Kingdom Kids Nursery School began as a ministry of Mount Lebanon Presbyterian Church in 1988.  A group of young mothers in the church, desiring a distinctly Christian preschool experience for their children, approached Kelli Maravalli, the Director of Children’s Ministry, with an inspired idea.  What began with one class of a few children all those years ago has blossomed into a school with five classes and a teaching staff of eight dedicated women serving children three to five years of age.  With Proverbs 22:6 as the guiding scripture passage, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Kingdom Kids Nursery School remains a place where children are nurtured and grow in the body, the mind and the spirit.

Philosophy

Our program serves children from three to five years of age, including a two-day class for young threes, a three-day class for older threes, a three-day class for younger fours, and a Transitional ("T") class for 4 1/2 - 5 year olds. All classes are staffed with a teacher and a teacher's assistant. In addition, your child will have the option of staying for Lunch Bunch, which is available from 11:30 - 1:30.

We teach and practice good manners, as well as personal responsibility, such as saying "please", "thank you," and "I'm sorry", as well as learning to put toys away and helping to clean up. In addition, school behaviors are established, such as listening while others speak, pushing their chair in, waiting patiently when necessary, walking in line, and taking turns. All classes come together weekly for a high-energy music time, where the children accompanied by the piano, learn "classic" kids songs, as well as praise and worship songs, complete with motion and movements! Parents, families, and friends are welcome to join us several times each year for "Kids Praise."

Location

KKNS is located in the Mt. Lebanon United Presbyterian Church located at the corner of Scott Road and Washington Road between Mt. Lebanon and Dormont.  We are housed in the Christian Education Wing of the church. 

Parking

Please enter the church parking lot from Washington Road next to St. Bernards, being aware that traffic is one-way. Parking spaces for KKNS parents are available on the st. Bernard side of the building, and in "stacked" in the rear of the building, pulling-forward to allow KKNS parents to pull in behind you. Please be aware of the constant flow of cars and children and use caution in the parking lot, and while escorting children to the door. When exiting the parking lot, travel around the rear of the building only, and exit onto Scott Road. We ask that you not use the "drive-through" which goes through the center of the building. Jubilee Christian SChool and Mothers Morning Out are other programs located at Mt. Lebanon United Presbyterian Church, so babies and children of all ages abound in the parking lots! We have coordinated our parking lot procedures with these other ministries with the safety of the children as our top priority. We've have several close calls in the parking lot, so we ask that you please abide by these guidelines, which have been put place for the protection of you and your little ones!

A Typical Day 

A typical day at KKNS includes:

• Interactive play - decision-making and social skills are learned and practiced

• Opening exercises - calendar, prayer, weather, flag salute, Bible verse, job or "helper" duties given

• Circle time - the teacher presents the day's lesson to the class

• Learning centers - pre-reading and writing skills are practiced, almost always involving a craft

• Snack - healthy eating is encouraged!

• Gym or "Big Room" time - free play, as well as using " Kingdom Kids in Motion" to develop gross-motor skills

Biblical principles and Christian values are woven throughout the day.  Prayer is an important part, as we help the children to realize that God is always available, and that they can learn to go to Him for their needs and joys, and for the needs and joys of others. Also, the children spend time learning about a different Fruit of the Spirit each month (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control).