Download Information:
The Children’s House Handbook
Registration Form for The Children’s House
The Children’s House is a Montessori-based morning program offered on weekdays for the youngest members of our community. The program was founded six years ago by our beloved Mary Ellen Murray, intended originally for toddlers ages 18 months – 3 years of age. She named the program “The Children’s House” as she wanted each child to feel a sense of ownership, that it was truly their place to grow and experience a peace-based education. And, as the children grew (along with the popularity of the program), the demand for a preschool environment grew as well. There are currently two “environments”, or classrooms. For many families, this is the first real separation of child from parent or caregiver.
Did you know that we have families come from all over Niagara County, including Youngstown, Lewiston, Ransomville, Wilson, Niagara Falls and North Tonawanda? This year, there are 45 children enrolled! As people begin to experience the morning program, some become interested in learning about other programs in the church. Some families have become new members, while others have joined Parents Together, attended turkey dinners or the amazing Vacation Bible School experience. The ripple effect is in action and it’s beautiful.
The Children’s House serves as an outreach program to the young families in our midst and is budgeted to be self-funded through tuition and fundraising. This summer, we were fortunate to receive a grant designated for the preschool classroom from the Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation.
Each classroom has two Montessori “guides,” or teachers. Andrea Randazzo and Janice Vitch work together in the Toddler Room, while Monica Barner, Julie Siegel and Eileen Hoffman work as a team in the Preschool Room. I welcome you to observe through the one-way mirrors as these guides work their “magic” with the young ones. The classrooms have been designed with great care and purpose. These women don’t just come to church to work on weekday mornings, you’ll also find them in the nursery on Sundays, helping with our youth groups or volunteering at VBS.
There is another caring group of individuals who serve generously with their time and talents each month on the TCH Advisory Board: Pat McClemont, Carol Stewart-Rogers, Amy Freiermuth, Ken Greulich and Rex Stewart. We also owe a debt of gratitude to Betty Salvatore and the Fix-It Club who really support us behind-the-scenes (including the efforts behind the new rubber-mulch in the play-yard).
There are a few special events each year in our school, including the Harvest Moon Supper, Earth Day Celebration and St. Jude’s Trike-a-thon. Each is an opportunity for learning social awareness, the chance to serve others and of course, fellowship.
I’m very proud to be a part of The Children’s House and the impact it’s had on our family in the last few years. I am so grateful for Mary Ellen Murray’s vision, the entire staff’s dedication, and the support received from this church as The Children’s House continues to evolve. The program has the best of intentions in tone and nature and proves to offer something unique. I invite you to come and witness it some weekday morning!