What sets MSP apart from the rest?

Main Street Preschool Philosophy:

At MSP, we believe that children learn in a variety of different ways, and that learning should be fun! Keeping with these two tenets, the teachers of each age group teach using “thematics,” which means that we follow a unit theme, and completely immerse children with the “concept of focus.” From colors and shapes, to rain forests and holidays, you will find the children learning through related art projects, songs, finger plays, rhymes, work sheets, videos, stories, etc., etc., etc.

Even snack time is used as an opportunity for learning as we serve theme-related snacks. Most importantly, the children are having a great time and developing the attitude that learning is fun! We also change activities frequently throughout the school day, thereby keeping the children interested and motivated.

Main Street Preschool is a Christian early childhood educational program; however, we also include secular aspects of holiday celebrations such as Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny in our lesson plans. While we strive to teach the children the true meaning of these Christian holy days, we also use the merriment of seasonal symbols and cultural traditions to enhance the learning process.

What Sets Us Apart From Other Preschool Programs?

Size: Main Street Preschool is a small, family oriented program, with the focus on quality, not quantity. We believe that your child deserves better than an “assembly line education.” Each two year old class is limited to only five students. The three year old class maximum is ten. Both four year old classes are limited to eleven. Each day, the older classes merge together for one Large Group Activity. This approach allows the children to gradually become accustomed to larger group learning, while at the same time receive the individual attention that they deserve. Children who pass through this “stepping stone” design tend to adapt readily to the 20+ enrollment of the average kindergarten class. Because we are a small and popular program, we fill up quickly. If we are currently filled to capacity, you are invited to place your child on our waiting list. We also pre-register infants and toddlers for future classes.

Value: At MSP, we strive to keep monthly tuition costs low because no child should be denied a quality preschool education due to financial hardship. Various fund-raisers are held throughout the year to supplement the budget and meet operating expenses. There are a limited number of scholarships available based on financial need. (See a staff member for an application.) Main Street operates by a schedule with “built-in make up days” to cover any days missed due to inclement weather. We also have a longer school year than some other area schools. In essence, patrons get more for their money at MSP.

Communication: We believe that happy, healthy children come from happy, healthy, involved families, and we keep parents informed in a multitude of ways: a preschool handbook; class specific orientation manuals; class specific bulletin boards and calendars; a parent “FYI” bulletin board; weekly newsletters; progress reports; voice mail messages; and parent-teacher conferences. The MSP staff members also welcome calls at home. Because we are a family oriented ministry, we have the resources available to help families in times of crisis. All requests for assistance are handled in strictest confidence.

Health and Safety: The welfare of the children is of highest priority, and we follow a strict policy to insure that the children’s time at preschool is safe and secure. All staff members go through background checks, medical screening, and child safety training sessions. All staff members are certified in CPR. Other safety features include surveillance cameras, locking of the exterior doors each day, “walkie-talkies” for constant staff-to-staff contact, and cellular phones in each classroom. The facilities are inspected annually by the Waynesboro Health and Fire Departments, and we surpass the standards as mandated by the Virginia Department of Social Services for religious exempt child day centers.

Facilities: All classrooms are located on the first floor level of the same wing, with easy access to the nearby restroom. The restroom is equipped with toilets and sinks of varying heights, to meet the needs of the different age groups. (Your child does not need to be potty-trained to enroll at MSP, however.) All of the classrooms have child-size sinks, paper towel and soap dispensers. The classrooms are bright, cheerful, and spacious, creating an atmosphere that is conducive to learning. Every class has access to computers and educational software, plus an abundance of toys, books, video/audio equipment, puzzles, and wide variety of art mediums to enhance the learning experience.
MSP is proud to offer two play areas for gross motor skill development. Outside, there is a fenced-in playground with climbing and swinging equipment. Inside, we offer a large social hall where the children are able to expend energy while utilizing a multitude of PE equipment including bikes, trikes, big wheels, scooters, skates, sit-n-spins, hobby horses, a parachute, and a balance beam. (Bike helmets are available.)

Children enjoy oudoor playground

Children enjoy the outdoor playground equipment when the weather is nice.

Riding time in social hall

"Riding Time" in the social hall offers a fun alternative when it's cold or wet outdoors.

Bonus Offerings: At MSP, we are pleased to offer weekly Spanish, sign language, and music classes, and chapel time. Music Class frequently supplements the academic units in the classroom, plus helps the children to develop an appreciation of music, memory, and rhythm skills. The three and four year classes perform three musical productions each school year, and all four age groups perform at their respective year-end graduation ceremonies.
Chapel Time is a brief non-denominational instructional time that is led by the resident minister and the Director of Christian Education at Main Street United Methodist Church. Topics covered include Bible stories and basic Christian tenets, as well as subjects that are directed by the students’ questions and curiosities. Even children of non-Christian faiths participate and enjoy this special time of the week, with the parents recognizing it as an important cultural learning experience.

What Do Our Patrons Say About Us?

“Main Street Preschool is the absolute BEST!! …The crafts, activities, music, Bible lessons, and “shows” they do are just amazing! They learn so much here socially and academically, and the teachers manage to teach in such fun ways…” –K.M.

“…After trying several preschools, we chose MSP because of the fun, exciting academic program. We especially like the enthusiasm and high energy level of the staff! ” –S.J.

“We would like to express our appreciation and delight with the preschool program at Main St. Preschool… the teachers have loved our son as their own child… We feel that the activities, educational field trips, and classroom setting have prepared him extremely well for kindergarten. Thank you MSP staff!!! ” –J.W.

“Main Street Preschool has been the most positive experience for our child. They allow the children to prosper and grow through the child’s own creativity and individuality… We are happy that Main St. Preschool has been the foundation of our child’s education and through that has developed a love for school and learning.” –C.W.