Child Care Programs

Child Development Center    

The First United Methodist Church Child Development center was established in 1968 in response to a growing need for quality preschool childcare for the residents of Salisbury and surrounding areas.  We are licensed by the State of North Carolina as a four star childcare center serving children three to give years of age.  Our teachers are approved and accredited by the Division of Child Services.  

    Each child enrolled in our Child Development Center is presented with a variety of learning opportunities daily, including both structured activities and supervised free-play, and is encouraged to explore and experience his or her world in a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment.  All activities and materials are designed to be age-appropriate and to meet the social, intellectual, emotional, and physical needs of the child.  

    As a church-based childcare center, we also make every effort to teach and to model Christian values.  The children who participate in our program are introduced to Biblical teachings that we believe will instill in them a sense of self-worth and responsibility to others.  Our weekly chapel services, conducted by church staff, give children an opportunity to hear stories, sing songs, and learn Bible verses that will enhance their spiritual development.  

    Please call the director, Sarah Garrigues, at 633-7209 to answer any questions you may have about this program.

Preschool Program

First United Methodist Preschool is a morning program which runs nine months a year.  There is one class each for younger twos, older twos, three year olds and four year olds.  We employ six teachers and this year have 63 children representing 58 families.  Sixteen of these children have parents who are members of the church.
The preschool has a long history of serving the needs of children from our church and community.  through the efforts of Mrs. W. W. Weant and Mr. J. H. Know, it began as a kindergarten in 1954, when the first class of 30 children included Jay Hudson and Jake Alexander, Jr.  The first teachers were Mrs. Sally Moore and Mrs. Dunhom.  Later on, Mrs. Martha Dell Hudson taught for 15 years.  When public school kindergarten became available, the program became a preschool.

Although directors and teachers have changed through the years, the philosophy has remained the same.  We believe that preschool children are active, physically-oriented beings who use all their senses to observe and explore their surroundings.  Their learning environment during these years should offer a variety of experiences which permit total involvement in an atmosphere relatively free from pressure and stress.  Rich and varied experiences appropriate to their stages of development should allow many opportunities for cognitive growth, social adjustment, freedom of expression, and the development of good health habits in a Christian atmosphere.  Realizing that play is the language of children and the foundation of good preschool, we will plant our activities accordingly.

One of the preschool's goals is to promote diversity in the children we serve.  We feel that with each child we welcome, we welcome Christ.

After-School Care Program

  

The After-School Care Program of First United Methodist Church strives to provide a safe environment and enriching activities at a reasonable cost for children of working parents.  This program was added in 1990 for children ages five through fifth grade in response to a growing need for school-age activities and care in Salisbury and the surrounding area.  The children either ride a bus from their school to the church or are picked up and brought to the church in one of our vans.  Their schedule includes time for homework, socializations, creative activities and an afternoon snack.   Please call the director, Salem Dietz, at 704-433-6679 for more information or e-mail her at ssdietz@alltel.net.