EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM

 
 

The Shining Stars Early Childhood Program at SLA provides a joyful, nurturing start to your child’s 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 4–5 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 7:30–8:00 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 — 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 — 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