We began in 1981 with 36 children, ages 11 months to 5 years. In 1984 we moved into the expanded facility and the age requirement was changed to 2 1/2 years to 5 years. In 1985 we went from 2 days a week to 3 days a week, Tuesday through Thursday, with a total of 6 classes. Today, we still offer classes for 3's, 4's and young 5's.
We have evolved from a co-operative program requiring parental involvement to a program in which each class has a head teacher and an assistant teacher. Staff is selected on the basis of interviews and written applications. BUMP is licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The Program Director, Kathy Landon, works directly with the "Preschool Committee" on decisions and policy. This committee is composed of members of the Burke United Methodist Church. The Director oversees the staff and is in charge of the day to day operations of the preschool. She hires staff members, pays salaries, collects tuition, orders supplies, schedules field trips, etc. She is responsible for reporting the financial status of the preschool to the "Preschool Committee."
