Letter from the Director
Welcome to Harvey Browne Preschool
We believe in protecting the gift of early childhood by teaching in a way that focuses on meeting the needs of the whole child: socially, emotionally, spiritually, and academically. What does a typical day look like? Lots of conversation, books, play, learning centers, smiles, art, music, laughter, friendships, and movement. We want children to be children. Our goal is to foster a love of learning and exploration in your child.
At Harvey Browne Preschool, we create a school-wide environment that focuses on positive learning experiences, appreciating what each unique child brings into the classroom. We celebrate the joys of learning and laughter, friendships and sharing, growing and caring. It is through play and experiences that our children link meaningful and connected learning.
Our play-based curriculum allows children the opportunity to engage and learn in their most natural, meaningful way – through play. Our curriculum framework is aligned with the Early Childhood Standards in Kentucky and the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs, a division of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Our teachers use continuous authentic assessment to document children’s progress so that they can meet every child’s individual needs; thus, children learn happily and confidently.
We work to build a collaboration between the child, the family, and the school. This caring community helps support and encourage our youngest learners. We see ourselves as partners and genuinely love the relationships we build with our families and children. Our highly qualified and experienced teachers are committed to creating experiences for your children to guide them in their learning. They are exceptional.
The early childhood years are a precious gift to treasure. We would be honored to be a part of the journey with your child.
Sincerely,
Amy Squires, MA Ed
Our Programs
At Harvey Browne Preschool, we provide a nurturing, play-based environment for children aged 2.5 through kindergarten. Our programs are thoughtfully designed to support each child’s cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development through a balance of teacher-guided activities and creative, child-led exploration.
We offer a variety of class options tailored to meet the needs of different age groups, from our two-day transition class for 2.5-year-olds to our unique kindergarten program that helps students gradually transition to full-day learning. In addition, we provide extended care options, including Early Birds and Lunch Bunch, as well as optional literacy enrichment programs.
Click here to learn more about our specific programs, class schedules, and enrichment opportunities.
Amy Squires
School Director
Anne Hughes
Assistant to the Director
Betsy Barrick
Preschool Teacher
Lori Bushong
Preschool Teacher
Julie Cambron
Preschool Teacher
Mary Dugan
Preschool Teacher
Carolyn Evans
Preschool Teacher
Abbey Flynn
Preschool Teacher
Elizabeth Foley
Kindergarten Teacher
Julie Hobbs
Preschool Teacher
Betsy Klapheke
Preschool Teacher
Teresa Oetken
Preschool Teacher
Debbie Raymer
Preschool Teacher
Cathy Shade
Preschool Teacher,
Kindergarten Music Teacher
Joan Schieman
Preschool Teacher
Jane Sodano
Preschool Teacher
Donna Tipton
Preschool Teacher
Mesa Winburn
Music Teacher
Ellen Zuber
Kindergarten Teacher,
Early Birds & Lunch Bunch Coordinator
Faculty & Staff
At Harvey Browne Preschool, our dedicated faculty is deeply committed to fostering a love for learning in each child and providing high-quality early childhood education. With a passion for nurturing young minds and hearts, our teachers create a supportive and enriching environment where every child can thrive.
All faculty members meet the high educational standards set by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), ensuring that they are highly qualified to guide and inspire children in their early years. Our lead teachers hold undergraduate degrees with specialized coursework in early childhood education, and many have pursued advanced degrees, including Master’s degrees.
Our director, Amy Squires, holds a Master’s degree in Education with a focus on literacy, bringing a wealth of knowledge and leadership to our school. Across the board, our teachers are dedicated to building strong, lasting relationships with children, families, and the wider community, all while delivering a curriculum that supports the whole child.
Have more questions?
If you have a question that’s not answered here, or if you’d like more details, we’d love to hear from you. Please feel free to fill out the form below or call our office directly at any time. We’re here to help!
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What are your enrollment options?Harvey Browne Preschool operates on a nine-month calendar, from August to May, with school hours from 8:50 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. We offer a range of enrollment options: • Kindergarten: Five days a week (Monday-Friday) • Four-year-olds: Five, four, or three-day programs • Three-year-olds: Five, three, or two-day programs • Two-and-a-half-year-olds: Two-day program (Tuesday/Thursday) We also offer an Early Birds program starting at 8:00 a.m. and an after-school program, Lunch Bunch, that runs until 3:00 p.m. Harvey Browne Presbyterian Church also operates a separate Parents’ Day Out program on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. For more information, contact Julie Rousseau at 502-896-1791.
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How much is tuition, and do you offer scholarships or discounts?Tuition and registration fees are adjusted yearly and vary depending on the program (Kindergarten or multi-day programs for younger children). A discounted tuition rate is available for members of Harvey Browne Presbyterian Church. Tuition can be paid monthly or in three installments (May 1, October 1, and February 15). We also offer a financial assistance program based on need. Applications for financial aid are due by March 1 for the following school year.
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What are the teacher qualifications?Our teachers meet the rigorous standards required by NAEYC. All teachers have a college degree and hours from an accredited university in Early Childhood Education. In addition teachers complete a minimum of 15 hours of professional development each year. Assistant teachers have a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
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Do you have a lot of faculty turnover?No, we have very little faculty turnover. Many of our teachers have been with Harvey Browne Preschool for years and are dedicated to providing a high-quality educational experience for young children.
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How will I know how my child is doing at preschool?We provide regular written updates on your child’s activities and progress. Parents also receive an informal checklist assessment, work samples, and written notes about their child’s development. Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled in the fall and spring, but you can request additional meetings at any time.
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How do I contact my child's teacher?You can contact your child’s teacher through phone calls, emails, or written notes sent in with your child. Each teacher will provide their preferred contact information at the beginning of the year. Teachers will respond promptly to all communications.
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Why do you have a carpool?With approximately 170 children attending Harvey Browne Preschool, the carpool system ensures a safe and efficient drop-off and pick-up process. Faculty members help children get in and out of cars and escort them to and from their classrooms.
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How does carpool work?Arrival time is from 8:50 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. For early drop-off, we offer the Early Birds program from 8:00 a.m. to 8:40 a.m. (cost: $5.00 per use). If you’re using Early Birds, please walk your child into the building. During regular carpool, faculty members will help your child out of the car and escort them safely to their classroom. Dismissal is at 12:00 p.m. Faculty will use your carpool number to ensure your child is ready at the door when you arrive. For safety and efficiency, children are helped into the car, and we ask that you fasten seat belts once you’ve pulled out of the pick-up area. Late arrivals should use the side office doors, where a faculty member will meet your child. Please note that different pick-up procedures apply for children in Kindergarten or the Lunch Bunch after-school program.
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How should I prepare my preschooler for the first day of school?We know that all children will go through a period of adjustment as school begins. We will work closely with you to make the transition as smooth as possible. Here are a few things you can do to help: Share in your child’s happy anticipation of going to Harvey Browne Preschool. Encourage your child to manage his / her own clothing and make sure all outer clothing is clearly labeled. Dress your child with easy to manage clothing — elastic waists and loose-fitting clothing. For safety reasons children must wear shoes with rubber soles that either Velcro or tie. Sandals, flip-flops, crocs, cowboy boots, dress shoes, etc., make participating in play activities difficult and unsafe. Arrange for your child to have a number of experiences with and without parents. Give your child lots of opportunities to do simple tasks. Provide a place which your child can independently hang jackets and coats without your help. Encourage your child to be independent. Encourage good health habits, such as covering the nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing; starting each day with breakfast, as well as healthy eating throughout the day; washing hands before eating; playing outdoors; and establishing a regular bedtime routine that ensures your child gets plenty of sleep. Give your child opportunities for experiences with children his / her own age. In the rare case when a child is unable to make the adjustment in a reasonable amount of time, we reserve the right to terminate the child’s enrollment at Harvey Browne Preschool.
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How do you handle discipline?We use positive guidance techniques to promote self-regulation and social-emotional growth. Physical or emotionally harmful discipline is never used. If behavior issues arise, we work with parents to address them in a constructive manner.
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What is your weather cancellation policy?Harvey Browne Preschool follows Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) for weather-related closures. If JCPS elementary schools are closed, Harvey Browne Preschool will also close. If the Archdiocese of Louisville closes for inclement weather, Harvey Browne Preschool is closed. If the Archdiocese of Louisville closes early for inclement weather, Harvey Browne Preschool and all afternoon programs will dismiss at 12:00 during regular carpool. In case of early dismissals or delays, we will notify families through text alerts and email.
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What extracurricular activities do you offer?All students participate in weekly music classes, and children aged four and up also enjoy creative movement classes. We offer enrichment programs like Lit4Fun for four-year-olds and LAB (Literacy Above and Beyond) for kindergarteners on Wednesday afternoons. Additionally, community partnerships bring exciting learning experiences into the classroom, such as visits from the St. Matthews Fire Department, local artists, and the public library’s children's librarian.
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Do you offer extended care?Yes! We offer Early Birds for early drop-off from 8:00 a.m. to 8:50 a.m. (cost: $5.00 per day) and Lunch Bunch for after-school care from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Lunch Bunch must be scheduled in advance, but drop-ins are welcome based on availability. Lunch Bunch is available for all children, even on non-regular school days, but children must be potty trained to participate.
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Do you require uniforms?No, we do not require uniforms. We encourage children to wear comfortable, easy-to-manage clothing that allows them to play, run, and explore safely. Shoes with rubber soles that fasten securely (e.g., Velcro or laces) are required for safety during playtime.