North Branch Reformed Church Preschool
A Play-Based Pace for Early Learning

At the block table, a child builds. Nearby, another role-plays a parent in the dramatic play center, while the third expresses an idea through art. Their teacher watches, listens and occasionally kneels to ask a question. She does not rush them because at North Branch Reformed Church Preschool, learning unfolds at a child’s own pace, through play, curiosity and discovery.

That unhurried classroom reflects the Christian belief at the heart of NBRC Preschool’s 70-year journey: every child is created perfectly by God and has unique gifts to recognize. Since children learn and communicate differently, those ages 2½ to 5 follow their interests, explore materials and learn through developmentally appropriate experiences. Across its seven classrooms, generous space and gross motor areas, children grow physically, socially, intellectually and spiritually.

NBRC Preschool’s long-serving teachers give its play-based model purpose, knowing when to guide and when to let curiosity wander. Individual attention runs through the day as they model social behavior, nurture friendships and involve children in co-creating classroom norms. Literacy, phonetics, mathematics and science develop alongside movement and creativity, with families encouraged to value open-ended learning before academics are pressed too soon.

“NBRC Preschool gives children what every parent wants from the first school experience, time to connect, a safe space to ideate and a place to belong,” says Jennifer Landrieu, director.

Faith Woven into Every Ordinary day

At NBRC Preschool, faith fosters Christian character and fellowship. As a church mission, the preschool welcomes children from different cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds, while families bring their traditions and celebrations into the classroom. Bible stories from pastors, grace before meals and the monthly Fruits of the Spirit infuse daily interactions with empathy, patience and kindness. Each December, the Christmas pageant gathers those values through a cherished tradition of costumes, a wooden donkey and a live baby Jesus.

For some children, Little Lambs is the first step into preschool, where 2½-year-olds spend an hour each week with a caregiver, acquainting themselves with the setting and routines. Regular programs run primarily from 9 a.m. to noon and are offered 2, 3 or 5 days a week. 4-year-olds can stay longer through Extended Day, while Science Explorers, Preschool Picassos and Building Buddies add hands-on science, structured activities, balance and design into the day.

The depth behind those programs comes from teachers whose continuity at NBRC Preschool has deepened their familiarity with the community. As it marks its 70th anniversary, one celebrates 40 years, alongside others with long ties. All are Christian mothers who began as parents at the school, with expertise in education, physical education, psychology and child development. Their work rests on compassionate guidance, reassurance for families and a passion to helping children become their best selves.

A Place That Holds the Whole Family

Families become part of NBRC Preschool as naturally as their children do. An active parent-teacher organization draws parents into events, field trips and related programs while monthly fundraising supports enrichment visits from authors, farmers and musicians. Mom’s Night Out brings families together, while Teacher Appreciation Week gives parents 5 days to show gratitude.

Belonging at NBRC Preschool endures through difficult circumstances. When grandparents unexpectedly became guardians of two preschool-age children and approached the preschool just before the school year, NBRC Preschool adjusted its enrollment process and provided a full church-funded scholarship to welcome them. Over the year, they grew more confident socially, communicating with teachers and peers and succeeding in kindergarten.

The clearest measure of what the preschool offers lives in grandparents who return to praise the support, the families enveloped in belonging and teachers who stay for decades. NBRC Preschool keeps listening and adapting through end-of-year surveys, feedback and fresh curriculum ideas that challenge students in new ways. It aims to remain a place for purposeful learning, close-knit bonds and a Christ-centered life, serving the local community for another 70 years.