Acorns and Oaks Christian Academy, a Christ-centered place of love and learning for babies and children at the Perry Lutheran Homes’ King’s Gardens campus, has announced the grand opening of a new inter-generational preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds to serve the Perry community.
Since 2017, Acorns and Oaks Christian Daycare has provided babies and children age 6 weeks through 5 years a one-of-a-kind daycare experience through regular, inter-generational interaction with older adults living at the Perry Lutheran Homes.
“The benefits of inter-generational programming are resounding,” said the said Rev. Max Phillips, CEO of Perry Lutheran Homes. “And Acorns and Oaks Christian Academy remains one of few childcare centers in the nation to be located within a senior living community. Here children not only develop and grow academically, they also grow in their faith. And because of the inter-generational aspect, they learn to value older adults and become comfortable around assistive devices such as wheelchairs and walkers. They learn to see people and love them for who they are on the inside, looking past various devices and/or limitations.”
Acorns and Oaks Christian Academy came to fruition as a ministry outreach through a partnership with Christ Lutheran Church in Bouton and the Perry Lutheran Homes in Perry. After renovation at the Perry Lutheran Homes King’s Gardens Campus and generous support from many partners, including the Dallas County Foundation, the Bock Foundation, Iowa District West, the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, members of Christ Lutheran Church and many individuals, Acorns and Oaks began serving families in the summer of 2017.
“My heart is invested heavily in Acorns and Oaks Christian Academy,” said Dave Menz, president of Christ Lutheran Church in Bouton and an Acorns and Oaks board member. “I’ve watched it grow from a concept to a daycare to now opening a preschool. Over the past six years, Acorns and Oaks has touched so many lives with the light and love of Christ. I spend an hour or two every Sunday morning visiting with residents. The wise ‘Oaks’ almost always bring up a story about their little ‘Acorns’ that they get to know, watch grow and love. I look forward to continued growth and the lives that will be touched in the years to come.”
Intergenerational programs provide benefits when strategically planned and implemented. Children whom are a part of these programs see improved academic performance, enhanced social skills, decreased negative behavior, and increased stability. And, the benefits for older adults are numerous.
“Acorns and Oaks Christian Academy has even more to offer families beyond the incredible benefits of intergenerational connections,” said Mandi Ballentine, director of Acorns and Oaks. “Each child will be nurtured in a loving, Christian environment designed to grow their faith through Godly play, Christian curriculum and books, ‘Jesus time’ and prayer, Bible study and worship and numerous Christ-centered activities, lessons, music and more.”
Children at Acorns and Oaks Christian Academy receive individualized attention and support from dedicated teachers committed to their growth and well-being. The goal is to deliver holistic education to children to shape lives by way of Christian values, creativity, exploration and academic excellence. Children learn in proven ways that will build a foundation for their successful future.
The Acorns and Oaks Christian Academy preschool space is designed around six classroom learning centers to provide an environment lead by the curiosities and needs of your child through hands-on, experiential learning and components of the Montessori Method and Reggio Emilia Approach. This offers an enhanced educational experience that adapts to the needs of a variety of learners. The six classroom centers are focused as follows:
- Nature Center, including a bird aviary, to create unique experiences with science
- Math and Manipulatives Center to promote hands-on learning by doing
- Art and Literacy Center to explore creativity with a variety of materials
- Library Center to include themed and a variety of interesting books
- Practical Life Center to develop skills needed for everyday life such as preparing snacks, washing dishes, zipping, buttoning, tying shoes, folding laundry, and more
- Godly Play Center to engage with and explore Bible stories through hands-on story figures
The community is invited and encouraged to attend a Perry Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting event on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 8 a.m. at Perry Lutheran Homes King’s Gardens Campus located at 2323 Willis Ave. in Perry. Learn more at the Acorns and Oaks website.
Mollie Clark is the director of marketing for the Perry Lutheran Homes.
