Wilmington Christian Academy

Cathy Dotson, Ed.D.
Preschool & Elementary Principal

 Overview

Our program offers a unique, customized curriculum for each age level, as well as an art lab, music studio, a gym, and library. Our hands-on, developmentally appropriate activities target all aspects of early childhood development, while emphasizing the love of Jesus Christ. The exposure children receive to Bible, phonics, numbers, art, computers, music and movement, books and reading, physical education, science, and Spanish, provides a wealth of experiences for the children on which to build a solid educational foundation. Our goal is to provide the highest quality program where loving kindness, gentleness, consistency, safety, and security are of utmost importance.

Teachers

Our commitment to high standards is also reflected in the people who work at WCA. Our teachers are experienced, certified Early Childhood or Elementary Educators who receive ongoing training. We nurture the lasting bonds that develop between our faculty and families. Everyone that is employed by WCA has been fingerprinted and background checked.

Spiritual Approach

Our teachers include a daily Bible lesson, including songs, Bible stories, and scripture verses. Teachers also use this time to present life application lessons that connect to children's lives in a meaningful, age-appropriate way. In all of our curriculum, we pray that God will be perceived as our creator and in control of our lives and universe.

Playgrounds

Children learn through play! WCA has two outdoor playgrounds that are used daily. During adverse weather conditions, the children play in the gymnasium with lots of balls and scooters. The teachers monitor all aspects of playgorund safety, and the equipment is continuously monitored to make certain that it is safe and properly maintained.

Lunch & Snacks

The kitchen facilities at WCA operate with a commercial license, so the NC Department of Environmental Health inspects our kitchen every three months. Our nutricious menus for snacktime and lunch are planned using the USDA requirements for child care. Menu selections are based on a well-balanced choice of meat/proteins, vegetables, fruits, starch side dishes, whole grain breads, enriched or fortified cereals, and 100% fruit juices.

Morning snack, lunch, and afternoon snack are provided for all the PK3 children. Only morning and afternoon snacks are provided for PK4 children. PK4 children have the option to bring a lunch or purchase a lunch.

Enrollment Age Requirements

The birthdate deadlines for our school year are as follows:
     PK3 - Children must be 3 and potty trained before starting.
     PK4 - Children must be 4 on or before August 31st to
               enter our 4s Program.

Discipline & Behavior Management

Praise and positive reinforcement are effective methods of the behavior management of children. When children receive positive, non-violent, and understanding interactions from adults and others, they develop good self-concepts, problem solving abilities, and self-discipline. WCA also uses time-out when a child does not respond to positive reinforcements. Numerous positive reinforcements are in place within each classroom.

Technology

Classroom computers and interactive white boards provide daily opportunities for technological fun.

• All preschool classrooms have MIMIO Interactive whiteboards to aid in classroom curriculum and interactive learning.
• All preschool classrooms have ceiling mounted digital projectors.

We are taking the focus away from the technology itself and placing it directly on the learning and teaching it facilitates.  In their daily lessons, teachers can incorporate "field trips" to anywhere in the world. Students enjoy singing, reading, and interacting with online resources.