First United Methodist Church Day Care Center
Center in Thomson, GA 30824
First Methodist Daycare is a ministry of Thomson First United Methodist Church (TFUMC). It began as a small program in response to the needs of the children of church staff, but has grown dramatically to become the preeminent provider of day care to children between the ages of 6 weeks and 11 years. We have a staff dedicated to the highest standards of care, and who provide a loving, Christian environment.
Our teachers follow a curriculum that provides time for Bible, art, games, and free play inside and outside (weather permitting). Our full-time teachers hold a TCC (Technical Certificate of Credit) or higher in Early Childhood Education.
Our after-school program gives children in 2nd through 5th grades the opportunity to join the Canterbury Choir of TFUMC for the annual spring musical.
During the summer, the center joins with TFUMC for Vacation Bible School. Children also enjoy weekly field trips. The two, three and four year old children have music classes each week which are taught by Jeanie Joesbury, Director of Music at TFUMC. They participate in a Christmas and End of Year program.
In the spring of 2010 we began a church garden to give our children the opportunity to learn about how things are grown, enjoy the fruits of their labors in the garden, and probably the most fun for them … to get their hands dirty! In time, we hope that this garden will provide fresh fruits and vegetables for the daycare and even for our soup kitchen.
Our current enrollment is 150, which is the maximum number of children we can accomodate in the Family Life Center of TFUMC. We do maintain a waiting list for admission to the center, and we encourage expectant parents to place their names on this list.
First Methodist Daycare is licensed to operate and is regularly inspected by the state of Georgia. We meet or exceed all rules and regulations required by Georgia’s Bright from the Start.
Recently, our teachers earned their TCCs in Early Childhood Education from Augusta Tech (see photo). While we do have classroom assistants who are not required to obtain these certifications, all of our teachers are required to have a TCC, diploma or associates degree. We are pleased to a site for Augusta Tech internships for these degrees and certificates.
Services Provided: Accepts Subsidies, Drop-In Care, Summer Care
- Child Ages:
- 6 weeks - 11 years
- Licenses & Accreditations:
- Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning
- Vouchers:
- This provider accepts vouchers
- Hours of Operation:
- Months of Operation: Year Round
Days of Operation: M-F
Hours of Operation: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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Our daycare program is based upon the following principles:
? Each child is a unique individual with special talents and abilities and should be treated
as such.
? All children are worthy individuals capable of success and we strive to instill in all
children a positive self-image and confidence in their abilities.
? Children learn by doing when provided with a variety of materials appropriate for their
level of development. The child will learn skills necessary without undue structure or
pressure.
? Children have a natural curiosity and desire to learn and that our teaching should
capitalize on these characteristics, knowing that a solid foundation in the early years is
basic to future success in learning.
? Learning is a process, and children grow and develop at their own rate. Pressure and
unreasonable expectations tend not to be productive, therefore we will lend positive
reinforcement to children as they attempt to master skills appropriate for their level.
? A sound program of early childhood education should focus on all areas of
development: spiritual, social, emotional, physical and intellectual.
? The center and home must work together. Parental interest and participation in our
program makes our program better.
? A teacher should instill in children a desire for learning, encouraging them to become
independent learners.