GOLDEN VALLEY, MINN. (Dec. 10, 2012) - Calvary’s three Early Childhood Centers, which work together in “helping young children and their families grow in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ,” will celebrate milestone anniversaries in January 2013. Located at Calvary Lutheran Church in Golden Valley, Minn., Calvary Pre-Kindergarten will celebrate 50 years, while Calvary Childcare and Calvary Hourly Childcare will recognize their 30^th anniversaries.

In 1963, Calvary Pre-Kindergarten began with one teacher, one class and one director/teacher. Today, the school features eight teachers and 10 classes for ages 2½ to 5, and enrolls 160 children annually. Over its 50-year history, nearly 8,000 children and their families have benefited from the school’s emphases on creative expression, social interaction, intellectual development, physical activity and faith development.

Calvary Childcare offers full-time childcare with a preschool educational component built into each day. The center enrolls children ages 12 weeks to 5 years and serves 52 families on a daily basis.

Calvary Hourly Childcare provides families with children ages 16 months to pre-Kindergarten with a flexible, short-term care option. Open Tuesday through Friday from September through May, Calvary Hourly Childcare allows parents to reserve 1-5 hours of childcare a day. Like the church’s other Early Childhood Centers, Calvary Hourly Childcare follows a full curriculum customized for both toddlers and preschoolers. 

All three of Calvary’s Early Childhood Centers are accredited by the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA) and licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services Licensing Division.

“Our Early Childhood Centers not only provide great care and education, but also help families establish strong roots of faith,” said the Rev. Steve Dornbusch, Calvary’s senior pastor. “Our teachers are committed to helping children succeed in all areas of life—today and in the years to come.” 

Calvary will celebrate the anniversaries during the church’s weekly worship services on Thursday, Jan. 10, at 6:30 p.m., and on Sunday, Jan. 13, at 8, 8:45, 10 and 11:15 a.m.; the public is welcome. Other special events for former teachers and students are being planned by invitation.

The mission of Calvary Lutheran Church is to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Established in 1946, Calvary offers seven weekly worship services and a wide variety of programs for children, youth and adults. For more information, call 763-545-5659 or visit calvary.org.

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