year old classrooms. Currently, 38 childre

n attend five days a week, with a total enrollment reaching 60 children. Attendance schedules available to each age group include:

Two-day option (Tuesday/Thursday)

Three-day option (Monday/Wednesday/Friday)

Five-day option (Monday-Friday)

History

The preschool was established in 1971 by two Chapel of the Cross parishioners. In the beginning, only twelve children from nine parishioner families attended one day a week. In 1972, the school quickly expanded to a weekly, tuition supported preschool serving children up to age 3. The co-founders primarily intended the preschool to serve the parish, with the ultimate goal of opening spaces for the community at large. The preschool has grown into a community school, serving 2,3 and 4-year old children of all faiths. Philosophy

At PCC, we believe that each child is a unique and special individual. We recognize that children develop at different rates and have needs and interests that vary from day to day. We value each child’s cultural heritage and respect the differences among us. Most importantly, we believe in allowing children their childhood, a time of great curiosity and exploration, by providing a caring, safe and stimulating environment for them. The goals of the Preschool’s program are:

To provide a quality preschool experience, where the development of social, emotional, cognitive, and motor skills are enhanced. To encourage cooperation and problem solving. To increase self-help skills leading to independence. To provide a place for children to have fun in a secure, loving environment. Accreditation

The Preschool at the Chapel of the Cross is a member of DOPA (Durham-Orange Preschool Association). Our Director served as President of this organization for the 2008-2009 school year. DOPA’s goal is to provide training and continuing education opportunities for its members and strives to provide the support and networking opportunities for both Director’s and staff previously provided by National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Since 1995, PCC has been accredited by NAEYC. As of September 2006, NAEYC’s guidelines changed, making it nearly impossible for most part-day, non-profit preschool programs to complete and maintain their accreditation process. While PCC greatly respects the educational research of NAEYC, this preschool, along with others in Chapel Hill and Durham, has temporarily withdrawn from the NAEYC accreditation process. PCC will continue to adhere to the 1998 guidelines under which it was accredited in 2002 and will remain committed to quality care and education of young children.