Weekly Calendar & Events Sunday Mornings...    Worship Services  8, 9 & 10:30 am   Learning Circles (Pre - 6th) 9:00 am Revolution (7th - 12th) 10:30 am   Directions & Map   Preschool	Bethlehem Community Early Childhood Center (BCECC) Half-day and full-day preschool programs    A welcoming place for over 40 years The Bethlehem Community Early Childhood Center is a place of nurturing growth for preschool children, conveniently located on the grounds of Bethlehem Lutheran Church near the Encinitas Senior Center. The preschool serves families from the surrounding communities of Encinitas (including Cardiff, Leucadia and Olivenhain), Carlsbad, Solana Beach, and Rancho Santa Fe. All are welcome! Accreditation from NAEYC BCECC Preschool has been accredited since 1991 and was proud to earn re-accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) in 2012. This rigorous accreditation process is your assurance that BCECC is in compliance with nationally recognized criteria for high-quality early education programs. Shared values & community spirit While rooted in the spirit of Christianity, The Bethlehem Community Early Childhood Center is non-denominational and welcomes all people, regardless of faith. Our spiritual teachings focus on giving to others. Outreach projects include food drives, disaster relief, and seasonal gifts to those in need. Bethlehem’s friendly and dynamic Pastor Laura—a lover of animals, gardens and fun—shares stories with the children and invites them to the sanctuary once a month. A focus on learning and fun BCECC offers a balanced program with opportunities for your child to grow at his or her own pace in all areas of development. Your child’s first steps in an away-from-home environment will be welcoming, with caring adults trained to recognize and meet his or her needs in a safe and nurturing place. We believe children grow best in a low-key, non-competitive environment. BCECC teachers offer a range of daily activities that encourage optimal development of a child’s imagination, initiative and autonomy. Development of these qualities from the ages of three to six builds a strong foundation for the academic environment of later school years. Dot’s Garden: a special place for learning and growing Dot Anderson was a lifelong member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and avid gardener until her death in late 2009. It was her family’s wish to carry on Dot’s love of nature and gardening by starting a memorial garden for our preschool, church and community. Your child will have a chance to be an active part of the garden community. Each teacher uses a specific part of the garden plot to teach about the life-cycle of plants, plant care, the role of garden insects, and countless other activities where nature is our teacher. Dot’s Garden is an incredible gift that will benefit the Bethlehem community for many years to come. Parent comment “McKenzie has thrived at Bethlehem! The play based learning model is remarkably effective, the teachers are exceptional educators who are committed to the wellbeing of our children & the director has created a positive learning community. My daughter is already well prepared for kindergarten and it’s still 7 months away!  The best part is, besides believing learning is fun, she and her friends have an assuredness that comes from consistent reinforcement of each child’s gifts by every adult at Bethlehem.”   Parent-Kelli