Early Childhood Education

2 years, 5 mos. by Sept. 1st, 2021 and potty-trained through Transitional Kindergarten (TK)

It has been said that “the beginning is the most important part of the work”, and Hephatha’s Early Childhood Program is indeed a great beginning for your child.  It is our joy and privilege to provide a program that offers a variety of experiences that will encourage balanced growth in each child, thus preparing them for a successful educational experience, according to His plan (Prov. 22:6).  We  understand that each child is gifted, and it is our goal to provide a supportive and stimulating environment that will aid in the development of such gifts, and encourage your child’s feeling of self-worth.  In Hephatha’s Early Childhood Program, your child will learn through:

• Large and small motor activities (click here for the developmental goals for 2’s & 3’s and 4’s & 5’s/TK)
• Character development
• “Voyages” Bible curriculum (published by Concordia)
• “Zoo-phonics” letters & letter sounds curriculum
• “Handwriting Without Tears” writing curriculum
• Outdoor education curriculum
• Story Time
• Teacher-lead Music
• Language
• Creative Play
• Science, including STEM carts
• Cooking
• Art

Hephatha’s Early Childhood Program serves ages 2 years and potty trained through Transitional Kindergarten, and operates at a 1:12 ratio. Our Christ-based curriculum is focused on building core knowledge, cognitive, social/emotional, and physical development.  Click here if you would like to find out more about our Admissions process!

Philosophy

Hephatha Lutheran Early Childhood Program is a congregational outreach-ministry for the community launched by the church.  Early Childhood Education at Hephatha involves the congregation, the community, our staff, the family, and the child. As staff Hephatha Lutheran Church and School, we know that “Young children are gifts from God.”  (Psalms 127:3)  Our program is designed to provide opportunities for learning and an environment that children may grow.  ”Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (II Peter 3:18)

A child grows not in parts, but as a whole being.  Therefore, the “whole child” must be considered when developing curriculum.  As facilitators of Early Childhood Education, we believe that, through a developmental teaching philosophy and an environment that stimulates, supports, and encourages, we will meet the needs of each individual child.  Child development is accomplished through nurturing and providing activities that promote spiritual health, social involvement, emotional independence, the development of cognitive reasoning abilities, and both fine and gross motor skills.  We believe that one of the best ways to accomplish this is through the act of play.

Also, as Christian educators of young children, we realize that God is using us as His instruments to nurture a growing understanding of His love in the lives of these children.  This promotes us to be involved with the families of these young children, especially in their own spiritual growth, by sharing the good news about Jesus our Savior.

School Mission Statement

The mission of Hephatha Lutheran is, by the grace of God, to build up the family of Christ, to grow in faith, to assist families in “Discipleship” and raising their children in a Christian community, and to provide an educational experience wherein all will find identity, purpose, and power for their lives in Christ by living in grace and the knowledge of Him as their personal Lord and Savior.  Hephatha provides an atmosphere where children can “Pray & Play.”

HOW OUR HEPHATHA FAMILY DESCRIBES OUR

EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM:

SCHOOL WIDE LEARNER OUTCOMES:

Feel free to contact Mrs. Knudsen, Admissions Director for EC-8th Grade, at (714) 637-0887, ext. 126 or dknudsen@hephatha.net, should you have any questions or concerns.  In the meantime, discover more about Hephatha by following our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages, check our videos on YouTube, and download our free mobile app!