OUR PROGRAM
Since 1989, The Growing Place has offered quality preschool services in the Charleston community. What began as a small, part-time preschool program has since grown to a full-time program encompassing both preschool and child care services.
The Growing Place offers preschool for two, three and four year olds who are not eligible for WV Pre-K. The Growing Place is a collaborative for WV Pre-K children who will be four prior to July 1. Early drop-off and after care services are available for all ages. The Growing Place undergoes regular inspections conducted by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services, Kanawha-Charleston Health Department, and the State Fire Marshal.
The Growing Place is governed by the Preschool Advisory Council.
OUR MISSION & PHILOSOPHY
At The Growing Place, we strive to provide high-quality early care and education in a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment.
We recognize that the needs of children are diverse and that each child learns at his/her own pace. We strive to create a classroom environment in which all children can thrive and learn while focusing on 4 key areas: social/emotional, physical, cognitive, and language development. We believe that children learn through play and devote a substantial portion of each day to play-based and hands-on activities. Our teachers prepare and lead activities as well as support child-initiated activities that encourage children to:
- Interact socially with peers and adults
- Express creativity and curiosity
- Become more independent
- Develop a good self-concept
- Demonstrate self-control by regulating their emotions
- Solve problems using language skills
- Strengthen physical skills using large and small muscles
- Develop a healthy attitude toward school and authority
Our Classes
2-Year-Old Class
Often, preschool is a child’s first experience away from home. At The Growing Place, we recognize this and work with parents to make a smooth transition. We strive to turn tears into smiles by helping children develop a sense of love and belonging.
Our teachers use Creative Curriculum and the WV Infant/Toddler Early Learning Standards Framework as a guide for preparing a wide range of developmentally appropriate activities daily. Children in the 2-year-old class learn to share, take turns, and use words to express their emotions. An emphasis is also placed on self-care skills such as dressing, toilet training, brushing teeth, washing hands, and eating with utensils.
3-Year-Old & 4-Year-Old Classes
The Preschool classes are more structured than the 2-year-old class and focus on building the foundation of skills needed for success in the Pre-K program.
In these classrooms, we approach learning and socialization through play and hands-on experiences with art, music, and manipulative materials. Teachers prepare developmentally appropriate activities based on the principles of Creative Curriculum and the content areas set forth by the WV Early Learning Standards Framework: Social &Emotional Development, Language & Literacy, Math, Science, The Arts, and Health & Physical Development. Activities are both teacher-directed and child-initiated.
Children in Preschool classrooms learn to make new friends, cooperate with others, regulate their emotions, follow directions, and solve problems independently.
WV Pre-Kindergarten
The Growing Place is a Kanawha County Schools collaborative site. We offer a high-quality Pre-K program led by a trained and certified teacher. Each child must be 4-years-old on or before June 30, 2024, and have an application and required documentation on file with Kanawha County Schools in order to participate in this program.
In the Pre-K class, children build on the skills learned in the Preschool classroom and focus on Kindergarten preparation. Our goal is to help children develop self-confidence and a “can-do attitude” while following rules and routines and making wise choices.
Many learning opportunities are available throughout the day and most often occur in the form of play. Teachers in this classroom also provide both large and small group instruction using Creative Curriculum, the WV Early Learning Standards Framework, Growing Up Wild and the PATHS curriculum.
Enrollment
To register your child, please complete and submit the following forms along with a $30 non-refundable registration fee.
- Enrollment Application
- Student Information Record
- Emergency Contacts and Pick-Up Authorization
- Fee Agreement
- Monthly Tuition Rates
- Permission – Photographs/Sunscreen & Insect Repellant
- Child and Family Information
- Special Dietary Needs form
In addition to the forms listed above, the following documents must also be submitted prior to enrollment:
- Copy of Most Recent Health/Wellness Exam
- Immunization Records
- Copy of Health Insurance/Medicaid Card
- Copy of Birth Certificate
- Signed Parent Handbook Acknowledgement
*Please note – The registration process is not complete until all of the required paperwork has been submitted and the registration fee has been paid.
Hours of Operation
We are open Monday thru Friday 7:45 am – 5:30 pm.
Children must arrive by 9:30 am. Sign-in will not be permitted after 9:30 am without a doctor’s excuse.
The Procare APP
All of our classes use the Procare mobile app as a primary means of communicating with families throughout the day. With Procare, teachers can share announcements and reminders as well as information pertaining to each child’s routine care and activities such as meals, naps, playtime, and learning. Families may also view photos, videos, and message teachers in “real-time” with any questions or updates.
The Growing Place Gallery
Testimonials
“We were so thankful and impressed with our experience with The Growing Place from daycare through Pre-K. We appreciate the focus on learning, but also know that our daughter was loved while she was there. She was well-prepared for Kindergarten and has continued to soar thanks to the educational foundation provided at The Growing Place. We will always recommend them to our friends and family!”
“My son Beau attended The Growing Place from June 2018 – August 2021. We loved it from the moment he started! The employees at The Growing Place are wonderful and really cared about my son and family. Beau attended Pre-K, through Kanawha County, here as well. They really prepared him for Kindergarten. We both really enjoyed his time at The Growing Place!”
“Both of our children attended The Growing Place through Pre-K. We have recommended TGP to countless friends and will continue to do so. The staff members clearly love what they do and treat the kids like their own. The Director is fair, honest, and responsive to parents’ concerns. My husband and I both work full-time, and TGP was the only place we could find at the time that offered childcare early enough and late enough in the day that we did not have to worry about a lack of coverage negatively impacting our workdays. Our boys are well into their elementary years, but we still maintain friendships with so many of the staff and fellow parents we met during our time at TGP. It’s a special place!
“Our son attended both Pre-School and Pre-K at TGP. He 100% loved it and made long-lasting friendships. The teachers and staff are premium people: smart, empathetic, and fun. He graduated Pre-K excited and very well-prepared for Kindergarten. We always think of TGP with great fondness and would recommend to anyone without hesitation.”
“There aren’t words to describe how grateful I am for TGP! My son spent 4 amazing years attending preschool, Pre-K and Summer camps at TGP. As an only child, I had hoped for a safe daycare facility that provided socialization but also education through play and TGP more than delivered. They offered themed crafts, kid’s yoga, cooking class, show-n-tell, nature walks, dance class and fields trip – my son’s favorite was to the local fire station to become a junior firefighter! The director and faculty care and were responsive to my questions and any concerns. Also, permanent parent positions on the advisory board ensures that parents have routine input about the program. If you’re searching for childcare, give TGP at try! Although my son is now in Kindergarten, he still asks to go back to TGP – that says a lot!”
FAQ
Click the link below to view our rates. Rates are subject to change.
PROCARE APP
All of our classes use the Procare mobile app as a primary means of communicating with families throughout the day. With Procare, teachers can share announcements and reminders as well as information pertaining to each child’s routine care and activities such as meals, naps, playtime, and learning. Families may also view photos, videos, and message teachers in “real-time” with any questions or updates. Instructions for downloading and using the Procare app can be found in the Parent Handbook.
If you would like to donate to the Growing Place, please visit www.ccumwv.org/Generosity and choose The Growing Place as your designation.
Enrollment forms are available for download via our Enrollment section of the website and must be downloaded and submitted via email or mail to Janet Flanagan, Director of The Growing Place.
Janet Flanagan
Preschool Director
The Growing Place
1221 Quarrier Street
Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: 304-342-0192 Ext. 220
Email: Thegrowingplace@ccumwv.org
You can pay your tuition fees online and download your statements using the Procare app and MyProcare.com login instructions found in the Parent Handbook.
Occasionally, during the winter months, The Growing Place will be closed due to inclement weather conditions. Generally, we follow Kanawha County Schools. If Kanawha County Schools are closed due to weather conditions, The Growing Place will be closed. If Kanawha County Schools are operating on a two (2)-hour delay, The Growing Place will open at 9:45am. All weather-related closings and delays will be posted on The Growing Place facebook page and the Procare App.
Monday – Friday 7:45am to 5:30pm. Children must arrive by 9:30am. Sign-in will not be permitted after 9:30am without a doctor’s excuse.
The Growing Place is located in the Education wing on the 2nd floor of Christ Church United Methodist. It is a secure area with key card access through a single-entry point during school hours. We have security cameras to monitor activity throughout the building as well as the playground and parking areas.
We use the Procare mobile app to share information with families about each child’s daily care and activities. Monthly calendars and newsletters are also provided to keep families up-to-date on special days, events, or center-wide activities.
In accordance with the Safe Sanctuaries policies of the United Methodist Church, The Growing Place maintains 2 teachers in each classroom at all times.
The Growing Place reserves the right to exclude a child from attending the center when any of the following are present: Fever of 100.4°F or higher, vomiting, diarrhea, undiagnosed skin rash, mouth sores, abdominal pain, infestation such as scabies or head lice. The child may return to the program when he/she has been symptom free for at least 24 hours or a note from a licensed health care professional is provided stating that the child is no longer contagious.
Because some children have food allergies, we do not allow families to bring any type of food or treats to share with classmates. Instead, the center will provide cake or cupcakes for all students at the end of each month to celebrate all of the birthdays that have occurred during the month.
All snacks and meals are provided by the center at no additional charge. We serve a snack each morning at 8:30am, lunch at 11:00am, and an afternoon snack at 2:30pm.
All meals and snacks are provided in accordance with the USDA’s Child and Adult Food Program. If your child suffers from a food allergy or intolerance, substitutions can be made based upon a recommendation from the child’s physician. A Special Dietary Needs form must be completed and signed by the parent and physician before any changes can be made. The form is available for download below.
The children nap each day from 12:00pm – 2:00pm.
The children play outside every day as long as the temperature is 40° F or above and there are no weather advisories in effect.
You may schedule a tour with the Director by calling Janet Flanagan at 304-342-0192 ext. 220 or by emailing Thegrowingplace@ccumwv.org. Tours are typically scheduled between the hours of 9:00am-10am or 2:30pm-3:30pm.