EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM
The Shining Stars Early Childhood Program at SLA provides a joyful, nurturing start to your childās educational journey. Our curriculum is
Our Age 3 Preschool offers a five-day-per-week, 4-hour-per-day program designed to gently introduce young learners to structure, social development, and early academic skills in a warm and caring environment.
Our Pre-Kindergarten program for ages 4ā5 meets five days per week for 7 hours per day, helping students build strong foundations in literacy, math readiness, independence, and classroom routines as they prepare for Kindergarten.
To support busy families, free before-school care is available from 7:30ā8:00 a.m. Families may also choose to enroll in after-school care for an additional fee, providing flexible options to fit your schedule.
Curriculum
At the Shining Stars Early Childhood Program at South Lancaster Academy, we use the Creation Kids curriculum to nurture the whole child ā head, hands, and heart. Designed especially for our Preschool and Pre-K students, this faith-based program blends early academics, hands-on learning, and spiritual growth into a joyful, age-appropriate experience.
Each day follows a gentle, consistent routine that helps children feel safe, confident, and ready to explore. Through play, discovery, creativity, and Bible-based learning, students build independence, kindness, problem-solving skills, and a love for learning ā all in a caring Christian environment.
Our youngest learners are also part of the larger SLA family. Shining Stars students connect with our elementary program through special shared experiences like the Walk-a-Thon, Books & Beyond, Christmas concerts, and our end-of-year Field Day celebration, helping them feel included and excited as they grow into future elementary students.
Creation Kids allows us to meet children where they are, supporting their unique growth while partnering with families to build a strong foundation for both school success and Christ-centered character.
Preschool Schedule
1/2 Day Program
7:30 am - Early Care
8:00 am - Journal paper or stations
9:00 am - Worship and craft
9:30 am - Snack
10:00 am - Gross motor activity
10:15 am - Calendar and worksheets
10:45 am - Science
11:00 am - Recess
11:30 am - Reading
12:00 am - Dismissal/Lunch
Pre-Kindergarten Schedule
Full Day Program
7:30 am - Early Care
8:00 am - Table Work/Centers
9:00 am - Circle Time #1 (Worship, Calendar, Weather, Flag, Prayer Time)
9:30 am - Snack/Bathroom
9:50 am - Recess
10:30 am - Water/Bathroom Break
10:45 am - Circle Time #2 (Story Time, Songs, Games, Poems, Finger Plays)
11:15 am - Table Activity that Reflects the Theme of the Week
11:45 am - Prayer and Dismissal for Those Leaving at Noon
12:00 pm - Prepare for Lunch
12:15 pm - Lunch/Bathrooms
12:40 pm - Book Time
1:00 pm - Nap Time
2:10 pm - Recess
2:45 pm - Circle Time #3 (Songs, Stories, Table Activity)
3:15 pm - Dismissal
Our Early Childhood Team
Nora Renzi
NRENZI@MYSLA.ORG
Years in Education: 14
Years at SLA: 3
Education:
⢠A.S. Early Childhood Education
Preschool Teacher
Kathy Girma
KGIRMA@MYSLA.ORG
Years in Education: 28
Years at SLA: 29
Education:
⢠B.A. Elementary Education
⢠M.Ed Curriculum & Instruction
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Assistant Teacher
Leah Girma
Years at SLA: 8

