What is the difference between your school and one that is not nationally accredited?

All preschools and child care centers are required to be licensed in the state of Michigan. Licensed programs must meet all of the state-required specifications for operation. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) focuses on 10 standards of higher quality. These standards include adult-to-child relationships, curriculum, effective teaching approaches, ongoing assessments, nutrition and health, higher qualifications for teachers, collaborative relationships with families, closer relationships with the community, a safe and healthy physical environment and strong personnel, fiscal and program policies so that children, families and staff have high quality experiences. Established over 20 years ago, NAEYC Accreditation has become the mark of quality, helping parents find the best possible early childhood experience.

“I think one of the greatest advances to child care was the creation of the NAEYC Accreditation system, which has helped so much to raise the quality of programs.” – T. Berry Brazelton, MD

Are all nationally accredited schools the same?

No.  Nationally Accredited schools receive percentage grades from the validators at NAEYC, which are listed above.  All programs turn in annual reports and are re-evaluated periodically.  Centers must receive 78% or higher to pass each reinspection.  The Peoples Church Preschool traditionally scores above 92% in all categories and 98% in most.

Is your school affiliated with the church?

Yes. The church and preschool have a great relationship. The church supports the preschool in many ways including building maintenance, landscaping and even fixing broken toys. The preschool and church collaborate on such things as environment enhancement, parent education seminars, and recycling efforts.

Although there is no religion taught in the preschool curriculum, we encourage families to check out The Peoples Church!  We have programming for all ages, including Sunday morning worship and Wednesday evening Wednesday Night Live!  For more information on available programs, call (517) 332-5073.

What is your staff turnover rate?

Our turnover rate is low. Currently, the director has been with the preschool for over 20 years. The director before Dana Johnson was also with the program for 20 years before retiring in 1994. Several teachers have retired from teaching at Peoples Church Preschool after 20 years with the program.

Are staff members trained in CPR and first aid?

Yes. We aim to have to train all staff members rather than the minimum number required by the state of Michigan licensing regulations. Therefore, the preschool offers training for CPR and first aid every spring and the fall. Lead teachers are required to be certified and the majority of our support staff also attend regular training.

Are there planned opportunities for families to get to know one another?

Yes. Families with children enrolled at Peoples Church Preschool can be involved as much or as little as they desire. Socially, our families enjoy dinner out together at local restaurants at various times throughout the year. In addition, the school hosts the Celebrating Families International Picnic each September, a fall open house for enrolled families, an Art Show & Ice Cream Social, a Spring Children’s Concert, Parents Night Out, and more.

Individual classrooms also host parent-child lunches and encourage parents to participate in field trips, celebrations, and regular days. Administratively, parents are welcome to join the Parent Group to share insight on decision-making and personal support for the program.

Why Choose Peoples Church Preschool?

"In transitioning our child from another daycare facility, we hoped to find a place where our daughter was challenged and respected, and where the staff and curriculum were not only current, but forward-thinking. Our experience at Peoples Church Preschool has exceeded our expectations in every category. We are consistently impressed with the Preschool's child-centered learning approach, the integration of environmental sustainability into daily routines, field trips and family events, and parent-teacher communication."

~ Amanda, Toddler Room

"We are so happy with the amazing staff. They are kind, understanding and always willing to help with any situation that may arise. Enrolling my son has been the best decision I’ve ever made! Thank you Peoples Church Preschool." 

~ Susie, A.M. and P.M. Preschool

"We are incredibly grateful and thankful for all of the hard work, thoughtfulness and commitment that goes into caring for the children in the Two's Class.  Our daughter continues to develop and thrive at PCP and I realize that much of that growth is a result of her teacher/caregivers and the authentic relationships they have worked so hard to develop with her.  PCP is a tremendous blessing to our family.  Thank you for living life with our family."                  

~ Shalonda, Two's Class

"The Peoples church has been an amazing and fantastic school since day one. Being a single parent and sharing custody with a child that is in your program has been easy and handled extremely well on their end. Both me and my child’s mother get equal information, share all schooling experience, and are made to feel like we matter every day when it comes to his schooling. The staff has been amazing and my son looks forward to every day at school with them. They’re always smiling and grateful to see him and to be honest ... it’s a great way for us to start our day. Thank you for all that you do and we look forward to the upcoming years."

~ McKinley, Two's Room

"As a single parent who went from full-time mom to full-time job, it was important to me to find a preschool where my daughter would feel safe, secure, and loved while she was away from home. Peoples Church Preschool became the home away from home that I wanted for her. She has been nurtured, loved, and her individuality celebrated by her caring teachers. My daughter has thrived in PCP’s dynamic, child-centered, rhythmic, play-based community. She especially loves the nature-based activities and has become quite the little environmental advocate! I love that she has been exposed to such a diverse array of activities that she can explore to her heart’s content, and that she feels like a cherished part of her school community.

~ Laura, Preschool 2