Preschool

Playing, sharing, and making friends while learning skills that will foster future success – that is what’s happening at Bethlehem Preschool! The preschool serves three age groups. One is a two day per week program for two year olds and three year olds and the other is a three day per week program for the four year old children. The preschool is in session from September through May and serves children in the local community.


Fabulous 4's Class" with their food donations for Lake Christian Ministries (LCM)	Thrilling 3's Class' with their donations of socks and toothbrushes for LCM

Information about our Staff:

Bethlehem Preschool annually completes all of the necessary requirements by the Virginia Department of Social Services to operate as a religious exempt child day center. The Director and Lead Teachers are required to have a high school diploma and a degree in early childhood education or a related field or alternatively to have significant relevant preschool teaching experience. Assistant teachers are required to have a high school diploma or GED and experience with young children. We are committed to upholding the trusted, caring reputation we have within our community while preparing our students for their continuing education. More information on each Teacher can be found on at Our Staff Page. Please call Terry Saul, the Director, at 540-297-7957, extension 1 for more information or to be placed on the waiting list. It’s never too early to submit your child’s name!

This outreach mission of the church helps children develop spiritually, physically, socially, mentally, and emotionally while gaining readiness for public school. It encourages the development of self-discipline, a positive self-image, a curiosity for the world around them and an appreciation for the value of all living things, as shown by God’s love.

To attain these goals the teachers, provide a variety of “free play” centers, movement games, art projects, and Circle Time. This includes a story, language development activities and songs. Subject matter includes the alphabet, numbers, colors, shapes, health, science and nature. The newly renovated playground (2008) with soft rubber mulch provides a safe, allergy free environment where the youngsters can run, climb, slide, dig and play ball. Each child receives individual attention and is directed toward reaching his or her maximum potential.

The preschool is staffed by a Director, who also teaches the three and four year old children. Also, included are her assistant teacher and then a teacher as well as an assistant for the two year old youngsters. Parents of the preschoolers are encouraged to be involved and many volunteer hours are logged by them. Mothers of the preschoolers frequently find camaraderie and personal enrichment by attending the monthly M.O.P.S. (Mothers of Preschoolers) meetings sponsored by Bethlehem United Methodist Church. Information about M.O.P.S. can be found at the following Link: M.O.P.S.

The Director of the preschool seeks to find financial assistance for parents who need help with tuition. Funds contributed to the preschool’s Scholarship Fund are always appreciated.

Bethlehem Preschool has a long history of serving the Smith Mountain Lake community. It was established in 1984 as an outreach ministry under Christian Education. It has its own seven member board which is responsible to the Administrative Board of Bethlehem United Methodist Church.

Please click here to learn more about the history of Bethlehem Preschool and what it means for our people and our church.

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