morningsidelutheranchurch

About MLP

Morningside Lutheran Preschool aims to provide a caring and Christian atmosphere to integrate the teachings and truth of Christ into our students' lives so that they may grow spiritually, socially, and academically. We support the ideal that Christian-based education is best realized by teachers who create the broadest opportunities for students to learn and socialize in a Christian atmosphere and by teachers who motivate students to grow and develop spiritually, socially, and academically. We accept students regardless of race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or handicap.

All classes emphasize sharing, cooperation, socialization, listening, manners, and personal hygiene. Each session also includes time for free choice playing, music, stories, developing large muscles in the gym or outside, fine motor activities, and snack.

The three and four year old program focuses more on the social aspects of learning while introducing the concepts of colors, numbers, shapes and name recognition. The four and five year old program emphasizes the academics of preparing students for Kindergarten in addition to the social skills needed for group interaction. Readiness for school includes, but is not limited to, beginning recognition of the alphabet, writing their name, knowing their phone number and address, and pre-science and pre-math concepts such as patterns, and sorting and classifying objects. It does not simulate Kindergarten, nor is it intended it should. That your child produces a good crayon drawing is unimportant; that he or she enjoys the process of crayon drawing and gains satisfaction from it is important.

Field trips and special visitors round out our programs. Parents are welcome to observe in the classroom at any time. We also encourage parents to be involved in classroom activities when possible.

Parent/Guardian involvement in their preschooler's activities is an important part of their educational experiences, so Morningside Lutheran Preschool provides each student with a monthly calendar as well as communication of daily activities.

Morningside Lutheran Preschool has obtained a Level 5 in Iowa’s voluntary Quality Rating System (QRS), is involved in the Quality Preschool Program Standards (QPPS) and is part of the Sioux City School District’s Preschool Initiative Program. The director holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education, an Early Childhood Endorsement and the National Administrator Credential, and maintains a current teaching license. The teacher assistant holds and maintains a Para-Educator Certificate. All staff is trained in CPR and First Aid, Basic Health Practices and Mandatory Reporting. All staff members meet or exceed the necessary requirements set forth by the Iowa Department of Human Services.

Morningside Lutheran Preschool follows the State of Iowa guidelines regarding tornado drills, fire drills, and reporting incidents of child abuse.