About Us
Your Child is in Great Hands
Our History
The classroom friendship of two little boys in elementary school resulted in their mothers’ meeting and starting Gingerbread Cottage Preschool. Anne Long and Shirley Patterson opened Gingerbread Cottage Preschool in September 1977 at the West End Alliance Church in Glen Allen, VA.
In 1986 the school moved from West End Alliance Church to Good Shepherd United Methodist Church in Glen Allen, VA, where it remained until 1992. The school then moved to its present location in Laurel Presbyterian Church in Glen Allen, VA.
In 1987 and 1996 the school expanded into two new areas. In 1987, Gingerbread Cottage Preschool opened a new location at Berea Baptist Church in Rockville, VA. In 1996 Gingerbread Cottage Preschool opened another location at Northside Baptist Church in Mechanicsville, VA. In 2005, the Mechanicsville school moved to Gethsemene Church of Christ, and then in 2008 the Mechanicsville school relocated to Shalom Baptist Church where it is presently located.
Throughout the years, the school has truly been blessed. The congregations who have allowed us to rent the facilities of their churches have graciously supported early childhood education. It is the talent, hard work, dedication, and love of our wonderful staff that have made Gingerbread Cottage so successful.
In August, 2007 Anne retired from the day to day business of children. In January, 2011 Shirley lost her long battle with cancer. Anne and Shirley knew that their dream of serving young children and their families surely had come true.
Today Anne and Shirley’s dream and legacy continue as Gingerbread Cottage Preschool moves forward still serving the community since it originated in 1977.
Philosophy
Our curriculum fosters self-esteem, takes the individual needs of each child into consideration, encourages respect for others, and provides a wide range of educational experiences for your child.
Our site directors are knowledgeable about the SOL standards that must be met in the public school system. With this information in mind, our curriculum is designed to incorporate many pre-SOL skills, which will enable our students to be prepared as they enter kindergarten.
Each week the curriculum is based upon a different educational theme. All classroom activities, including art, stories, music, and finger plays, revolve around this unit of study. Educational speakers, special emphasis days, cultural studies, and holiday parties are also important aspects of our program. Gingerbread Cottage Preschool students receive regular musical instruction. Our music teacher provides the children with a variety of songs, creative movement, and a study of musical instruments.
Gingerbread's Mission
The primary mission of Gingerbread Cottage Preschool is to provide a loving, engaging and fun atmosphere where each child can reach his/her emotional, social, and academic potential and create a love for lifelong learning.
Health & Safety
Student and staff health and safety is one of our top priorities. Gingerbread Cottage Preschool students practice healthy habits such as regular handwashing.
We follow the most recent health mitigation strategies provided by the local health department and Virginia Department of Education.