Grace Preschool

Our Teachers

Each teacher has his/her Associates, Bachelors or Masters degree in education. In addition, each teacher has early childhood lead teaching experience. Our teachers demonstrate a deep understanding of all domains of learning, and the stages of development. Our wonderful staff has a combined 40 years of experience working with small children and their families! We understand and celebrate the precious and unique nature of the early years.

First Aid CPR qualification is also required of all teachers. Director maintains MAT certification as well.

Teachers must acquire a minimum 8 hours of continued professional development in both the fall and spring semester of every school year. Our teachers are active participants in regional Early Childhood Conferences and Workshops. Our dedicated staff stays current on the latest research findings about how young children learn and grow, and continually seek new ways to spark children’s curiosity in the classroom.

In compliance with the Code of Virginia, Section 63.2-1716 we require each teacher be certified annually from a practicing physician to be free from any disability that would prevent him/her from caring for children under his/her supervision.

Testimonials

Grace Preschool has been nothing but a joy to find. Our little boy has flourished since attending starting at 2 years old, the staff are wonderful, understanding and eager to help develop these little minds and their ongoing developmental skills. From the perspective of a military family it’s great to have a school that understands the stresses of military life on little ones and their families. Our son always comes out with a smile, new art work in hand and exciting stories to tell. A truly caring and nurturing school, a hidden gem in Chesapeake. —Laura L.

So thankful my son was in a caring, Christ centered preschool with an amazing Staff and Teachers! —Shantee H

Philosophy

History: Grace Preschool opened its doors in the Fall of 1973.  The school originally met in the fellowship hall of the church until the present educational wing was built in 1987.

Mission: Grace Preschool is a non-profit organization that reaches out to the community as a “Beacon of Light”. 

Our Vision: We provide learning-through-play experiences in a Christian environment, ensuring children and their families will feel welcomed, secure and confident—knowing each of us is created by God and that we are loved and cared for by our Savior Jesus Christ. We strive to nurture each child’s sense of wonder and curiosity, and to instill a life-long love of learning. Together we prepare children for a successful transition to Kindergarten and to reach their fullest potential for happy, healthy lives. 

​

Location

Located in Indian River neighborhood, near Georgetown Primary School and Norfolk Highlands Primary. The Indian River Branch of Chesapeake Public Library is near by!

About our program

Check out more details on our program website! www.graceps.org

We also have a Facebook page! Check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/GLDSchool

Grace Preschool was proud to be recognized for excellence, through our participation in Virginia’s Infant and Toddler Specialist Network 2020-2021. We were nominated and selected out of the whole Eastern Region of Virginia for this wonderful recognition! The award granted us over $2,000.00 in new educational materials for our preschool!

CURRICULUM

We are proud to use the Preschool Curriculum, STREAMin3. This program includes interactive, multi-sensory activities in classroom environments that are designed to engage children of all abilities and backgrounds. Our curriculum weaves in seasonal topics meaningful to young children and incorporates early mathematics, science, and literacy skill development. We are all about sparking a love for learning. We inspire little minds to think big, be problem-solvers, and embrace their identities and curiosity – setting them up for success in kindergarten and beyond!

The research-based curriculum has been approved by the Virginia Department of Education. The development and implementation of STREAMin3 is a collaborative effort between researchers, educators, policymakers, and other advocates. An integrated focus on academic and social-emotional skills with a scope and sequence that spans from birth to age 5.

We also learn about God’s Love for us through Bible Stories, Prayer, and Weekly Chapel lessons with our Pastor. Children and teachers begin their day with prayer and say grace before snack time. We pray to praise God and to give thanks.

Our Preschool shares some of our colorful artwork throughout the school year as part of our community outreach efforts. We partner with organizations such as the Church Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels, Chesapeake Senior Programs, and Animal Shelters to spread love and care to others through art.

SCHOOL FACILITIES

Grace Preschool occupies the educational wing of Grace Lutheran Church, over 3000 square feet. The three major classrooms are spacious and are equipped with their own restrooms.

The 1.5-acre fenced-in play yard is located adjacent to the educational wing and the play structures are specifically designed for young children.

LICENSING

Grace Preschool meets and exceeds all requirements of the Commonwealth of Virginia pursuant to Section 63.2-1716 of the Code of Virginia. for preschools with religious exemption licensure.

Admissions

Join the Grace Preschool community in four easy steps:

1. Explore our website

We’ve provided information about our philosophies and offerings to help you decide if our program may be right for your family. Contact the Director with questions you may have.

2. Tour our program

Come see what makes Grace Preschool unique. You can schedule a tour at the top of this page. We would love to show you around our spaces! Due to public health guidance, we currently do not schedule tours while our enrolled children are in the classrooms, but we welcome you to visit us after daily dismissal, or over the summer.

3. Submit an Enrollment Application

If you would like to enroll, please submit an application at www.wonderschool.com/grace-preschool-6820/apply – note that we require tours for all prospective families. Please do not submit an application if you have not visited the program. Families of children who were previously enrolled at Grace Preschool who wish to re-enroll for the 2021-2022 school year do not need to tour.

4. Enroll

After reviewing your application, we’ll send an enrollment invitation. Upon accepting your invitation you’ll pay your enrollment fee, fill out enrollment documents, and review our Parent Handbook. We are required by Licensing to document that the director has viewed a copy of your child’s birth certificate. An immunization record must be submitted upon enrolling as well. New students must submit, within 30 days of the child’s start date, a Physician’s Health Form to be kept on file. Health forms are good for two years from date submitted.