Music, gardening, Bible study and outdoor exploration are just some of the activities that youngsters will enjoy at Limeville Christian Preschool (LCP), which will open on Tuesday, Sept. 6, at Limeville United Methodist Church (UMC), Gap.

Prekindergarten classes will be offered for children ages 4 and 5 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. until noon with an optional extended-day enrichment program until 3 p.m. Preschool classes for 3-year-olds will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. until noon. A lunch bunch program will be offered to both age groups from noon to 1 p.m. each day.

This year marks the return of the preschool program at Limeville UMC. "They had a preschool many years ago for about 30 years, and it did very well," said LCP director Mandee Culp. "That ended about 20 years ago, and we are starting it back up. Obviously, a lot has changed in 20 years."

The newly opened preschool will focus on the academic, social, emotional and spiritual needs of preschoolers as they prepare to enter kindergarten. "When it met back then, it was a playgroup, like a Mom's Day Out," Culp explained. "They would do a story and some play time and then go home. (Now), we have a really strong academic and social focus at the preschool so it's a little more engaging and it meets state standards."

The students will meet in the church's fellowship hall and enjoy outdoor activities on the church grounds. "We will (include) Christian concepts such as prayer and Bible stories and have a really strong focus on (teaching the children about) being kind and being a good friend," said Culp. "We believe that children learn best through play, so we embed learning goals right into their daily play. We are hoping to raise funds for a playground. (In the meantime), we have lots of toys to take outside."

Students will also take part in community service projects such as collecting donations for The Factory. "As they come along, we will have other service opportunities as well," noted Culp.

LCP has also taken precautions to ensure that the children will be safe when school is in session. "I had the state police come in and do a walkthrough to (show us) how to exit in an emergency," Culp said, noting that LCP staff members will wear identifying name tags. "We will keep the doors locked at all times with the exception of 15 minutes for dropoff and five minutes at the end of the day for parents to enter. We will be in our classrooms, but you can never be too safe."

Local youngsters were able to get a taste of what the preschool has to offer during a summer camp held from July 11 to 15. During the camp, which had an ocean theme, children enjoyed arts and crafts, outdoor play, snacks and STEM activities.

LCP is located within Limeville UMC, 5783 Limeville Road, Gap. For more information, email limevillepreschool@gmail.com or visit http://www.facebook.com/LimevilleChristianPreschool.