How We Operate
Congregational Preschool is a state-licensed, non-denominational, non-profit organization. We operate from September to May and generally follow the major vacation dates of the La Crosse public schools. We offer unique morning or afternoon classes run by highly qualified staff for ages 3 to 5, including our publicly-funded 4K program. We believe strongly in providing a family-style culture, maintaining small class sizes, and appropriately staffing classrooms to provide an exceptional learning environment that has facilitated our Legacy of Learning for over 60 years. The preschool is governed by an Administrator/Director and a Board of Directors chosen from the parents of preschool students and other interested community members. New board member applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Apply here!
Congregational Preschool does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, sex, gender, or ability level. We are a non-sectarian school where all children are welcome.
History
Congregational Preschool opened its doors in 1962 in La Crosse, WI with an enrollment of 33 children. Today we continue to serve over 80 students each year in the same building as 60 years ago. We take great pride in our history in the Coulee Region and look forward to serving families for many years to come.
Philosophy
Congregational Preschool meets the developmental needs of young children by providing a play-based program; we offer an environment that nurtures the varied experiences, natural curiosity, and abundant creativity inherent in every child. Each teacher strives to further enhance each child’s cognitive, language, social, emotional, physical, and creative development through integrated learning experiences. Many teachers are highly experienced with Bachelors Degrees in Elementary Education.
Congregational Preschool staff recognizes that young children learn best through first-hand experiences. Our tenured staff provides a wide range of activities that foster the development of fundamental skills, concepts, and appreciations necessary for the next level of formal education. Developmentally appropriate experiences in art, music, literature, the natural and physical sciences, and community life play an important part in the Congregational Preschool program.
Our Curriculum
The Congregational Preschool program provides a developmentally appropriate, play-based experience centered around the preschool’s philosophy. Throughout the program, the preschool strives to incorporate a positive and personal learning experience for each student in the following areas:
Music: The students experience music through singing songs, finding rhythm and movement in different music, embracing music from many cultures, and often enjoy creating their own with various musical instruments.
Art: Students are encouraged to explore their own creativity through exposure to a variety of visual, tactile, and spatial forms of art.
Math and Science: Thematic units are integrated through experiences in exploration, sensory, and discovery that introduce students to a hands-on approach to math and science.
Literacy/Language Arts: Students participate in the continuous process of literacy experiences through their exposure to a variety of printed materials, dialogue about books and poetry, and their own spontaneous writing. A thematic approach to the language arts program enables students to develop their communication and listening skills through dramatic play and language experiences.
Physical: Indoor classrooms and our fenced-in outdoor playground provide students with daily activities that aid in the development of their large motor skills. The students are encouraged to develop their skills independently and cooperatively by utilizing climbing equipment, balance beams, and large play equipment. Small motor skills are enhanced through appropriate manipulatives which are freely accessible during daily classroom activities.
Community: Students learn about the world around them through field trips, special guests and professional presentations, multicultural awareness, diversified literature and music, and holiday events. Also included are visits from community helpers such as firefighters, police officers, and first responders who help promote safety awareness and fire prevention in the preschool program.