Who We are

Kids Under Construction, Inc. (KUCI) provides exceptional child care and early childhood education for children ages two to five years old (Pre-K only).  As an outreach ministry of St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, we are committed to providing Biblically based and developmentally appropriate preschool program in a nurturing, Christ-centered environment.  Each one of our highly qualified and trained staff meets the requirements of state regulations for the operation of a Preschool and Day Care.  In addition, KUCI is fully accredited through the Association of Christian Schools International.  KUCI has a five-star license with the State of New Mexico and is regulated by the Early Childhood Education & Care Department.


We believe that all children are unique with God-given talents. They are capable and competent and learn best through integrated learning which spans across subject and developmental domains. Children can be taught to problem-solve, regulate behaviors, and think creatively in order to succeed in a complex and changing world. We use purposeful play informed by biblically-based, developmentally appropriate research to create the learning experience. A balance of teacher-guided instruction and child initiated exploration is used to enable a child to learn at his/her own rate.


mission & Vision

Mission

Kids Under Construction preschool is committed to providing a Biblically based, developmentally appropriate program in a nurturing Christ-centered environment.  


Vision

To be an exemplary, developmentally appropriate early childhood ministry grounded in Christian values, open to all, that uses best practices to help develop and nurture the unique potential of each child in partnership with the family. 


curriculum statement

KUCI’s curriculum is written in-house and based off of New Mexico’s Early Learning Guidelines. It provides a framework for children’s academic and spiritual growth, development, and learning. KUCI put the focus on eight different domains:

- Physical Development, Health and Well-Being

- Literacy

- Numeracy

- Aesthetic Creativity

- Scientific Conceptual Understanding

- Self, Family, and Community

- Approaches to Learning

- Spiritual Growth​


We believe our curriculum promotes independence,

problem solving, critical thinking, social skills, and

creativity. We use daily large group, small group and free choice activities to support each child’s individual development. Music and chapel bring weekly enrichment to our program.


Much of our students’ learning takes place through

developmentally appropriate discovery, hands-on

exploration, and open-ended play. These experiences

help children within our service to be confident and

competent life-long learners. The growth and

development of each child is documented routinely and compiled into a portfolio to demonstrate the learning that has taken place throughout the school year.  


our staff

Our staff are carefully chosen to meet the philosophy of KUCI.  In addition, KUCI and all staff members meet the State of New Mexico’s requirements for the operation of Preschool and Day Care, as well as the requirements set by the Association Christian Schools International.  We hold a five-star license with the State of New Mexico and are regulated by the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department.


testimonials

Here are a few things others had to say about KUCI...

parent

"What you will find at Kids Under Construction are very qualified, loving teachers doing a wonderful job of teaching preschool children.  When looking at the children, you will see kids having a great time in a safe and healthy environment, not even realizing they are learning."


-Parent of former KUCI student

neighbor

"KUCI is a safe, enriching and exemplary program with a postive reputation in the community.  The teachers care about the well-being of each and every child enrolled."


-Neighbor of KUCI

acsi

"The director and staff at the preschool have fostered exemplary staff-child relationships that are warm, sensitive, and nurturing, with a high degree of engagement with the children, resulting in a positive school climate."


-Association of Christian Schools International accreditation committee, 2021