Preschool
Kirkwood United Methodist Preschool offers half-day and full-day preschool classes for children ages 2.5 - 5 years. Half-day classes are from 9:00-11:30 am in a variety of offerings. There are also full-day class options on MWF from 9:00-3:00.
Our Curriculum
We offer developmentally appropriate curriculum designed and facilitated by a dedicated, professional staff so that children may achieve personal, social, and academic success while developing a love of learning.
The classroom curriculum includes class meetings, math and literacy development, and a large block of center time for child-directed play among the various centers in the room. Center time allows for child-directed play and investigations of classroom materials where children may explore, observe, and wonder while interacting with others. During this time, teachers prepare the classroom with engaging materials and learning opportunities to facilitate this exploration.
Activities are also provided to practice emerging, age-appropriate skills during teacher directed, small group activities. There are a variety of opportunities which are included in the cost of tuition to enrich the curriculum and each child’s preschool experience.
We also offer specialty programs at an additional cost, including Spanish, Musical Kindergarten, Clubs, Lunch Bunch, and Early Drop Off.
Class Offerings
Young 3s Classes
(for children born 8/1/21 - 3/1/22)
This class emphasizes social development and learning through play. At three years old, key experiences include separating from parents, following directions, and being cared for by others outside the immediate family. Trust-building and increased peer awareness are fostered in a safe environment, laying the groundwork for learning.
Preschool 3/4 Year Old Classes
(for children born 8/1/20 - 7/31/21)
Our 3/4 Year Old Classes focus on promoting socialization by helping children understand how their choices impact their relationships and surroundings. We encourage greater participation and age-appropriate play practices, fostering independence, creativity, cognitive growth, and the development of fine and gross motor skills. Children are introduced to phonemic awareness, patterning, and number sequencing with value recognition. Following both verbal and visual directions is also a key component of this class.
Pre-K 4/5 Year Old Classes
(for children born 8/1/19 - 7/31/20)
This class aims to enhance social awareness, emotional intelligence, and Kindergarten readiness skills. Our curriculum includes critical thinking, science, sequencing, sorting, classification, matching, number values, phonemic awareness, problem-solving, storytelling, and following multi-step directions. Children develop their gross and fine motor skills through both large and small group activities. Play and collaborative group work help children appreciate the value of cooperation and contribution. They are encouraged to take risks, discovering that the learning process is often more valuable than the outcome. Mastering appropriate academic and social skills is the cornerstone of this program.
Lunch Bunch (extended day)
Lunch Bunch is a great way to extend your child’s half day experience! Lunch Bunch is offered to all ages.
Lunch Bunch times are 11:30-1:30 on Mon., Tues., Wed., Thurs. and Fri. After each child’s morning preschool, they are brought to the Lunch Bunch class, where they eat with their teachers, then enjoy recess time and play-based experiences.
The cost for Lunch Bunch is $56 per month. Children bring their own lunch to school.
Early Drop Off
This program allows families to drop their children off earlier than 9:00am. Children ages 2.5-5 years in either Preschool or CDO, may sign up to attend this program any day of the week between 8:00 and 9:00am. The children play in the gym while being supervised by KUMCC staff. At 9:00am, the staff will escort the children to the respective classrooms.
Spanish
(for Pre-K students only)
Spanish class is a great opportunity to immerse your child into the Spanish language. The teacher uses a hands-on approach in which art, construction and fine and gross motor activities are incorporated, as well as music and songs. Spanish classes are arranged through The Spanish Clubhouse to the Young 4 and Pre-K students (dates and times TBA), for an additional fee.
Musical Kindergarten
(for Pre-K students only)
Musical Kindergarten is a program designed to benefit the young child’s mind, body and soul. Fun, interactive lessons introduce basic concepts such as rhythm, melody, percussion and singing. When music is paired with movement and instruments, it promotes brain development. Musical experiences also allow the children to express themselves and connect emotionally with the music.
Musical kindergarten is held on select days from 1:30-3:00 with Julia Comfort. Payment is made directly to Mrs. Comfort.
PreK Clubs (extended day)
(for Pre-K students only)
Each club day will have a combination of Gardening/Nature, Tinkering, and Creative Art experiences based on a particular focus or theme. This will help to ensure that we can get outside to the Exploring Place on any good-weather Tuesdays! Clubs will be held on Tuesdays from 1:30-3:00. PreK students may enroll for this class offering at registration. Once enrolled spots are filled, there will be opportunities for drop in spots if there are openings. Please check with the office to reserve those spots.
The cost is $50 per month.
Tuition & Fees for 24/25 School Year
Young 3’s Classes
(8/1/21 - 3/1/22)
- F 9:00-11:30 — $80 per month
- M/W 9:00-11:30 — $159 per month
- T/Th 9:00-11:30 — $159 per month
Preschool 3/4 Year Old Classes
(8/1/20 - 7/31/21)
- T/Th 9:00-11:30 — $140 per month
- M/W/F 9:00-11:30 — $210 per month
- M/W/F 9:00-1:30 — $378 per month
- M/W/F 9:00-3:00 — $504 per month
Pre-K 4/5 Year Old Classes
(8/1/19 - 7/31/20)
- T/W/Th 9:00-11:30 — $210 per month
- M-Th 9:00-11:30 — $280 per month
- M-F 9:00-11:30 — $350 per month
- M/W/F 9:00-1:30 — $378 per month
- M/W/F 9:00-3:00 — $504 per month
Classroom Supply Fees
- $10 per class day attending
- $60 for Extended Day classes
Lunch Bunch
- M/T/W/Th/F 11:30-1:30 $56 per month
Early Drop Off
- M/T/W/Th/F 8:30-9:00 $8 per hour
Spanish
- Fridays times TBD Fee paid directly to Spanish Clubhouse
Musical Kindergarten
- Thursdays 1:30-3:30 Fee paid directly to Julia Comfort
Pre-K Clubs
- Tuesdays 1:30-3:30 $50 per month to KUMCC
Registration Fees
- $75 per child, $35 each additional child
Click here for FAQs about making payments.
Included Enrichment Experiences
Preschool is an ideal time for children to explore diverse interests, and at KUMCC, we’re dedicated to nurturing their natural curiosity. To complement our engaging academic curriculum, an exceptional range of enrichment activities are included throughout the week.
Our in-classroom enrichment programs make it easy for children to dive into activities like art, music, and movement, all led by skilled local professionals. Our students also enjoy several field trips throughout the year.
Music
Each preschool class participates in a Music class once a week. The Music teacher, Mrs. Comfort, offers variety of experiences to enjoy music. Her goal is to encourage a love of music. The children sing, play instruments, listen, create and move to music. Mrs. Comfort also leads the children in our Holiday Sing-A-Longs, and directs the Pre-K students in their own version of the children’s musical, The Little Red Hen in the spring.
Atelier/Art Studio
Believing that every child is an artist, KUMCC Preschool offers art experiences in our KUMCC Atelier. The Atelier is an art studio that fosters opportunities for children to explore a wide variety of art materials to nurture the creative process. The art activities are facilitated by a teacher trained in art. Children may visit the Atelier during their Center Time four days a week.
The Outdoor Classroom
KUMCC Preschool infuses nature into our curriculum by providing time out in nature for children to explore. Being outside in nature boasts a wide variety of benefits. When given the opportunity to explore and play within nature, we are not only allowing children to connect with the Earth, but studies show that outdoor education supports creativity and problem solving, boosts cognitive abilities, increases physical activity and promotes love and stewardship of our world.
In-House Field Trips
When the children aren’t out exploring the community, we bring experiences to the children!
We have special guests visit our school on a regular basis. We have a librarian visit from the Kirkwood Public Library monthly to read stories. We also have Belden and his talented thinking dog Alice come to show off her tricks as well. We also have the St. Louis Zoo bring their animals and teach the children about animal topics such as nocturnal animals and how their coverings protect them.
Field Trips
Classes coordinate neighborhood field trips so that children my connect with their community. Classes walk to the library, Great Harvest, the Farmer’s Market, and other local destinations.
The Pre-K classes have a partnership with the Litzinger Road Ecology Center. Each class is allowed a field rip to LREC so that they may explore the woodland, prairies and urban creek. Their observations in the field are brought back to our schoolyard habitats where the children then take a closer look into topics of interest such as plant life, insects, and rocks.
Chapel
KUMCC Preschool is a Christian preschool that models Christian values by our words and actions. Children come together during our Chapel time quarterly to celebrate God’s love through singing, movement and prayer. The school participates in mission projects to show that children, no matter how small, can make a BIG impact upon our world. This year, the children donated socks and underwear to the Little Bit Foundation during Socktober. They donated canned goods to Circle of Concern during our Turkey Trot, they spread kindness during our Kindness Rocks project, and they sang songs and gave Valentines to the Mary Culver Home.The Enrollment Process
Kirkwood United Methodist Children’s Center welcomes families of any race, color, nationality and ethnic origin and ensures all rights, privileges, programs, and activities are made available to all students at the school. KUMCC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational, admissions, or scholarship policies.
We are happy to welcome you to the KUMCC family!
The application for enrollment is an ONLINE Google form. Registration is live currently.
1 – Tour (optional)
Visiting the school is the best way to see if it is a good fit for your child and your family. Please call or fill out a request form to ensure availability.
3 – Placement & Enrollment
Download and complete the forms once you've received your child's class placement. Forms and fees should be turned in to the Preschool Office to hold your child's class spot.
4 – Policies and Procedures
We ask new families to familiarize themselves with our Handbook and Volunteer policies prior to the start of the school year to ensure a smooth transition.
