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Preschool Mission Statement
United Methodist Church of Antioch Preschool is an outreach ministry of the United Methodist Church of Antioch to families in our congregation and community, providing preschool aged children with a safe, nurturing environment in which to grow, learn and develop spiritually, intellectually and socially. By offering an atmosphere filled with love and Christian values, we are providing families with additional support in order to maintain happy and healthy relationships. Safe Sanctuary Policy
All staff are required to submit a background check. This is keeping with the Safe Sanctuary Policy of the United Methodist Church of Antioch. In addition, all staff are required to sign the Safe Sanctuary Policy. All staff members are CPR certified and participate in ongoing teacher training sessions. |
Our Programs
Ms. TammyI started working at the preschool in 2008 and I have worked in the two, three and four-year-old classrooms. The best compliment I received was, being named the silliest, funniest teacher. My favorite things to do are: jump in puddles on rainy days, watch sunsets on the beach, and watching baseball. I love to read silly books and I really enjoy when my friends find me outside of school and stop to talk.
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Our Tuesday/ Thursday preschool curriculum is designed to develop the social, intellectual, physical, and spiritual well-being of each child. These experiences help to develop a positive self-image and strong self-esteem. The goal of our program is to provide your children with opportunities for spiritual and educational growth, using age-appropriate lesson plans and Christian basics. We have two-year-old, three-year-old, and four-year-old preschool classrooms. Our four-year-old program focuses on preparing your child for Kindergarten.
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Miss Candice
I am currently the 2’s teacher and have been for the past three years. It’s my favorite room! I have been in childcare since I was 16 and started my teaching career at kinder-care as the infant/toddler teacher. I absolutely love working with the little ones and sharing my love of arts and crafts, singing, dancing and being silly. I think the best part of being a teacher is when I receive the love back from my students. They always give the best hugs!
“ A great teacher takes your hand and never lets go!” |
Ms. Lynn
I have been a teacher here at the preschool since 2006. I have two one-year degrees in Early Childhood Education that I earned from Moraine Park Technology College in Fond du Lac Wisconsin. I have worked with young children for over 20 years. I am a mom of two boys. I enjoy spending time with my family. In my free time I like to play cards, cook, ride my bike and watch baseball. I look forward to spending time with your children and teaching them everything that they will need to know to grow spiritually, intellectually and socially.
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Our Tuesday/ Thursday preschool curriculum is designed to develop the social, intellectual, physical, and spiritual well-being of each child. These experiences help to develop a positive self-image and strong self-esteem. The goal of our program is to provide your children with opportunities for spiritual and educational growth, using age-appropriate lesson plans and Christian basics. We have two-year-old, three-year-old, and four-year-old preschool classrooms. Our four-year-old program focuses on preparing your child for Kindergarten.
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Ms. Jackie
I started working at preschool in December 2016. I started working with young children in 1999. I have an associate degree in art plus many extra courses in early childhood. I have two wonderful sons, which I am very proud of. I enjoy spending time with my family, watching my sons play sports, bike riding, taking walks and spending time outdoors.
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Ms. Nicole
It is truly a blessing to be a part of this wonderfully caring and committed teaching staff! My daughter attended preschool here and I liked it here so much I decided that when she went to "big girl school" I was going back to preschool. I began teaching in our Friendship Circle (4-year-old) classroom in the fall of 2016. Since 2000, I have had the honor of working with children aged 0-92 in a variety of classroom settings. I received my B.A. in Social Studies Teaching from Purdue University and have 30+ hours of Early Childhood Education Training from Kendall College. My favorite part about being an educator is encouraging each student's unique gifts and aiding them in using these gifts to unlock their full potential. Outside the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my daughter, Aria, directing the UMC of Antioch's Chancel Choir, performing/music directing in local community theatres, and singing and choreographing for the Riverport Chorus.
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Our Tuesday/ Thursday preschool curriculum is designed to develop the social, intellectual, physical, and spiritual well-being of each child. These experiences help to develop a positive self-image and strong self-esteem. The goal of our program is to provide your children with opportunities for spiritual and educational growth, using age-appropriate lesson plans and Christian basics. We have two-year-old, three-year-old, and four-year-old preschool classrooms. Our four-year-old program focuses on preparing your child for Kindergarten.
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Ms. Carole
I have been a Preschool teacher for 33 years in both Illinois and Wisconsin. After retiring from full time teaching I joined PDO Preschool. For the last 2 years I have been working with the 4-year-olds. I attended University of Wisconsin – Parkside with a concentration in Early Childhood Education. Outside of work I have a very busy family life. My husband Scott and I have been residents of Lindenhurst for 29 years. We have two children Doug - 28 years old and Dana - 25 years old. We recently added two new members to our family, Doug’s wife Lauren and Dana’s husband Cody. We have 3 Dachshund -Shelby, Sadie and Shey. When not spending time with our family and friends I enjoy reading, sewing, crocheting, running and curling. I feel I have been truly blessed to work with so many different families over the past 33 years. I have a real love for teaching and I am looking forward to another exciting year in the Friendship Circle classroom.
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Ms. Angie
I started teaching at UMCA Preschool in 2019 after being a substitute teacher. I am currently teaching the M/W Enrichment Class and the T/Th Two-Year-Old Class. I have been on the preschool board and a member of the UMCA church since 2016. I am also the founder and event coordinator for the Vendor/Craft Fairs which are the largest fundraisers for the preschool. Two of my children went through the program and absolutely loved their experience! I love being part of the preschool and seeing my students learn and grow. I enjoy spending time with my husband and three children, attending endless activities for my kids, and being very involved in the UMCA and Antioch communities.
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In addition to our Tuesday/ Thursday preschool program we also offer a multi-age (three and four-year-old) Preschool Enrichment Program on Monday/ Wednesday. This program offers your child an opportunity to build their strengths and enhance their skills in a Christian environment that focuses on the needs of the children enrolled. Our activities will focus on essential school readiness skills: including but not limited to social/emotional development, literacy, creativity, math, science, and fine motor skills.
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Ms. Nicole (Friendship Circle) and Ms. Jackie (Angel Wings) help lead the Monday - Wednesday Enrichment Program
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Healthy Snacks and LunchesSnack schedules are distributed each month. Please be mindful of classroom allergies. Click the image for snack ideas!
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Our Administration
Pastor Kathleen - Children's Pastor
Grandma of four, Retired pastor and chaplain, serving UMCA preschool since 2014 with desire that children are surrounded with an awareness that they are special, unique, and deeply loved by God. As a bilingual former Spanish teacher, monthly the children are exposed to Spanish words, greetings, colors, numbers, and songs.
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Kim Dodd - Director
I started working here in 2012 as the teacher in the four-year-old classroom. In 2014 I became the director. I am very excited to be back as the director of the preschool. I received my degree in Early Childhood Education from Elmhurst College. I have taught preschool, kindergarten, first grade and I have substitute taught through eighth grade. I love working with young children. I always enjoy seeing a child’s face light up when they have learned or mastered a skill for the first time. We are truly blessed to have the opportunity to enrich the lives of your children. I hope that everyone has a wonderful year.
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