History
The History of First Academy Preschool
First Baptist Child Development Center was started in August 1977. We began this ministry with 30 children. We were then meeting in building A. The Child Development Center was established to provide quality, Christian childcare for the children in the Leesburg area. In October 1986, we moved into our new facility and began to rapidly increase in our enrollment. In October 1992, we became affiliated with FACCS (Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools) and became First Academy Preschool. Then we changed over to ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) in 2002. First Academy Preschool is licensed by DCF. (License #C05LA0164)
Our Philiosophy
First Academy Preschool is committed to providing a loving, Christian environment where our children can grow spiritually, socially, intellectually, and physically. Our program is built around the Bible in that it teaches us to “Grow in Grace and Knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”(2 Peter 3:8) and “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).
We believe that each child who enters our program is a unique and special gift of God, and that it is our privilege and responsibility to help them be the very best that the Lord would have them be. We believe in the importance and authority of family and the church.
Spirituality
We are committed to presenting the love of God and the understanding of His word, the Bible. We teach children that God loves and accepts each of them and that there is good and evil, and for them to make right choices. We want children to have a beginning understanding of worship as well as participate in opportunities to worship Jesus as their Lord and Savior. We seek to teach scriptural principles within all activities.
Socially
We believe that young children learn through well planned individual and group activities. Through guided learning centers and structured circle times, our children learn to work and play together, respect each other and their property, and obey those in authority. Through participation, young children learn about their responsibility to God, family, friends and community.
Intellectually
The curriculum has been carefully chosen and evaluated to assist each child in attaining age appropriate skills and concepts. Activities are planned around curriculum themes which integrate a variety of language arts, math readiness, science, art, music and communication skills.
Physically
Activities in the classroom and the playground provide opportunities to develop gross fine motor skills. Throughout these activities, students gain skills that lead to success in school. Good health principles are taught and practiced. From clean rooms, clean hands, to teaching good hygiene, the children are learning to develop healthy habits.