Our Philosophy

 The Red Bridge Early Childhood Center (ECC) exists to provide an educational environment where each child can grow spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, physically, and socially. ECC’s Christian philosophy of education emphasizes that each child is uniquely created by God and is of inherent worth and dignity. Our teaching reflects the belief that children learn best in a nurturing, respectful, and loving environment. We strive to integrate faith and learning by helping children recognize God’s love, fostering moral development, and encouraging curiosity about the world as God’s creation.

A Day in the Life

• 9am arrival
  
• Circle time
  
• GymJam or recess
  
• Lunch
  
• Recess
  
• Music
  
• 1pm dismissal
  

Classes

• Requirements: All students must provide a registration packet, a Missouri Medical form and a copy of their immunizations before the first day of school. Students must be up-to-date with vaccinations in order to enroll in ECC. Students with exemptions on file will not be admitted.
• 2’s classes: Students must be 2 by September 1 to enroll. Children do not have to be potty trained for this class. Class options are Mon/Wed or Tues/Thurs. You can add Friday as an optional 3rd day
• 3’s classes: Students must be 3 and potty trained by Sept 1 to enroll. Students can attend Mon/Wed and/or Tues/Thur with the option to add additional days with our Explorers program. 
• Pre-K 4’s classes: Students must be 4 by Sept 1 to enroll. Students can attend Mon/Wed/Fri or Tues/Thurs/Fri with the option to add additional days with our Explorers program. 
• High 5’s classes: Students must be 5 by Sept 1 to enroll. Students can attend Mon/Wed/Fri with the option to add additional days with our Explorers program.
• What is High 5’s? High 5’s is a class designed for students with late spring or summer birthdays who decide to spend an additional year in preschool before enrolling in Kindergarten. We like to think of it as the “Gift of Time.” Considering this class for your child? Pre-K conferences are held in January so that parents can discuss class options before registration opens in February.
• What is Explorers? Explorers is an additional day or two where your child will “travel” and learn about different states in the United States. They talk about the food, the climate, the location, and the diversity of people all over the United States. Each child will have a passport so they can keep track of the states that they have “traveled” to and studied.​
• What is Stay and Play? Explorers is an additional day or two where your child will “travel” and learn about different states in the United States. They talk about the food, the climate, the location, and the diversity of people all over the United States. Each child will have a passport so they can keep track of the states that they have “traveled” to and studied.
  

GymJam: ECC’s Play and Movement class

We’re excited to introduce GymJam, ECC’s very own movement program! Each week, students participate in high-energy GymJam classes led by our fabulous movement teacher, Miss Anna.
Through obstacle courses, games, music, and more, children stay active while developing coordination, balance, and gross motor skills—all in a fun, encouraging environment.
Our students love GymJammin’ each week, and we love seeing them move, play, and grow!

Music at ECC

Our preschoolers enjoy a joyful and engaging music program that encourages learning through songs, fingerplays, movement, dancing, and imaginative actions. Music is a powerful tool for early development, which is why we incorporate it into our daily curriculum.
Children grow in language, rhythm, coordination, and creativity—all while having fun and expressing themselves.
We proudly showcase what they’ve learned during two special events each year:

• Christmas Program in December
• Masterpieces & Music celebration in May

Story Time with Pastor Jewell

Each month, Pastor Jewell visits our classrooms to share a special story with the children. She selects short, meaningful books centered around simple Christian themes such as joy, love, kindness, and gratitude—with a new theme and story each month.
This quiet, thoughtful time is a meaningful part of our school community, and we know our students are truly blessed by her presence and the messages she shares.

ECC is a ministry of Red Bridge United Methodist Church and is considered part of the Church’s overall ministry. As a ministry of Red Bridge United Methodist Church, ECC affirms the Christian faith as expressed in the teachings of Jesus Christ. Staff are expected to support the Christian mission of the school, share in the values of love, compassion, and service, and model Christian principles in their interactions with students, families, and colleagues.