Based on the outcome of the ReVisioning process from the congregation and as directed by the Session, the VIT has prepared a proposal to implement the first step in our march toward becoming a church known for education. The attached summary proposal delineates the initial steps to establish this based on a preschool and day care facility. Although it is in summary form, there is much more detail available upon request from the reception desk in the church offices.

Given the events of the last several weeks, one could easily ask the question, "Why not delay such a consideration?" We believe the answer has many facets:

1. This is a step toward enhancing First’s service to our congregation, our community, and our service to the Lord’s intention for the Christian community.
2. Failure to move forward will delay the start of the service from September of 2007 to September 2008 due to the sequence and dynamics of the school year registrations.
3. As we will be addressing parents of young children, we will have wider exposure to potential members with many years of future participation.
4. As the church increases the programs of community service, we become better known in both the community of Newark, its surrounding area, and in the wider community of Presbyterian Churches. This will enhance our ability to attract new pastors capable of advancing our vision.
5. A delay will entice others to step in to fill the vacuum. Those filling the void may not be able to offer the community a faith based environment in which to start children on their educational path.
6. The example set by Christ in filling urgent needs is one that calls us to action. Through study we understand the need, determined our ability to satisfy the need from a Christian frame of reference. All seems to be in place to move forward.

The next steps to implement the program includes the following:

1. Read and understand the proposal (using the detailed report if desired).
2. Pray for guidance.
3. Discuss the proposal in groups - early May.
4. Complete a survey for the entire congregation – late May.
5. Vote on the proposal in a Congregation Meeting – June.
6. Start implementing the program if approved.

Any new direction of this magnitude can only be successful with the approval and participation of the congregation. Look for notices of discussion groups for the third step and a meeting for the congregation’s decision in this process.

The following set of recommendations are based on preliminary information contained in the "Feasibility Study for a Church Sponsored Preschool Report" prepared by the Preschool Feasibility Committee and further review and refinement by the Vision Implementation Team (VIT) and the Session of First Presbyterian Church, Newark, Delaware.

The ReVision Plan noted three general areas where First Church could extend our mission efforts to our members and community: "Family Needs"; "Community Faith Involvement"; and "Biblical, Theological, and Spiritual Growth". Though a preschool sponsored by our church is recognized and recorded in the first of these three areas, a preschool is also consistent with the other two areas.

On page 21 of the ReVision Context 2004 Report, a church sponsored day school was rated as of "high importance to the Newark community. Therefore, one of the first–year planning initiatives for the "Family Needs" area was to "conduct a focused study, develop specific options, and decide what program(s) FPC will undertake to meet family needs" for a "church sponsored preschool and/or day care".

In the Feasibility Study, it was noted that the 2000 U.S. Census indicated there were a total of 1,760 children in the age group 3 through 5 in zip code 19711. The census also showed there were 1,479 children in the age group enrolled in nursery and preschools. For this age bracket, 84% of the available children attended either nursery or preschool, a strong indication of the demand for this service.

The "Feasibility Study for a Church Sponsored Preschool Report" and its appendices outlined several programmatic options and previewed the financial viability of the achievability of a preschool operation sponsored by FPC. VIT recommended to Session that it accept the broad outline developed for the creation of FPPA and that Session approve further consideration of a preschool proposal that could be shared with members of the congregation. Session approved VIT’s recommendation at its December 13, 2005 Stated Session Meeting. The following proposal description and recommendations are based on the Feasibility Study with several modifications:

• Focus on preschool programs for 3 and 4 year olds during the first two years of operations.
• Provide two age specific classes each in morning or afternoon, 3 hours each (9:00 AM to Noon and 1:00 PM to 4:00PM), to span a 9 month period, to match the public schools.
• Four classrooms will be needed; 2 for day care, 1 for 3-year olds, 1 for 4-yeas olds the first year. Seven rooms will be needed the second year.
• Add preschool and after-school day care services as integral to the opening of the preschool. To be available from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
• Day care services would be available year round with a potential summer camp options, during the period the preschool would not be in operation.
• Since there are inadequate facilities to prepare lunches, it will be expected that the children will bring their own lunches.
• Competitive analysis indicates the proposed financial requirements place this arrangement in a very competitive position.

It is recommended that First Presbyterian Church of Newark consider sponsoring a preschool/day care in the Newark community based on Christian values. The proposal is based on the assumptions that the preschool will be:

• A non-profit C-513 organization
• Self-supporting
• Church affiliated
• Independent of FPC financial obligations
• Use a competitive pricing structure planned for limited future financial aid.

The proposal covers a three year period starting in September 2007. During the first year (September 2007 to August 2008) the preschool for 3-year old and 4-year old children would operate in the lower sanctuary presently occupied by the Montessori Program. During the second year (September 2008 to August 2009), the preschool would remain in the lower sanctuary while a new flexible conventionally-built facility would be constructed on our church property. At the start of the third year (September 2009), the preschool and day care programs would move into the new facility.

This move at the start of the third year would build on the experience gained during the first two years of operation and could expand the number of children being served in the preschool and daycare programs from 48 children during the first year to 84 children by the third year. The first year goal of 48 children represents only 2.7% of the total children in the zip code 19711 in the 2000 census and the third year goal of 84 children is only 5.1% of this age-group population.

To get a better perspective of the size of the operation and potential influence on both the community and our congregation, we offer the follow chart with selected large categories for the first two years of operation. For greater detail, please refer to the Proposal Details, available separately upon request at the reception desk in the office.

The ReVision Plan identified a need, verified by the congregation, wanted by the community, and endorsed by the Session. Studies of our area show a great demand for preschool and child care. Our church sponsored preschool/child care service differs from most area preschools in that it offers a curriculum based on Christian beliefs and values.

A solid plan has been developed supported by realistic financial projections. An initial source of funding has been identified, and facilities exist that meet the State of Delaware requirements for safety, health and sanitation. We have a great location, beautiful campus, and sufficient parking,

The tuition rates anticipated are lower than comparable competitive rates. Salaries and wages for the Director, teachers and aides are projected well above New Castle County averages. Furthermore, the preschool/day care center will support itself financially with sufficient income to provide scholarships to needy families, and investment funding for future expansion.