First Presbyterian Church Of The Covenant

At Covenant Preschool, we have been fostering a love of learning in our students since 1949. As Erie's longest established early learning program, we take pride in our tradition of excellence and our commitment to meeting each child's unique needs. Our mission is to provide an enriching transition between home and full-time school, promoting social interaction, self-esteem, and a positive attitude toward learning. We also strive to offer spiritual development through the teachings of God's love in the Bible, through Jesus Christ, our faith community, and each other.

Our Facility

Our facility is conveniently located downtown at the historic First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant. We have five spacious and bright classrooms with observation windows, allowing parents to watch their children learn and grow. Each classroom has child restrooms, and we also have an outdoor playground where children can enjoy fresh air and physical activity. Our secure door entry and dedicated parking for drop-off and pick-up ensure the safety of our students and families. We are a peanut/nut-free school, and we have an elevator for easy accessibility to all areas of the facility.

Our Program

Our program is designed to provide opportunities for each child to grow and learn through a variety of structured activities and free play experiences. We offer several classes tailored to different age groups, including:

• 2 Year Old Play School: This program is designed to promote socialization and increase the comfort level of children in dealing with separation from their caregiver. Children do not need to be potty trained to attend.

• 3 Year Old Preschool: This program is designed to teach children basic learning skills as well as encourage social, emotional, and spiritual development.

• 4 Year Old Preschool: The primary purpose of this program is to provide the building blocks for success in Kindergarten and beyond.

• Pre-K: This program is designed for the child who is not ready for Kindergarten or cannot attend Kindergarten due to the age requirement at your school district. This program will ensure that the child will be ready for Kindergarten when the time comes!

• Enrichment: Optional, teacher-guided playtime for students 3 years and older. This is a wonderful opportunity for students that are ready for a longer school day.

• After School Care: We offer after-school care for children who need extended supervision after their regular school hours.

Our Faculty

Our outstanding teaching staff have many years of experience with young children, and they are truly the heart of Covenant Preschool. They strive to meet the needs of each individual child, fostering a love of learning and promoting social interaction, self-esteem, and a positive attitude toward learning.

Our Governing Board

Our governing board is comprised of dedicated individuals who work together to ensure the continued success of Covenant Preschool. They include our Director, Lisa Hiegel; President, Ashleigh Shamburg; Vice-President, Shannon Wiertel; Secretary, Nicole Bonnett; Treasurer, Lisa Sweny; Registrar, Jena Gonzalez; Marketing/PR, Lisa Hiegel; Ways and Means, Megan Gilmore; and representatives from each class.

Testimonials

We are proud of the positive feedback we have received from our families over the years. Here are just a few testimonials:

• "I loved Covenant so much for my own children, that I decided to teach here. This is my 10th year teaching and I've loved every minute! My own children have become very successful students and I know that their great beginning at Covenant deserves much credit." -Deborah Ann Sinnott Steves

• "Our oldest daughter had a great experience during her Covenant years. Looking forward to sending our twins next September!" - Leanne Ostrowski Melody

• "We are new to Covenant this year and have had a wonderful and welcoming experience!" - Jacqueline Dreyfus Spry