WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT ST. MARK’S  PRESCHOOL?

St. Mark’s Preschool is the only preschool in Dalton whose mission is to integrate special needs children with their typical peers. Children who are nurtured in this loving, caring environment learn, at an early age, to accept and appreciate each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

St. Mark’s Preschool was started in 1988 as a model program to serve the needs of the Dalton community by providing a place where children with special needs could learn and grow in the least restrictive environment. The preschool continues as a model program for other communities and as an important outreach mission for the parish of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. The staff of St. Mark’s strives to meet the needs of all children. Support services are integrated into the program whenever possible. The staff also works with the school systems to help with implementing a child’s individualized program and also to help with transition into kindergarten. St. Mark’s Preschool is administered by an Advisory Committee consisting of church members, parents, teachers, and community members.

WHO ATTENDS ST. MARK’S PRESCHOOL?

The preschool consists of three classes, the “twos,” the “threes,” and the “fours.” Each class has a maximum of 12 children. Since St. Mark’s is dedicated to serving the needs of all children, four children with special needs are encouraged to join each class. The benefits to all the children are very evident - the children learn compassion and patience and are taught to look beyond physical and mental differences at a very young age. The special needs children have role models, socialization, and encouragement from others. They all develop friendships and values that will last a lifetime. Selection of the children does give priority to members of St. Mark’s Church. Scholarships are available based on need.

WHEN DO CLASSES MEET?

St. Mark’s Preschool hours of operation are from 8:50 to 11:50 each weekday. The four year old class meets Monday through Friday. The 3 three year old class meets Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The two year olds meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays. With a few exceptions, the preschool follows the same school and holiday schedule as the Dalton City Schools.

WHERE IS ST. MARK’S PRESCHOOL?

St. Mark’s Preschool is housed on the ground floor of the parish hall of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, located at 901 W. Emery Street in Dalton.

WHO ARE OUR TEACHERS?

Each class is staffed with a teacher and two paraprofessionals. Our teachers have degrees in Early Childhood and/or Special Education. All of our staff are experienced with young children and will receive additional training throughout the year.

WHAT ARE OUR OBJECTIVES?

We want the children - all children - to enjoy their preschool experience. In addition, we are concerned with each child’s total growth. We offer opportunities for each child to develop socially, emotionally, mentally, and physically.

ARE PARENTS INVOLVED?

YES!!! We encourage both moms and dads to take an active part in the preschool through program planning and volunteering in the classroom. We keep in close touch through frequent “newsletters” describing the children’s activities and parent conferences.

WHAT DO THE CHILDREN DO ALL DAY?

St. Mark’s preschoolers participate in a variety of activities every day. These may include music, art, creative movement, language groups, free play, fine motor activities, cooking and outdoor activities (weather permitting). We believe that all activities should be “success oriented” so that each child builds a healthy self image. In addition, field trips are planned to local attractions: the fire department, area parks, the fair, the library, and special children’s theatre productions. Special guest speakers also frequently visit. Throughout the year, we have special days which include Halloween, Christmas, and Valentines Day parties. We also have a Thanksgiving “dinner” and an end of the year celebration.

WHO DO I CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION?

Please contact the Director of the Preschool, Ellen Andersen, at the church office (706-278-8857) for more information.