Kairos School:

The Idea

The word Kairos is derived from a Greek expression meaning "a time filled with God-given possibilities." Kairos School gives youngsters who are two and one-half to five years old an opportunity for these meaningful experiences. Our goal is to guide each child in developing their own creative and learning skills, and to foster positive Christian attitudes about themselves and the people who inhabit their world.

Why a church sponsored preschool? We believe that as children become aware of their place in the Community of Faith, they become just as conscious of their place in the church family as they are of the family in their home. We stress church doctrine and theology only as we express them through everyday Christian living.

The Kairos school program is planned to create an atmosphere in which each child feels secure in beginning to explore the world outside their home. We encourage each child to grow at their own rate—emotionally, mentally, and socially. We believe that each child's image of themself is underlined by the quality of teaching they receive. This, in turn, determines what they will care and dare to learn.

The Program

Learning to share is a keynote of the classes' daily activities. Kairos School students quickly learn to value the daily "share" of time when they can show treasures from home to their friends at school. There is free time and structured time during each class period. Block play, dress-up, simple carpentry, painting and crafts, nurturing plants, hatching baby chickens and butterflies... these are some of the activities the children enjoy doing together. Staff members also lead games, dances, and story-telling sessions.

The Kairos program puts strong emphasis on celebrating holidays with appropriate activities, on nature studies and on learning about food and good nutrition. Staff members teach the youngsters social and practical skills like serving their classmates at snack time, how to be good leaders, and how to cooperate with a group. On field trips, the youngsters visit parks, an orchard, a farm, concerts, puppet shows, and appropriate local events. The program is well-rounded and flexible, to give each child time for growth as an individual and as a member of a group of their peers.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kairos School

How old must my child be to enroll in Kairos School?

Children must be 2.5 years old by September 1.

When do the classes meet?

Two classes of four year olds meet on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 9 A.M. to 11:30 A.M., and from 1:00 P.M. to 3:30 P.M. in the afternoons. A group of children who are 2.5 to 3 years old and a 3 year old group meets on Tuesday-Thursday mornings, and a 3 year old class meets on Tuesday-Thursday afternoons. Kairos School follows the Monticello school calendar.

Is Kairos School Licensed?

The school meets the standards of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and is licensed by that agency.

What are staff members' qualifications?

Staff members are chosen for their demonstrated ability to understand, communicate, and work with the young child. All staff members participate in continuing education programs.

Are parents encouraged to participate?

Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled each year. Parents are welcome to visit the school and encouraged to attend periodic meetings. We also ask parents to assist with special projects and field trips and welcome suggestions and contributions they may make to enrich our program.

How do I enroll my child?

Interested parents my telephone the school at 762-5151 to place their child's name on the waiting list.