Eugene’s Parent-Child Preschool

Welcome to Eugene’s Parent-Child Preschool!Originally founded as First United Methodist Preschool in 1957, Eugene’s Parent-Child Preschool (EPCP) is an incorporated, non-profit organization and was originally sponsored by the Commission on Education of the First United Methodist Church as a community outreach program.The Preschool’s curriculum, however, does not include religious instruction.

School Mission and Philosophy

The primary mission of EPCP is to encourage a lifelong love of learning by providing the best possible social and educational experience for children and their families within a caring community of members.The Preschool exists to enable families to provide a high quality, low-cost, developmental, social and learning experience for preschool children.Regular and active parental participation in the Preschool ensures that an atmosphere of love and caring surrounds our children’s growth and learning.It exposes our children to the diverse personalities and backgrounds of many adults and children.The members’ contacts through the Preschool encourage mutual support, empathy and the sharing of effective approaches to common child-rearing problems.Organizationally, the Preschool relies on the talents of its teachers and members for basic direction, fundraising and special projects.

Preschool Operations

EPCP employs two to three salaried teachers.Other preschool operations are conducted by parents, both through jobs (which carry a monthly tuition discount) and volunteer efforts.Tuition and fundraising are the Preschool’s two main sources of income to cover expenses such as teacher salaries, supplies, rent, equipment, etc.The primary fundraiser involves producing an annual live theatrical play and shadow puppet show for the community.

Rights of Members

Members are entitled to vote, may hold office and are invited to attend all Board meetings.Members may also inspect books and records (on request at reasonable hours).

Board of Directors

This group of elected and appointed (unpaid and volunteer) Preschool members provides guidance and makes decisions for the Preschool.The Board meets monthly, and all members are invited to attend the meetings.The teachers act as valued advisors to the Board and attend all Board meetings.

Children’s Theater Program

The primary fundraiser for EPCP is a Children’s Theater Program.This annual fundraiser is a cooperative effort presented by the parent members and usually held the first part of March.Beginning in 1957, it has become a community tradition.By pooling the varied talents of the parents, the Preschool provides a unique and entertaining production enjoyed by and old alike.

Each family is responsible for a pre-production theater job and a performance-day job.The benefits of the Children’s Theater Program are:

1. Raises money to pay the annual rent and purchase supplies and equipment.      

2. Attracts new members. (A classroom open house follows each performance.)      

3. Provides quality live theater for children in the community.      

4. Build rapport among Preschool members.