Rave Review of Shiloh UCC ELC Preschool in York, PA

Shiloh UCC Early Learning Center in York, PA is one of many little-known preschools in the area with children ranging in ages from 2-5 years. In case you are unaware, UCC stands for "United Church of Christ". When you think of church you rarely associate it with preschool. And you might think that any preschool offered by a church would be a highly religious experience with all of the churches beliefs melded into the learning experience. While yes, the program would teach about God and religion, it would be on a scale that could be understood and appreciated by the little ones. No specific religion is taught- just the general ideas are taught during the learning experience.

While searching for a preschool for my 4 year old I was encountering places that claimed to be preschools but were more like incredibly expensive day cares. Both the inside and outside of these places looked like lots of fun and the kids seems to be enjoying themselves but it also looked like a lot of chaos. When I inquired about their actual preschool programs they had little to say. There was mention of SOME teaching but once again it seemed to me like they were just calling it a preschool so they could up their tuition.

That led me to a desperate, last minute attempt to find something, anything appropriate for my child. I myself am not a religious person but I happened to notice a sign outside of a church in South York mentioning a preschool program for ages 4-5. After visiting them and realizing that more of these places existed I decided that seeing just one wasn't enough when it had to do with my son's education. I then came upon Shiloh UCC in August, one month before the start of the school season, and asked if they were taking any more students. Lucky for us they were! So we went in and talked to one of the teachers. I asked about the religious aspect of their program, slightly concerned that religion might be forced upon my young child in a way I wasn't OK with. She assured me that while religion would be discussed it was discussed in a way that a child could understand and would in no way be forced upon them. As I have mentioned, I am not a very religious person but I am also a person who believes that their children should be able to decide for themselves what they want to believe. This sounded good to me.

We talked more about the program. She informed me that all of the teachers were college educated and were very happy there. I am not against people without a college education considering I do not have one myself but it was comforting to know that these people that would be dealing with my child had a great deal of experience teaching children- not just watching them. It would be a three day a week program, for approximately 3 hours a day. Maybe not the ideal situation for a full time working parent but perfect for a pt working parent or a S.A.H.P. (stay at home parent). The cost was significantly lower than the other "preschools". At only $70 a month it was something we could definitely afford to do. The kids weren't going to be off in their own chaotic worlds- they were doing what she called "learning through play". All play activities would be supervised to some extent and there would be lots of reading and teaching as well. Lots of holiday activities and field trips were planned which relied heavily on parental participation and help. Parents were always welcome to sit in on classes if they wished. And an added benefit: they offer optional programs at an additional cost that would be held either before or after the preschool class, depending on if the child is in morning or afternoon preschool. Included are Spanish, Science, Art and more. We were hooked! We learned that the program runs like a typical school year, rather than year-round, so that they may offer a specific curriculum for the students.

My child learned more there than I ever thought possible in the time spent there. He went in to the program knowing very little but ended up learning so much and I credit that to the amazing teachers that he had! He loved it and I loved it. I was amazed at what the ELC did for him and have decided that all of my children will attend preschool there. Two big thumbs up for the Shiloh UCC ELC!! I highly recommend that if you are looking for a preschool that you don't limit yourself to just the standard preschools that are offered in York County. Think outside the box and try a place like Shiloh UCC. You won't regret it!