First United Methodist Church
North Platte, Nebraska

Preschool Office (308) 532-0146

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Click here for class schedules and links to printable registration forms

KIDS FIRST PRESCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT

The First United Methodist Church will provide to this community a preschool of high quality and affordability. 

The Kids First Preschool is an educational program designed to nurture and encourage fundamental intellectual, spiritual, mental, physical and social growth prior to entrance into a public or private school.  First United Methodist Church recognizes immeasurable value and purpose for each child placed in our care, and thus will do the utmost to assist parents in instilling in their children self-esteem, Christian values, and educational abilities.

OUR PROGRAM

Kids First Preschool is a State Licensed program through Nebraska Health and Human Services.  Although a church program is not required to do this, we chose to become state licensed to maintain quality and safety in our program.  We also choose to maintain our class sizes to under 15 per class, with two staff present at all times.

Kids First Preschool is a non-denominational educational program based on Christian principles, Biblical teachings, and early childhood educational skills.  Our program is offered as an extension of the First United Methodist Church’s Christian Education Program in an effort to help meet the needs of young families and their children.  We are dedicated to small-sized classes to maintain individualized attention.

Kids First Preschool curriculum is intended to instill Christian values by reading Bible stories, singing Christian songs, enhancing self-esteem, and through teaching age-appropriate social and educational skills.

The basic curriculum will include:

• 1. Christian values such as love, giving, thankfulness, honesty, respect, and kindness
• 2. Free choice time, centers, and hands on activities
• 3. Creative self-expression
• 4. Language development
• 5. Small group experiences designed to enhance social skills
• 6. Whole group experiences geared to develop listening skills
• 7. Physical development- fine and gross motor skills

ABOUT OUR STAFF

Our Director/Teacher, Liz Berglund, has been teaching preschool since 1990.  Before coming to Kids First in the fall of 2002, she taught at Buttons and Bows Preschool.  From 2002 to spring of 2005, she was also a Site Coordinator for the KIDS Klub after school program at Cody Elementary school.  Liz has also served as Coordinator of Religious Education at Holy Spirit Church and taught Sunday School classes. She volunteers in the classroom, with Girl Scouts, 4-H, Band Parents, PTO and anything else her kids are involved in!  She enjoys spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren.  As director, she is responsible for the licensed operation of the preschool and is the immediate supervisor of the preschool staff. 

There are two staff members in each classroom at all times to ensure quality classroom experiences and safety.  All preschool staff are:

• 1. Certified in CPR and First Aid.
• 2. Required to complete a specific number of in-service hours each year in early childhood education.
• 3. Cleared through the Central Registry of Child & Adult Abuse/Neglect, have filled out a Felony Misdemeanor statement, have taken the United Methodist Church’s Child Protection Policy training which includes a thorough screening by the Nebraska State Patrol.
• 4. Required to complete a health screening process.

You can learn more about our preschool director, teachers, and aides by visiting the Meet Our Staff page.

QUALITY COUNTS!

Kids First Preschool is a State Licensed program through Nebraska Health and Human Services.  Although a church program is not required to do this, we chose to become state licensed to maintain the quality and safety of our program.  We keep our class sizes small (15 or less).

Class Information

4-5 year olds
(Intended for children attending Kindergarten the next year.)

Monthly Tuition- $115.00 (Click here for registration form)

• 1. M-T-W-Th    9:00-11:30 a.m.
• 2. M-T-W-Th    12:45-3:15 p.m.

• 1.  M-W-F     9:00-11:30 a.m.
• 2.  M-W-F    12:45-3:15 p.m.
• 3.  T-W-Th     9:00-11:30 a.m.
• 4.  T-W-Th     12:45-3:15 p.m. 

Monthly Tuition- $65.00 (Click here for registration form)

• 1.  M-W 9:00-11:15 a.m.
• 2.  T-Th 1:00-3:15 p.m.

Monthly Tuition- $65.00 (Click here for registration form)

• 1.  T-Th 9:00-11:15 a.m.
• 2.  T-Th 1:00-3:15 p.m.

• For new students- $20 each 
• For returning students or more than one child registering- $10 each

KIDS FIRST SCHOLARSHIP FUND

This scholarship program was developed for families in our community who need tuition assistance and want the option of a Christian preschool program. Families may be eligible for scholarships, which will be given on a first come, first serve basis.  Eligibility will be determined by:

• 1. Family income
• 2. Size of family
• 3. Special needs or circumstances

ACCOUNTABILITY

All staff, curriculum, and operations of the preschool are accountable to the Associate in Christian Education, the Preschool Advisory Council, and the Church Council of the First United Methodist Church.