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.

Welcome

We welcome you as we celebrate the 69th year of Shandon United Methodist Preschool and Kindergarten. We’re very pleased that you’re interested in including us in the life of your child and your family, and we would love to share in your child’s growth and development.

Recognizing that each child is an individual with unique gifts, our staff strives to provide enjoyable experiences of learning and playing within a Christian environment while also fostering a sense of community within your child’s group. 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 which your child needs.

Again, let me express my pleasure as I anticipate our time together. If you would like more information about our program or would like to take a tour, please do not hesitate contact me.

Blessings,
Carla Graf, Director

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: sumpk@shandon-umc.org

Enrollment Forms

Full-time Waiting List Form
Part-time Waiting List Form

Protocols & Procedures

DEAR FAMILIES

During this time of uncertainty and caution, we hope everyone continues to remain healthy and well! We have been monitoring all guidelines and recommendations from the CDC, DHEC and DSS and have also been in contact with other area directors about their protocols, as well. Our updated policies and procedures are based on this guidance provided by the CDC, DHEC, and DSS. Thank you in advance for familiarizing yourself with these procedures. Working together as a team, we can reduce the risk and foster a clean and safe environment for your little ones as well as our staff.

Our ultimate goal is to provide a safe and loving environment for our students, as well as staff. Therefore, it is imperative that you be honest and forthcoming about the health and welfare of your child(ren). We will do our part to keep everyone safe and healthy while here at school and try to mitigate any school closures, but we will need your help, as well. As you all know, wearing face coverings, social distancing, handwashing frequently, refraining from touching your face and limiting exposure to crowds is the best way to stop the spread of COVID-19. Please help us to keep our school COVID free!

Thank you for your support, patience and cooperation during this unprecedented time.

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

shandon preschool and kindergarten parents organization

Welcome Parents! 

The Shandon Preschool and Kindergarten Parents’ Council is a volunteer organization that helps to raise money for the preschool by sponsoring various events throughout the year such as Fun Lunch, Mad Platter Christmas Ornaments and school pictures.

In years past we have also held many other events like Harvest Supper, Grandparent’s Day and Spring Luncheon but due to the recent pandemic we have had to change things up a bit. Although it has been a little different in our fundraising efforts, there are still lots of ways you can help us put money back into our school and classrooms. There are various ways you can serve on our committees. I encourage all parents to be involved with the Parents’ Council and help Shandon United Methodist Preschool and Kindergarten to be voted the “BEST” again this year! 

I am excited to be your Parents’ Council president, and I am especially thrilled to welcome back our treasurer, Jordan Horan. I look forward to getting to know your children and working with all of you. I also want to extend a warm welcome to all of our new and prospective parents at Shandon Preschool and Kindergarten. You’re gonna love it here! 

Please reach out to me if you have any questions about Parents’ Council or the preschool in general. My email is Trenholmhardison@gmail.com or my cell phone is (803) 682-0700. 

Sincerely,
Trenholm Hardison

Calendar & events

contact Shandon Preschool and Kindergarten