SUMPK’s curriculum is built on developmentally appropriate practices that encourage children to learn through play. Classrooms feature learning centers such as blocks, art, literacy, music, science, dramatic play, and cozy/quiet spaces to support all areas of development.
Instruction is tailored to each child’s age and individual needs and combines The Creative Curriculum with Cokesbury’s Scope and Sequence for Christian education. This approach meets and exceeds state standards.
Teachers use ongoing assessments, including developmental checklists, work samples, and observations, to track progress and plan for each child’s continued growth and learning.
SUMPK is committed to providing children and families with quality learning and care in a safe and loving environment. Staff foster respectful communication, reinforce positive behaviors, set clear and consistent expectations, and help children learn responsibility for their actions. The program emphasizes understanding the reasons behind behavior, redirecting children toward appropriate choices, and creating a supportive environment that encourages success. Should it become necessary, an age-appropriate quiet time or loss of privileges may be implemented. Corporal punishment is never permitted.
Children enrolled in the Threes and Fours classes at SUMPK are required to be fully potty-trained.
Staff-to-Child Ratios
The preschool provides a morning snack for all children and an afternoon snack for those who are full-time or in Extended Care. This includes a rotation of fresh fruits (apples, bananas, strawberries, blueberries, oranges, etc.), crackers (goldfish, saltines, ritz, cheez-its, etc.), cheese, yogurt, raisins, etc. Families have an opportunity to sign up to bring a class snack on Wednesdays.
Children enrolled in our Full-time Program or those who stay for Extended Care should have lunches provided by parents.
Our Parents’ Council sponsors “Fun Lunch” each year. If you choose to sign up for this optional fundraiser, on scheduled days (once a week) the Parent’s Council will provide lunch. They rotate items like chicken nuggets, pizza, grilled cheese sandwiches, and buttered noodles.
We are always happy to share information about our program and welcome families who are interested in learning more about Shandon. Because classroom availability is limited and waitlists can vary by age group, we typically recommend that families first inquire about enrollment availability before scheduling a tour.
When openings are not anticipated for an extended period, it may be more beneficial for families to wait to tour until a space becomes available or enrollment is approaching. This allows families to see how the program is currently operating and ensures their time is spent exploring options that may be available to them.
If you are interested in enrollment, please complete a waiting list form found here. If you would like to set up a tour, please reach out to schedule a time that is convenient for you. Tours are typically provided Monday through Friday between 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
In order to enroll at SUMPK, children are required to follow the vaccination schedule outlined by the South Carolina Department of Public Health. We do not accept exemptions or delayed schedules.
We welcome you to join our waiting list by clicking here. There is no fee to be added to the list.
Timeframes for potential enrollment vary by age group and program and are unfortunately difficult to predict. Please be aware that the infant waiting list is typically the longest. Current students are always offered the opportunity to enroll first, followed by church members with siblings enrolled, siblings of current students, church members, and then community members.
To give you an idea of the potential for enrollment in our part-time or full-time programs, the chart below shows the total number of children we can serve. The number of available spaces each year is determined by the number of current students who choose to return.
| Part-Time Program | Full-Time Program |
| Infants: 7 spaces | Infants: 4 spaces |
| Toddlers: 32 spaces | Toddlers: 10 spaces |
| Twos: 32 spaces | Twos: 12 spaces |
| Threes: 32 spaces | Threes: 15 spaces |
| Fours: 32 spaces | Fours: 15 spaces |
Because enrollment depends on many factors, we are unable to estimate when a space may become available. When an opening occurs, we will contact the next family on the waiting list by phone. Registration begins each February for Fall enrollment, however we encourage you to get on the waiting list as far in advance as possible. If you have not received placement within one year of completing the waiting list form, please reach out by phone or email if you are interested in remaining on our waiting list.