Learn Through Play

Shandon United Methodist Preschool and Kindergarten, in continuous operation since 1952, strongly believes that children learn through play and supports the idea that the early formative years are crucial to optimum development. We believe that meaningful learning involves active, firsthand experiences and participation, and we provide each child a personalized educational experience designed to help them grow intellectually, socially, spiritually, emotionally and physically – a program that is child-centered and experience-based.

Parents’ Council

Dear Shandon Parents,

We are so excited for another wonderful year at Shandon Methodist Preschool and Kindergarten! I look forward to working with all of you and getting to know you and your families over the upcoming school year. I especially want to welcome all of the new families; this is such a special school and we are thrilled to have you here.

Parents’ Council is a volunteer organization that helps raise money with various events throughout the school year. We are fortunate to have a very active organization and I encourage all parents to participate. The Parents’ Council works hard to raise money that goes directly back into the school and classrooms and we have many opportunities available for you to be involved. Shandon is an amazing preschool and I know it will only get better with your help!

I am excited to be serving as your Parents’ Council President and I am thrilled that Nikki Hood will be our treasurer. I look forward to working with all of you this school year and I am always here if you need anything. If you have any questions about the preschool, volunteer opportunities, or the upcoming school year, please feel free to call me at (864)320-1497 or email me at laurenchardukian@gmail.com.

Sincerely,
Lauren Summers SUMPK Parents’ Council President

Enrollment & Forms

ABOUT ENROLLMENT

We’re happy you’re in interested in Shandon Preschool and Kindergarten, a ministry by and for Shandon United Methodist Church members and the community. The program was developed in response to the need for high-quality child care in the Columbia area and accepts children ages six weeks to five years.

Order for Enrollment
We recognize that unfortunately the need for this care exceeds our capability to serve all interested families and have established an order for enrollment.

Full-time and Part-time Programs:

  • Children currently enrolled
  • Children of Shandon members with sibling(s) currently enrolled
  • Children of non-Shandon members with sibling(s) currently enrolled
  • Children of Shandon members with no sibling(s) currently enrolled
  • All other children

Exception: In the event a teacher has a child who needs a space, priority will be given. This also applies to church clergy.

Enrollment Ages

  • Infants must be six weeks old before enrollment in the program.
  • Except for infants, children must have reached the appropriate age for their respective classes by September 1 of the year they enroll.
  • If enrollment takes place after September 1, parents must reserve a space for the child by paying all applicable tuition and fees.

We would love to be a part of the life of your child and your family and to share in your child’s growth and development.

If you have questions about our program, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

Telephone: (803) 256-1498

E-mail: sumpk3@shandon-umc.org

Enrollment Forms

Waiting List Form

Parent's Handbook.

2022 handbook with Cover for Website

Protocols & Procedures

shandon Preschool and
Kindergarten
Staff

Shandon Preschool and Kindergarten is operated under the supervision of the Director, Carla Graf and Assistant Director, Amber Sims. Each classroom is staffed with a lead teacher and an associate teacher all of whom are dedicated, caring and highly professional. Continuing education requirements are a priority for all staff members as they are committed to personal and professional growth and development.

Shandon Preschool and Kindergarten is under the guidance of a Board of Directors. The Board is responsible to Church Council.

  • Carla Graf

    Carla Graf Director

  • Amber Sims

    Amber Sims Assistant Director

shandon Preschool and
Kindergarten
Classes &
Teachers

Our classrooms are set up in carefully planned centers designed to stimulate and provide opportunities for social interaction, problem solving and language development. We believe that play is a young child’s work and natural way of learning. Above all, we believe that young children need to experience that they are loved, valued and enjoyed.

The curriculum of Shandon Preschool and Kindergarten is based upon developmentally appropriate practices. Within the classrooms, these practices are fostered through the use of learning centers that allow children to have choices and actively explore. Children learn by interacting with people and things in their environment and staff/child interactions along with appropriate materials are important to a child‘s growth and development.

Planning for the classroom involves consideration to the age appropriateness of the group and the individual needs of each child. Our core curriculum is a blend of the Creative Curriculum and Cokesbury’s Christian curriculum. Each class also participates in a weekly music class, and the 3s, 4s and 5s also attend chapel services.

Assessment is an important part of the curriculum. Portfolios for each student contain developmental checklists, work samples and anecdotal records that assist teachers in preparing and planning for the individual growth and needs of each child.

Download A
List of Our Preschool Teachers
preschool kids

Welcome!

LETTER FROM OUR DIRECTOR

It is with great joy that I welcome you as we celebrate the 70th year of this ministry! We are thrilled to be celebrating our Platinum Jubilee! Please find in this handbook information regarding the schedules and operation of our programs. Among the following pages, however, nothing conveys the excitement and enthusiasm of our staff as we welcome you to Shandon. We are very pleased you have chosen to include us in the life of your child and family and we look forward to sharing in that journey!


Recognizing that each child is an individual with unique gifts, our staff strives to provide hands-on experiences of learning and playing within a Christian environment while also fostering a sense of community. To assist us in this endeavor, we encourage you to participate in your child’s life at school as well as share with us the important experiences of your child outside of this environment. Only through a cooperative effort with you are we able to provide the nurturing environment and valuable learning experiences for your child.


Again, allow me to express my excitement as I anticipate our time together during the upcoming school year. Needless to say, if you have questions or concerns regarding your child or our program, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Blessings,

Sincerely,
Carla Graf
Director

Calendar & events

contact Shandon Preschool and Kindergarten