Did you know that Our Savior currently hosts a morning-only early childhood program for toddlers (3’s and 4’s) and Pre-K (4’s & 5’s)?

As a parent and a pastor, I can confidently say that one of the most important developmental stages in a child’s life is between the ages of 3 and 5. Not only are they soaking up everything they hear and see (and mirroring it back to everybody they see), they are also building secure, trusting bonds with significant people and environments which shapes the framework for how they will experience life and faith.

Early Childhood Education (preschool) is not only a good framework for “moral education”. It is also pivotal in how young children see Jesus, interact with other trusted adults and authority figures, build friendships with peers, and learn how to discover and learn about the world around them.

As a proud parent of three kids who were significantly formed through Christian Early Childhood Education and a pastor of a ministry which includes a preschool, here are three reasons to either consider for yourself (if you are a trusted adult of a preschool-aged child - or soon to be one), cheer on and support our preschool, and why preschools like the one here at Our Savior, matters for our kids, their families, and our wider community.

Jesus-Centered Space
Preschoolers hear, see, and experience Jesus not only in age-appropriate and dedicated Jesus and chapel times, but in every area of discovery, play, and learning. From science and math to sharing toys and reading skills - Jesus is a part of it all. Not only does every child learn their ABC’s and 1-2-3’s, they also discover that Jesus is their forever friend who loves them unconditionally. The coolest part is when kids tell their parents about Jesus, ask them to read Jesus bedtime stories, teach them how to pray, and help others like Jesus helps others. Truly, Jesus becomes a part of the day and life of every preschooler - and prayerfully, their families and friends, too.

Kindergarten Readiness
Starting early with basic skills prepares littles to learn basic concepts that serve as building blocks for literacy, the arts and sciences, and the life-long joy of learning. Through age-appropriate curriculum, every preschool student will discover, grow, and learn:

• Social and emotional skills for everyday life and friendship
• Pre-Reading skills
• Introductory writing skills
• Foundational relationship skills between numbers and objects
• Observation and exploration skills related to the created, natural world around us
• Artistic skills necessary for creative expression through a variety of mediums
• Large and fine motor skills required for success in all areas of life

100% of our preschool students are at or beyond Kindergarten readiness standards.

Relational Nurture and Play
While minds can be formed through the learning of new information; hearts are nurtured through the non-verbal and verbal interactions with trusted adults. Preschool students at Our Savior spend time in small groups, large groups, and one-on-one groups with peers and adults outside of their families (sometimes for the first time). As they discover new people as well as connect and bond through play and interaction, the preschooler’s heart “catches” Jesus-like compassion, generosity, and care for all people. Through nurturing the heart and the mind, preschoolers learn to feel and express the fruit of the Spirit - joy, love, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. Only through the trusted, nurturing, fun-filled relationships found in a preschool classroom will children experience “teachable moments” that will help them grow in body, mind, and spirit.

​​Meet our Preschool Team

​As Christians, we firmly believe that:

1. God provides all things, even without us asking for them in prayer, and 
2. God chooses to provide all things through people.

That means that apart from a miracle (which I believe is possible!), basic necessities for life such as food, clothing, safe housing and shelter, reliable transportation, and learning supplies are provided by God to all people through people.

I don’t know a whole lot, but I do know this - based on my conversations with our neighbors, friends, and community leaders, many families in Central Pierce County continue to worry about what the fall will bring in regards to unpredictable access to basic supplies like

• appropriate clothing and safe housing…
• adequate access to food…
• reasonable fuel costs…
• affordable healthcare expenses…
• reliable transportation schedules… 
• and stable employment.

A fear of lacking these basic human needs all contribute to a pervasive sense of worry, anxiety, and uncertainty.

Yes, Jesus does say, “do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34).

You can read more about what Jesus says about worry here.

When Jesus enters reality, worry turns to trust; anxiety transforms to confidence; and uncertainty becomes security. And who is Jesus’ body - His hands, feet, and voice? 

The church… you and me… we are the body of Jesus for our neighbors… for each other.

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That’s why the Back 2 School Fair on Saturday, August 20 matters. You can go to go.oslc.com/backtoschool to learn more about volunteering to be a part of being the body of Jesus by providing basic necessities for students and their families as they prepare to go back to school in September.

But, don’t take my word for it… here is what our school counselors are saying about how God is providing for people’s needs through you…

• I talk to a lot of kids that tell me they don’t have any crayons/markers/paper at home to use. Thank you for all you do for our community.

 

• We still [always] need some backpacks... The water bottles would be great, socks are always in high demand,  something families ask for- not expensive kinds, but anything like from Walmart.. We so appreciate everything!

 

• We are always in need of: Pencils, Pens - Red, Blue and Black, Highlighters, Paper, Re-useable water bottles would be AWESOME! Thank you so much, can’t tell you how much it helps our families.

 

• In our leader meeting, we were talking about supplies – what the district is providing vs what they need. Some of the needs that we don’t believe the district is providing are colored pencils and the binder dividers. If you magically come across a supply of these, can you please keep us in mind? Thank you so much!!!

Jesus provided our greatest need - forgiveness of all of our sins (meaning, we are made right with God!), a life of service and loving people like we are loved by God, and eternal life loving God forever. And we are given this, even without us asking for it. God chooses to provide all of it through His Son, Jesus.

Likewise, God provides all created things necessary for this life, even without us asking for them in prayer. We have such an abundance of resources in our world.

And, God chooses to provide all things through Him… His body, the church… you and me… we are the body of Jesus for our neighbors… for each other.

I once read that God doesn’t need your love and service - your neighbors do.

How true that is. . . it’s how God chooses to provide for every need in every place for every person.

Head over to go.oslc.com/backtoschool to be part of this year’s Back to School Fair.