Kids First Child Care Ministries

502 W. Monroe St, Decatur, IN 46733

Phone: 260-724-0470

Tana Sheets,Director

Email: kidsfirst@firstumcdecatur.org

Kids First Child Care was created as another outreach ministry of the First United Methodist church to serve our families and the community at large. This service has come abut because of our commitment to the welfare of local children.

Kids First Child Care is sponsored by the church and governed by a daycare board and local church board. It is registered by the State of Indiana which means it complies with state regulations for the child care ministries.

Kids First Child Care is a non-profit organization. Any monies received in excess of operational expenses are used for expansion of facilities and purchase of equipment for even greater service to those who share in its programs.

We believe that play is a child's work.. .children play to learn, to grow, and to experience the world around them. 

Kids First Child Care encompasses a philosophy by which children are allowed to develop naturally, each at his/her own individual pace. Therefore, our programs are based on the individual social, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and physical development of each child. We believe children are happy and secure when they have plenty of opportunities to succeed each day.

We believe parents are the most significant adults in a child's life. We do everything possible to insure parents' involvement with our program. We have an open door policy where parents are welcome and encouraged to visit at any time.

   Under the guidance of our Christian faith and the teaching of Jesus Christ, we provide a caring and supportive environment that will foster warmth, love understanding and learning to those entrusted in our care.

Our caregivers will provide a broad vase of experiences for the children. These experiences vary according to age groups.

The staff is made up of devoted persons of deep Christian values with years of experiences in training and caring for children. They have been trained in CPR.

Morning snack will be served at 8:30, lunch at 11:00 and p.m. snack after naptime. Snacks will be nutritious, low in sugar, and lunch will include food from all four food groups.       
NOTE: If your child is on a diabetic or other special diet, we need to be informed. Parents of toddlers will provide bottles, and jars of junior foods.

Our infant and toddler program is designed for children from six weeks to two years of age. The caregivers are experienced and trained to care for your child's needs. Toddler care will provide a safe stimulating learning environment. They will play outside as weather permits.
Parents need to bring the following:

* Clothing (two changes)

* Disposable Diapers (minimum six per day)

* Formula/milk must be in bottles. We cannot mix formula.

* Baby Food (unopened)

* Baby Wipes

All personal items should be marked with your child's first and last names. Children in Toddler Program must be walking independently.  

Our Preschool Program is designed for each child to develop in three important areas:

1. Social Skills and Emotional

2. Cognitive (language and math)

3. Motor skills (body coordination)

Your child will have the opportunity to participate in activities such as:

Music    Art    Exercise   Chapel Time

Free Play    Imaginative Play    Outside Play

We will be working with crayons, paint, puzzles, games  and manipulative materials. Each child is encouraged to express him/herself with their own ideas and experiences, and to develop and grow as an individual.

Our pre-school goal is that each child be ready and prepared in all areas to enter Kindergarten.

Parents are encouraged to have conferences with the teacher or director in order that all involved might better understand how to best serve the child.