Walking toward me on the Grand Concourse at McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago  as a small unassuming older gentleman with a big smile on his face and a guitar in hand. Something about him drew one’s eyes and attention. As we passed, I saw that it was Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul, and Mary. He was at the NAEYC annual conference to present Operation Respect: Don’t Laugh at Me and to sing with us and for us.

As I sat in Arie Crown Theater with thousands of my peers, I felt temporarily a part of a “love your neighbor” tender moment, much as Mr. Yarrow must have in the 1960s when he marched with Dr. King. Afterward, he was available to greet anyone who wished him to with gigantic hugs and genuine thanks for teachers who do what teachers do every day with children.

I think the Holy Spirit worked through a tiny Jewish man to inspire and challenge us to go out and change the world through love.  Hey, wait a minute, wasn’t there another Jewish man who drew people to Him with unconditional love and a message of hope that we are to share? Jesus said that we are to love our neighbor and that the way we love others demonstrates our love for Him.

What I learned at Mr. Yarrow’s session and in the others that I attended should bring fresh ideas to the ministry of Grow To Know. Can I help change the world through love? Can Grow To Know’s incredible teaching staff….can you? The answer may be blowin’ in the wind but the results will be real watch and see. --Kayla

Grow To Know Preschool & Kindergarten

Time to Enroll for Fall 2008!

Grow to Know Preschool enrollment is open to the public. All Academic (morning only) classes are open to enroll for next year. You may download an enrollment form at the bottom of this page.

Learning and growing opportunities are available for children 2-5 years old.

We believe that we are called by God to provide a rich, loving atmosphere in which children can learn and grow.

We believe Children at Grow to Know Preschool will...

• know God through Christian education
• gain knowledge through learning centers that focus children's attention to a monthly theme
• know the scope of their abilities through opportunities for problem solving, making choices, and collaborating with peers
• learn self-discipline through positive behavior management
• know and integrate concepts of Godly character and develop positive self-esteem
• know themselves when given opportunities for self-expression and skill mastery
• know others in their community and around the world
  

School Times:
Monday/Wednesday/Friday
Tuesday/Thursday mornings, 9:00-11:30,
and a new Pre-K class 12:30 - 3:00 on Tuesday/Thursday

Age Groups:
Two and three year olds - Monday/Wednesday/Friday only
Three and young four year olds - Monday/Wednesday/Friday or Tuesday/Thursday
Four and five year olds - Monday/Wednesday/Friday or Tuesday/Thursday

Full time care waiting list. Call today

Download an  enrollment form:
Preschool Enrollment
Kindergarten Enrollment

Call (417)-881-6800 ext. 117 or extension 183 for the preschool bulletin board
email Preschool Director Kayla Grosshart at kgrosshart@schweitzerumc.org
or Ashley Perham in the preschool office at 881-147 ext. 116