About
We help children engage their bodies and minds through fun and educational activities that grow their minds, bodies and spirits.
Our History -
How it All Began
The Community United Methodist Church (CUMC) Preschool was founded with this purpose: “We will concern ourselves with the total development of the child. The physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual needs, and the special needs of each child.” The school started with 30 students, three teachers, and one director on its opening day, October 26, 1966.
CUMC had just moved to its Heil Ave. location when the feasibility of having its own nursery school was explored by the Education Commission. Members included prominent community leaders such as John Murdy (for whom Murdy Park was named), and Charles Graham (for whom Graham Street was named).
By January, the school was growing and more teachers were hired. A year after opening, the nursery school was featured as the lead photo story in the Huntington Beach Independent newspaper with a student gasping at the sight of The Great Pumpkin.
The legacy of CUMC’s nursery school continues—and thrives—over 50 years later.
Our Philosophy
CUMC Preschool offers a safe environment where your child can discover, explore, problem-solve and create. Research supports that young children learn best through play. Therefore we offer a fun-filled, balanced curriculum which meets the California Preschool Academic Standards and helps your child meet his or her full potential in all areas of development. Children at CUMC Preschool begin to understand the world around them through interaction with peers and adults, enhancing the child’s self-esteem through successful experiences and acceptance.
We endeavor to meet each child’s individual needs with a nurturing atmosphere that emphasizes their own personal development. A variety of age-appropriate activities, materials and equipment will be offered each day. Your child will be encouraged to participate in different experiences during the session that will include creative art, science, stories, large and fine motor manipulatives, dramatic play, cooking and nutrition, and language and music.
Our community
CUMC Preschool shares a campus with Community United Methodist Church. The church and its congregation celebrate and support our children, teachers, and administration financially, as well as through prayers, presence, gifts, and service.
We welcome all students, whether or not they participate in Community United Methodist church activities. Students from Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley, and all surroundings areas call the CUMC Preschool community home.
Health & Safety
Your child’s health and safety are our top priority.
Our school cleaning policies include:
- We use unscented, biodegradable, non-toxic cleaning products and least-toxic disinfecting and sanitizing products. When disinfectants and sanitizers are required, they are used only for their intended purpose and in strict accordance with all label instructions.
- We use chlorine bleach only when and where it is required or recommended by state and local authorities. We use it prudently and never use more than necessary.
- We do not use areosol sprays of any kind in the classroom when children are present.
- We use only non-toxic art supplies.
- We recycle all paper, cardboard, glass, aluminum and plastic bottles.
