OUR MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission at Neighborhood Christian Center is to embrace individuality in a natural, developmentally appropriate play based environment which fosters a love of learning. It is our mission to nurture the whole child through wonder and discovery.
We teach children that God loves everyone and Jesus is their friend and Savior. We practice good stewardship of ourselves, relationships with others, and the world. We welcome all children regardless of race, sex, color, religion, nationality, or ethnicity.
PHILOSOPHY OF LEARNING
Developmentally Appropriate Practices
At NCC, learning is both child-led and teacher-guided—rooted in research and grounded in grace. Using developmentally appropriate, research-based practices, our teachers partner with children to create meaningful learning experiences that support growth at every stage. Each child is encouraged to explore, discover, and thrive at their own pace—just as God designed them to do.
Physically
At NCC, we believe children grow best when they move, explore, and play with purpose.
Through a balance of teacher-guided activities and child-led discovery, children strengthen both fine motor skills—like grasping crayons or fitting puzzle pieces—and gross motor skills through climbing, running, and outdoor play. These experiences support physical development, coordination, and confidence using all five senses.
Social & Emotional
Learning
Social and emotional growth is at the heart of everything we do.
Through developmentally appropriate practices, children learn to navigate friendships, collaborate with peers, manage emotions, and develop positive approaches to learning. We nurture their natural curiosity while helping them build the confidence and compassion they need to thrive—both in and out of the classroom.
Spiritually
At NCC, faith is woven into everything we do—because we believe every child is wonderfully made by God.
Through Bible stories, prayer, songs, puppets, and the loving example of our staff, children learn that God’s Word is true, that they are deeply loved, and that they can live out their faith with kindness, gratitude, and joy. From serving others to being good stewards, children are encouraged to grow in Christ-like character every day.
Language
& Literacy
Language is more than a skill—it’s a tool for connection, confidence, and growth.
Through everyday routines, conversations, and story-rich environments, our teachers support language development by modeling, expanding vocabulary, and offering meaningful feedback. Children gain the words they need to express themselves, build relationships, and grow into confident, capable learners.
Environmentally
At NCC, children connect with God’s creation daily through hands-on experiences in our vibrant gardens and fruit-filled outdoor spaces.
They help tend vegetable beds, harvest from fruit-bearing trees, and care for the land—learning not only where food comes from, but how to be faithful stewards of the earth. These moments of digging, planting, and exploring inspire wonder, gratitude, and a lifelong respect for the world God has entrusted to us.
Valley Christian School has given Neighborhood Christian Center the recognition of an "Exemplary Preschool.
math
& science
At NCC, we see children as natural scientists and problem-solvers—curious, capable, and full of questions.
Through hands-on exploration and guided activities, children build foundational skills in math and science by testing ideas, observing cause and effect, and discovering patterns in everyday moments. Whether they’re building towers, solving puzzles, or counting out napkins at snack time, they’re learning to think critically and make sense of the world around them.
NCC was one of the first preschools to be recognized in 2010-2011. We have partnered with one of the best schools in the area, Valley Christian Schools, and we commit to prepare our students for Kindergarten with excellence. At its discretion, VCS will present Exemplary Preschool Scholar Award(s) at the preschool’s commencement, each Award valued at $1,000, for qualified preschool graduates who have demonstrated proficiency of required kindergarten readiness skills for VCS and have received an acceptance letter for admission to Valley Christian Schools.
For learn more about Valley Christian Schools, visit www.vcs.net
Valley Christian Schools Exemplary Schools:
1. Agree to maintain a current preschool license through the California Department of Social Services;
2. Agree that the preschool director or its designated representative will attend a VCS orientation regarding the Exemplary Preschool Initiative Agreement and VCS’s expected Kindergarten readiness skills;
3. Agree that VCS will provide tour(s) of its campus to the preschool director or its designated representative to learn more about VCS’s elementary program;
4. Understand that at its discretion, VCS will grant “Preferred Early Admission” to qualified preschool students who have demonstrated proficiency of required kindergarten readiness skills for VCS and have received an acceptance letter for admission to Valley Christian Schools' kindergarten;
5. Agree to attend a K-1 Preview Day for preschools hosted by VCS; and
6. At its discretion, VCS will present Exemplary Preschool Scholar Award(s) at the preschool’s commencement, each Award valued at $1,000, for qualified preschool graduates who have demonstrated proficiency of required kindergarten readiness skills for VCS and have received an acceptance letter for admission to Valley Christian Schools.