Word of Faith Center > Ministries

Bernice Rush
Director of Heritage School

Heritage Preschool and Kindergarten

History

Bernice has been attending Word of Faith Center since 1988. Bernice first visited WOFC when it was located in the old Trend College building and immediately felt at home and welcome. Her children were excited and enjoyed their classes at church. Bernice's twin boys were one year old when she began in the infant ministry. From there her role in Children's Ministry grew. Bernice went on to become a Rainbows teacher and helped start the ABC preschool program on Wednesday nights.

Bernice had a vision for a preschool in the church, so she met with Director Debbie, our Children's Director, and developed a handbook. Heritage Preschool was launched in 1998 on a trial basis. The first year there was 4 rotating teachers and 15 students, by the next year Heritage had 65 students! In the fall of 2000, they added Kindergarten. At this time, Bernice knew she needed to finish her Early Childhood Degree for both personal reasons and to be ready to take Heritage to the next level; she graduated in June of 2000. The classes she took helped her to develop new curriculum practices and employ new methods of teaching. For the last several years, Heritage has averaged about 120 students and employed 16 teachers.

Heritage has earned a quality reputation in the community. Our children enter their next school with exceptional abilities that are being noticed by their new teachers in the school systems. Most of all we are able to reach these children and instill the fact that God loves them and has created each of them to be special. We love them right where they are and are excited to see the growth in each one. We are also involved with the families on a daily basis. We work on building relationships and help them through personal difficulties. Our children come from so many different denominational backgrounds, yet can all agree on the basic Bible principles we teach to the children. God requires us to love one another and through that love, others will be won into His kingdom.

Curriculum

We are a Bible-centered, phonics-based program designed to reinforce the values found in God's Word. Each child is recognized as a unique gift from God. Their creative opportunities are unlimited. Children are encouraged to explore the wonders of God's world. We incorporate the best of several different curriculums, as well as utilize the creative gifts placed within our teachers. This is truly a "hands-on" experience. Our staff is trained and equipped with the tools necessary to provide a quality Christian education. Our teachers have been trained to pinpoint possible health and developmental difficulties in your child. If there is a concern, you will be contacted to discuss what options may be available for your child. You may then choose to follow-up with a professional screening.

Goals

Class sizes are one adult per eight to twelve children (depending on the age group). Opportunities to learn and grow in smaller group sizes allow a greater amount of interaction between teachers and students. Children deserve more individualized attention than many other facilities are able to provide.

Our educational goals for a school year are:

To help children grow spiritually through the introduction of basic Bible concepts and the development of loving Christian relationships.
To provide opportunities to express individuality and to explore God-given talents through dramatic play, art, and music.
To develop large motor skills using games, guided play, and group activities. To encourage the development of fine motor skills through interaction with clay, blocks, puzzles, pegs, scissors, and painting.
To introduce basic concepts of numbers, letters, shapes, problem solving, cognitive skills, sequencing, patterning, and colors.
To enhance self-expression and communication skills through involvement in language development activities, drama, and puppet play.

Staff Qualifications

All the teachers believe that God has called them to teach children.
They are learning and growing Christians.
Receive formal training in Christian Foundations.
Have experience in working in a classroom setting.
Utilize teacher training as opportunities arise.
Are accountable to Word of Faith Center's standard of excellence.
Have had a Washington State Background check completed.
Are thoroughly screened with emphasis on character and integrity.
Teachers and staff recognize that it was love that won them over to Jesus and they seek to share His love with their students.

If you would like more information on class schedules and fees, please call Bernice at 582-5608 Ext. 7 or e-mail us at heritage@wofc.org

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Vision

Heritage School provides a safe and positive learning environment, which meets the needs of the children, physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and socially. We train and equip these young people to be children of influence in their homes, schools, and community.

Mission

To expose the children to a well-rounded curriculum and prepare them for their ongoing success in school. To provide educational and training opportunities to parents through Bible studies, home meetings, parenting, and marriage classes. To teach proper social skills and values to children which will allow them to influence their community by their positive examples and high self-esteem.