Ebenezer United Methodist Church is now accepting applications for its new preschool program.

The church has been working toward starting a preschool for the past few years. In September, those plans will come to fruition.

“We’ve been doing our homework for the last few years to see if this is needed in the community,” said Ebenezer education director Connie Schau. “It’s obviously needed in the community. There’s not a lot of (preschools) in North Suffolk.”

Schau said in their research, the church members examined available preschool choices and found many of the programs had long waiting lists.

“The waiting list was huge in the decision,” she said. “The kids are there, and the parents want education for their kids. We would like to offer them a place to learn.”

Schau said there will be at least two different classes in the preschool, led by professional teachers.

There will also be a group of volunteers who will assist in the classroom.

Schau said most of the volunteers are former teachers who want to give back to the community.

In the preschool, children will learn basic kindergarten readiness skills, like the alphabet, as well as Christian education, such as Bible stories.

Schau said the church members believe teaching children Christian values early in life is  essential to help them grow into strong adults.

“The seeds of Christianity — those help a child grow strong in themselves,” she said.

The preschool’s planned opening is on Sept. 6. It will operate from 9 a.m. to noon on weekdays.

It will follow a similar holiday schedule to that of Suffolk Public Schools.

Both members and non-members of the church are allowed to apply for the program.

The church is now accepting applications and wants to accept 10 to 20 children between 2 1/2 and 5 years old.

Schau said the members wanted to keep the group small because it is the first year of the program.

“We want to start small to make sure what we’re doing is right,” she said.

However, Schau said as long as there is room, the group hopes to accommodate anyone who wants to take part.

She added the applications are being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

The preschool will cost $65 a week. Also, registration fee of $50 and a materials fee of $75 are due with the application.

Applications are available for pick up at the church and must be returned to Schau.

In addition to an application, parents must provide a birth certificate, shot records and proof of a physical for their child.

For more information, contact Connie Schau at connie@ebenezerchurch.net or call the church office at 238-2359.