Preparing the classroom...

Christ Church
Episcopal Preschool

Let Your Light Shine - Matthew 5:16


Now accepting applications for 2024-2025!
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Welcome to Christ Church Episcopal Preschool


Welcome to Christ Church Episcopal Preschool! We are an active ministry of Christ Church Episcopal. Our Mission Statement: Christ Church Episcopal Preschool provides a nurturing, developmentally appropriate Christian environment for children as they become independent lifelong learners.

Now accepting applications for 2024-2025!

Our Approach to Early Childhood Education

Our theme-based curriculum introduces developmentally appropriate preschool skills such as letter, letter sounds, and number recognition using a multi-sensory approach. Our program offers a balance of free centers, creative art, dramatic play, physical movement and recreation, story times, and music, within both small group and whole class experiences. The curriculum includes free and directed exploration to encourage and develop a love of life-long learning. Chapel is a part of our weekly schedule and parents are invited and encouraged to share this part of the preschool experience with their child.

Nurture

Nurture

  • Free Exploration and Play
  • Creativity
  • Child-Directed Activities

Nurture

Develop

Develop

  • Curiosity
  • Social-Emotional Growth
  • Fine and Gross Motor Development

Develop

Enrich

Enrich

  • Love of Learning
  • Critical Thinking
  • Extended Activities

Enrich

2024-2025 Programs

2-Day Two-Year Old Class - Openings Available

Meets Monday and Tuesday or Wednesday and Thursday (9am to 12 noon). Must be 2 by 12/31/24. Children do not need to be potty trained.

3-Day Three-Year Old Class - Openings Available!

Meets Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (9am to 12 noon). Must be 3 by 12/31/24. Children must be fully potty trained.

4 Day PreK Class - Openings Available!

Meets Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (9am to 12 noon). Must be 4 by 12/31/24.

5 Day JK Class - Join our Waitlist!

Meets Monday through Friday (9am to 12 noon). Must be 5 by 9/30/24 or attended a PreK class..

Enrichment Programs


On and off campus field trips are included in our program. Programs include; Henrico County Police ("Stranger Danger" for 4-year olds, Bike Safety- all students), Henrico County Fire Department, Fall Festival, Halloween Parade, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Maymont, Dental Hygienist, Bus Safety Awareness for rising prekindergarten's, Native American visitor, Henrico County Bookmobile, and our year end pizza party and performer.


PUPPET PALS

The alphabet come alive for our three-year olds, using puppets and songs to introduce the letters and sounds of the alphabet. We believe children learn best through song and play!

HANDWRITING WITHOUT TEARS

The Handwriting Without Tears teaches children how to build and write uppercase letters using a hands-on, multi-sensory approach. Children are also introduced to lower case letters. This program creates an optimal learning experience for the preschool child!

PHONEMIC AWARENESS

The PreK classes are developing an auditory discrimination, an awareness of how letters and words are used in language. The children are learning to identify rhyming words, beginning, middle, and ending sounds, words that include the same sound, matching sounds to letters of the alphabet, by using interactive activities and lively and silly songs. An engaging and fun way to teach developmentally appropriate pre-reading skills!

MATH THEIR WAY

Math Their Way is an activity centered early childhood and elementary math program. The curriculum uses concrete materials, helping children gain a better understanding of mathematical patterns. Children are actively learning through fun and exploration.

CHAPEL

Chapel is attended weekly by our students in the church sanctuary. Each class is designed to introduce spiritual awareness at the preschool level. The children learn about God's unconditional love through songs and prayers. "Let Your Light Shine" - Matthew 5:16.

MUSIC/MOVEMENT

Organized music and movement class is attended weekly for 25 minutes. Preschoolers develop an appreciation of music through singing, creative movement, and rhythm instruments. Musical performances are held at Christmas and in the spring.

EARLY CHILDHOOD SCREENINGS

ASQ

All 2 year old children are screened annually using the ASQ scientific-based questionnaire.

P.A.L.S. PreK

(Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening) PALS is a measure of the young child's knowledge of important emergent literacy fundamentals. Four year old children are screened in the fall. The results obtained helps to guide the teacher’s instruction throughout the year. Children are screened again in the spring.

Speech and Hearing Screening

All 3 year old children are screened annually by the Scottish Rite Language Center Speech and Language Pathologists.

AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT

Lunch Bunch

Lunch Bunch is offered to 3-year old through PreK classes. Lunch Bunch is offered every Thursday from 12:00-1:30. Children bring their lunch. Additional fee required.

Lunch and Learn

Lunch and Learn is offered to 4-year old and PreK classes. Enrichment classes are taught in addition to our regular morning program. Classes are held on select Tuesdays and Wednesdays and are offered if the class meets the enrollment requirements. All classes are staffed with CCEP teachers. Additional fee required.

Now accepting applications for 2024-2025!

Testimonials

Read some testimonials from our amazing families
Testimonial

As I sit here and type this, tears are forming. There are no words to describe my appreciation for what my children were able to experience this year at your school. They have a love and joy for school because of the loving environment you and the teachers have created. My child has done so much better than anything I had expected.

Testimonial

Raising six children, living in different states, attending many different private and public schools; I have never seen or experienced a place like CCEP. I am able to see the joy on the twins' faces when they come to school each morning. Today my husband got to witness them in their classroom. He called me right after and was overjoyed with his morning there with them. He saw what I see every morning. We are both so thankful to have found CCEP for them!

Testimonial

I think the parent-school communication is great. I love all the opportunities for events and parent volunteers. I wish I could help more!

The endless compassion, profound innovation, and a deep resourcefulness are all over shadowed by their abiding love and care for our children.

Frequently Asked Questions

Applications for 2024-2025 school year are currently being accepted but are not guaranteed placement. For the 2025-2026 school year, applicants will receive first priority after current preschool families and church members have registered and before we open to the general public in early January. We require a $125.00 non-refundable registration fee at the time of registration. The application is processed and then parents are notified within one week if a position is available. A $300.00 non-refundable deposit is required before we guarantee a position for your child in Christ Church Episcopal Preschool. This deposit is applied towards the tuition payment.
No. We accept children of all faiths.
Yes. We welcome all children if we are able to serve their needs. We will evaluate your child and determine: 1. If we can meet their needs and 2. If we believe they will be successful in our preschool program. If both criteria are successfully met, we will enroll these children.
Children in our 2 year old class do not need to be potty trained. Children in our 3-year-PreK classes must be fully trained.
We have two teachers in every classroom, with the exception of 3 teachers in the two- year old classroom. Our teachers are very qualified. We search for teachers with teaching experience and LOVE working with children.

Two year old lead teacher:
  • Bachelor of Science in Family and Community Servcies with a minor in Psychology
  • Twelve years teaching experience
Three year old lead teachers:
  • Bachelor of Arts Elementary Education. Eleven years teaching experience
  • Licensed Exceptional Education Teacher. Fifteen years classroom experience
  • Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Six years of classroom teaching
PreK lead teachers:
  • Bachelor of Arts Elementary Education. Five years teaching experience
  • Licensed ED, MR, LD. Twenty one years teaching experience
  • Bachelor of Arts in Advertising. Four years teaching experience
JK lead teachers:
  • JK 5 day: Major: Bachelor of Science in Family and Child Development-Early Childhood Education. Twenty six years teaching experience
Our goal is to guide the children towards self-control. Our teachers are familiar with ages and expected developmental behaviors for each child. When necessary, we will redirect a child or offer realistic choices so that the child feels in control and responds favorably. Our staff models behavior and uses positive reinforcement. If necessary, we will remove a child from a problem situation and allow for a cooling off period. We will immediately remove a child from a situation if they are at risk for harming themselves or another child.
We are a church exempt preschool. We must adhere to guidelines set by Social Services.

Forms and Important Documents


Testimonial

Emily McKinney is a graduate of the College of William and Mary with a double major in Elementary Education and English, and a graduate of the University of Virginia with a Masters in Public School Administration. This is Emily’s second year as director with Christ Church Episcopal Preschool and her tenth year being part of the school community as parent, LightKeepers Coordinator, Bike-A-Thon coordinator, face painter extraordinaire, and Board of Directors Member-At- Large. This is her twenty seventh year of working with school aged children as teacher, administrator, and most recently willing volunteer and parent. Helping children develop their creativity, social and emotional skills, and play skills is her passion. As a former elementary school principal, her mission to ensure students are ready for the elementary year challenges is close to her heart. Emily is grateful for the opportunity to partner with families throughout their preschool experience to develop core memories and experiences to serve them for a lifetime. As director, she endeavors to preserve the strong sense of community and commitment to student learning through our thriving Christian setting by creating innovative learning environments based in caring. Emily is happily married with two proud CCEP graduates, and enjoys reading, traveling, and volunteering in her children’s schools, but is happiest when found on a beach surrounded by laughing family and playing children.

Emily McKinneyPreschool Executive Director

The staff at Christ Church Episcopal Preschool

We are creative and loving professionals who love our jobs
Mrs. Kristy Anderson

Mrs. Kristy Anderson

This is Kristy's 10th year at CCEP and her 12th year teaching two-year-olds. She enjoys creating an environment that inspires children and fosters a love of learning. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Community Services with a minor in Psychology. Kristy is married with two children.

Mrs. Kristy Anderson

Two Year Old Lead Teacher
Mrs. Kristy Anderson

Mrs. Leigh Ann Klosky

Leigh Ann is in her 13th year at CCEP. She has her Master's degree in teaching, coupled with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and management. She brings to the classroom 15 years of experience working with preschool and elementary-aged students, and 12 years of an auditing career before staying home to raise her family of three children.

Mrs. Leigh Ann Klosky

Two Year Old Asst. Teacher
Mrs. Damaris Velasco

Mrs. Damaris Velasco

This is Damaris' 3rd year teaching at CCEP but has been connected to the preschool since 2018 as a parent and substitute teacher. She has a Masters in Communication Sciences from Mexico's Monterrey Institute of Technology and almost 20 years of teaching experience. She looks forward to encouraging her class to enjoy a lifetime of learning! Damaris is married with 4 children.

Mrs. Damaris Velasco

Two Year Old Asst. Teacher
Mrs. Marcie Perryman

Mrs. Marcie Perryman

This is Marcie's 6th year at CCEP as a teacher and holds a BA in Human and Community Services. During the pandemic she supported the CCEP team as a substitute while juggling virtual school with her own children. She has spent the past 7 years in early childhood education. Marcie hopes to play an important role in teaching her class the lesson of independence, kindness and creativity. She is married with 2 children.

Mrs. Marcie Perryman

3 Year Old Lead Teacher
Mrs. Kendra Villasana

Mrs. Kendra Villasana

This is Kendra’s 4th year teaching at CCEP. She is a former CCEP parent and beloved member of the CCEP family! She enjoys working with preschool aged children and is passionate about finding creative ways to foster independence and help develop critical thinking skills. Kendra strives to make sure that every child in her class feels heard and understands that their feelings, thoughts and opinions are valuable. Kendra is married with two children.

Mrs. Kendra Villasana

3 Year Old Asst. Teacher
Mrs. Ashley Bradley

Mrs. Ashley Bradley

This is Ashley’s 4th year teaching at CCEP and she is no stranger to our preschool as her twins are both graduates! She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a minor in Spanish. She spent 11 years employed as an elementary school teacher where she worked with students from varying abilities and backgrounds.

Mrs. Ashley Bradley

3 Year Old Lead Teacher
Becka Vint

Mrs. Becka Vint

Becka is a graduate of Virginia Tech with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing Management and a minor in Communications. This is her 2nd year teaching at CCEP, but she is no stranger to the preschool classroom having taught for 4 years. She is a mom of 3 and spends her time running between fields, gyms and athletic competitions with her kids and husband. She is thrilled to be working with Ms. Bradley!

Mrs. Becka Vint

3 Year Old Asst. Teacher
Mrs. Heather Belcher

Mrs. Heather Belcher

This is Heather's 4th year at CCEP and she joins our team with more than 20 years of experience working with learners of all ages and abilities in both public and private schools. She graduated from UVA and received her M.S.Ed in Exceptional Education from Simmons College in Boston. Heather is married with two children and is so excited to join the CCEP team!

Mrs. Heather Belcher

3 Year Old Lead Teacher
Mrs. Tracy Peddicord

Mrs. Tracy Peddicord

This is Tracy’s 2nd year teaching at CCEP but as a mom of 3 CCEP graduates and frequent substitute, she is a very familiar face on campus. She attended UVA for undergrad and earned her Master’s in Psychology from George Mason. Tracy is looking forward to give her class the best preschool experience and making sure they have fun every day!

Mrs. Tracy Peddicord

3 Year Old Asst. Teacher
Mrs. Kristin Coyle

Mrs. Kristin Coyle

Kristin graduated from James Madison University and has been with us for 14 years in our 5 Day PreK class and our 4 year old class. She taught in Hanover county public elementary schools for 10 years and is Special Education certified. She brings expertise, enthusiasm, and a love for working with the preschool aged child. Kristin is married with 3 children.

Mrs. Kristin Coyle

4 Day PreK Lead Teacher
Mrs. Rebecca Cabonor

Mrs. Rebecca Cabonor

Rebecca has been on our team for 4 years holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice in 2005 from Virginia Commonwealth University. Rebecca brings 9 years of experience as a social worker where she provided education, referrals, and safety assessments to families and children. She loves working with preschool-aged children and is most excited about providing a safe, nurturing and fun environment for them to learn. She is the mother of 2 children.

Mrs. Rebecca Cabonor

4 Day PreK Asst. Teacher
Mrs. Angie Fairman

Mrs. Angie Fairman

Angie graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a BA in Advertising and a minor in Business/Liberal arts. Angie is in her 7th year at CCEP. She brings so much joy and energy to our PreK class. She understands the value of children learning through hands-on play and truly enjoys working with preschool aged children. Angie is married and a mother of two children.

Mrs. Angie Fairman

4 Day PreK Lead Teacher
Ms. Jennifer Autry

Ms. Jennifer Autry

Stay tuned for more information about Jennifer! We can't wait for you to get to know her!

Mrs. Jennifer Autry

4 Day PreK Assistant Teacher
Mrs. Melissa Parvizi

Mrs. Melissa Parvizi

This is Melissa’s 2nd year at CCEP! She is a VCU graduate with a Masters of Teaching degree. She has taught 1st grade and is looking forward to her Pre-K class! She is passionate about learning through art, music, movement and equal parts student directed exploration and teacher directed learning. Melissa is married with three children and 3 Holland Lop bunnies!

Mrs. Melissa Parvizi

4 Day PreK Lead Teacher
Mrs. Shawn Lawson

Mrs. Shawn Lawson

This is Shawn's 2nd year at CCEP! She studied music in college and has taught music and art classes for both children and adults. In her spare time, she volunteers for a local non-profit bringing art to various groups in the Richmond Metro area. Shawn is married with two children and is looking forward to sharing her passion for children’s art with her class and their families!

Mrs. Shawn Lawson

4 Day PreK Assistant Teacher
Mrs. Jayme Klammer

Mrs. Jayme Klammer

Stay tuned for more information about Jayme! This is her first year at CCEP but is a well known and loved member of Christ Church Episcopal and we cannot wait for you to meet her!

Mrs. Jayme Klammer

JK Lead Teacher, 5-Day
Mrs. Christy Kelley

Mrs. Christy Kelley

This is Christy’s 1st year with CCEP. She is a proud Hokie graduate with a degree in Adult Education. Over the years, Christy has realized she is most fulfilled when working with preschool and elementary aged children. She is thrilled to be joining the JK class, and sharing her excitement of learning. Christy is married and has two grown children.

Mrs. Christy Kelley

JK Assistant Teacher, 5-Day
Mrs. Courtney de Kanter

Mrs. Courtney de Kanter

This is Courtney's 1st year at our preschool and is looking forward to her time in the JK classroom!

Mrs. Courtney de Kanter

JK Assistant Teacher, 5-Day
Mrs. Heather Payne

Mrs. Heather Payne

This is Heather's 3rd year teaching music Christ Church Episcopal Preschool. She is passionate about exposing our preschoolers to different styles of music, the art of singing, technical musical concepts, and most importantly, a love of working with the early childhood child!

Mrs. Heather Payne

Preschool Music Teacher
Mrs. Elizabeth Witt

Mrs. Elizabeth Witt

Elizabeth is a graduate of the University of Virginia and this is her 2nd year as CCEP's Accountant. She is the mother to a CCEP graduate and a current student. We are so grateful for all that she does behind the scenes to keep our school running smoothly. Go Hoos!

Mrs. Elizabeth Witt

Preschool Accountant
Father Ken Malcolm

Father Ken Malcolm

Father Ken Malcolm is the Rector of Christ Church Episcopal! He has served parishes and dioceses in Texas, Colorado, and as Program Director for the Diocese of Virginia. We love having him on campus and our preschoolers adore him!

Father Ken Malcolm

Rector
Mr. Jimmy Hanks

Mr. Jimmy Hanks

This is Jimmy's 17 year at CCEP! He is a preschool celebrity and always brings a smile to everyone's face! He is a grill master and loves to rollerskate!

Mr. Jimmy Hanks

Preschool Music Teacher
Ms. Meg Sterbenz

Ms. Meg Sterbenz

Meg has been at CCEP since 2017 as both a staff member and preschool parent. She olds a BA in Foreign Languages from George Mason University with a concentration in Spanish. Before joining the CCEP team, Meg worked as an event planner, Pre-K teacher, and taught English to underprivileged youth. Meg has 2 children, a yellow lab, and loves to play pickleball.

Ms. Meg Sterbenz

Assistant Director
Ms. Allison Simon

Mrs. Allison Simon

Allison Simon has been our LightKeep (preschool PTA) President since 2023! She is a beloved member of our preschool family and the mother to a CCEP graduate and current student.

Allison Simon

LightKeeper President

Ways to Give Back


Christ Church is committed to being the heart and hands of Jesus. Christ Church Episcopal works closely with the following organizations: CARITAS, Hope for Humanity, The Micah Initiative, The Sophie House, Rebuilding Together, FeedMore, Rise Against Hunger, CrossOver Heatlcare Ministry, Episcopal Relief & Development, and Blood Drives.

Learn More