Preschool & Pre-K - Westlake Christian Academy

Early Learning Center

Westlake Christian Academy’s Early Learning Center is an exciting and engaging place to grow, play, and learn. Our play-based early learning program offers preschool for 3-year-olds and pre-kindergarten for 4-year-olds. Preschool and pre-k are offered as a morning class with the option to add afternoon enrichment.

The Early Learning Center at Westlake is part of a K–12 school, and the purpose of our program is to teach children about Jesus and to prepare them with the skills needed to be successful in kindergarten and beyond.

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Morning Preschool/Pre-K

Caring and nurturing teachers provide a safe, loving environment where children grow academically, spiritually, socially, and physically. Our literature-rich, Christ-centered curriculum includes a wide variety of multi-sensory activities that prepare children for success in school. Mornings are structured around play-based activities that incorporate developmental and academic goals. Students also learn how to participate in group activities, including morning circle time. Outdoor play and learning activities are incorporated daily (weather permitting).

Early Learning Center classes begin at 8:30 and end at 11:30, except on Late Start Fridays (9:15–12:00pm). The preschool and pre-k classes at Westlake operate as part of a school, rather than a daycare. As such, students are expected to arrive on time, before class starts, every day. This expectation may vary from daycare, which offers more flexibility with drop-off and pick-up times.

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Afternoon Enrichment

Preschool/Pre-K students may extend their day by staying for lunch, indoor/outdoor play, and rest time.

Families may opt to schedule their child to stay fewer afternoons than mornings. However, students must attend class in the morning in order to stay for afternoon enrichment. The afternoon schedule is set for the entire school year and is billed in addition to morning class tuition, according to the family’s chosen tuition payment plan.

Admissions Requirements

Preschool students must turn 3 by September 1st and Pre-K students must turn 4 by September 1st.

All students must be fully potty-trained prior to the first day of class.

Westlake Christian Academy partners with Christian families and their local churches. Preschool and Pre-K families must follow the same admissions requirements as K–12 families, which includes regular attendance at a local church. Additional information is available on our application page.

Extended Care

Before and After School Care is available. Before Care is provided in the cafeteria of the main school and includes age-appropriate activities and supervision for Preschool–6th graders. After Care is provided for Preschool–6th grade students and includes outdoor play and supervised activities, including homework time, in the cafeteria.

Extended Care Rates

FAQs

Is my child ready for preschool?

Preschool readiness doesn’t mean doing everything perfectly—it means your child shows growing independence, can manage most self-care tasks, and can communicate needs to adults.

Preschool students learn many new skills during the school year, and they are supported by teachers as they grow in these skills. However, there are a few essential skills that are necessary before starting preschool:

Communication - communicates basic needs to a caregiver (parent or teacher)
Self-Help Skills - manages toileting needs independently
Safety - responds to simple verbal instructions

What is bathroom independence?

All children enrolled in the Early Learning Center at Westlake Christian Academy must be fully potty-trained before the first day of class.

Bathroom independence means the child can:

Recognize and communicate bathroom needs before accidents occur
Pull pants up and down
Wipe themselves
Wash hands
Change clothing with minimal assistance, if necessary

Classroom routines are structured to include frequent breaks and reminders for students to use the toilet.

Why does the ELC require bathroom independence?

The Early Learning Center is part of our K–12 school community. Unlike licensed daycare centers, our preschool program is designed as the first step in a child’s academic journey, with a structured curriculum and age-appropriate learning goals.

Because of this focus, our classrooms are staffed and equipped for children who are already fully potty-trained. When teachers need to provide frequent diapering or clothing changes, it takes time away from supporting the whole class and guiding students through their learning experiences.

Additionally, state guidelines require specific facilities—such as designated diapering areas and specialized training—for schools that serve children who are not yet potty-trained. Since Westlake is not licensed as a daycare, we do not have these facilities available.

We know that every child develops at their own pace, and we encourage families to reach out if you’d like resources or support as your child works toward bathroom independence. Our goal is to partner with you to help ensure a smooth and successful transition into the Early Learning Center program.

What is your bathroom accident policy?

At the Early Learning Center, we understand that learning bathroom routines is an important milestone for young children. At the beginning of the school year, teachers will spend extra time teaching and reinforcing school bathroom routines. We also know that as children adjust to a new environment, occasional accidents can be expected. Accidents will be handled with patience and care.

If accidents become frequent, our goal is to work together with families to support the child. Parents and teachers will meet to create a plan that may include:

A support plan with strategies to help your child build independence.
A temporary adjustment of schedule, such as reduced hours, to allow for practice and consistency.
A pause in full-day attendance until readiness improves.

In rare situations where a child is not able to achieve bathroom independence with reasonable support, the school will discuss whether enrollment can continue. This decision is guided by what is best for the child, as well as the needs of the classroom community.

At the beginning of each school year, parents receive a copy of our Bathroom Policy and are asked to return a signed agreement. This ensures clear communication and shared expectations as we partner together in your child’s growth.

Is my child ready for Afternoon Enrichment?

Some three-year-olds may be ready for a full day of school. Use this checklist to see if your child is ready to join our Afternoon Enrichment program:

My child stays dry during nap-time (without a pull-up)
My child remains engaged in activities and routines across several hours without becoming overly tired or irritable
My child has experience with predictable routines, which mirrors the structure of a full-day program
My child eats snacks and meals independently, ensuring sustained energy for a longer day
My child is used to following directions from multiple caregivers and is comfortable with adults outside their immediate family.

Not sure if your child is ready for a full day? We would be happy to discuss your child's development and recommend schedule options.

Is my child ready for Extended Care?

Extended Care is a fun way for children in preschool–6th grade to learn, play, and grow together. Because Extended Care is offered in a mixed-age setting and in a different location (cafeteria), it's helpful for our youngest learners to have certain skills in place before joining our Extended Care programs.

Use this checklist to see if your child is ready:

My child is comfortable being with older children.
My child still has energy after a full school day.
My child can handle transitions between school and extended care.
My child is comfortable with multiple caregivers.
My child uses the bathroom on their own.
My child can tell an adult if they need help, are hurt, or need the bathroom.
My child can follow simple group directions.
My child is flexible and can enjoy activities designed for a wide range of ages.

Not every preschooler is ready for extended care right away—that’s okay! You can always start with shorter days and add extended care when your child is ready.