Learning Center/Day Care
Enrollment
First Baptist Learning Center enrollment is open to any child or children in the surrounding community. The Learning Center does not discriminate against race, nationality or religious beliefs. We do maintain a full enrollment with openings being filled from a waiting list. If interested in our Center, you may call our office for information regarding the waiting list.
INFANT/TODDLERS
(Child/Staff ratio: Infants: 3 to 1, Toddlers: 4 to 1)
In our infant/toddler area we focus on giving each child special attention daily. Teachers take care of the children’s physical needs in a loving, caring way. In addition, a range of activities, are provided which are designed to meet the needs of infants at their level of development along the growth continuum. Knowing that the learning process begins very early through sensory experiences, special times are planned involving all of our senses. Each month we have different activities centered on such topics as animals, families, the natural world, and foods. The High Reach Learning Guide for Infants and Toddlers is the basis for our planning. We use Bible thoughts, songs, and stories about Jesus and the Bible in daily interactions with each child.
18 – 24 MONTHS
(Child/Staff ratio: 7 to 1)
In our older toddler area our teachers plan experiences to involve the children in active play and learning. While caring for the toddlers’ physical needs, the teachers are interacting with the children and guiding them in their play. Our basis for planning is the High Reach Curriculum Guide for Infants and Toddlers. The guide is developed around themes, which provide opportunities for the children to learn about the world around them. Some of our themes involve family friends, animals, self, and good foods. We also share many Bible thoughts and stories about Jesus and the Bible. Through songs, stories, art, and other play-oriented centers, our older toddlers have many stimulating and fun experiences.
TWO-YEAR-OLDS
(Child Staff Ratio: 10 to 1)
Our two-year-old program is designed to encourage the children to interact with the teacher, other children, and the materials provided. A large part of the focus in the room is providing activities for play centers, such as art, blocks, books, dramatic play, and manipulatives. Young children learn through their play, so our teachers plan with this fact in mind. We offer activities weekly about topics that are relevant to the children’s lives (as animals, family, friends, the natural world, foods, and holidays). Books, songs, finger plays, and other resources are used to extend learning for the children. We also use Bible thoughts and Bible stories daily. Our planning is based on the High Reach Learning Curriculum Guide for Two-Year-Olds.
THREE-YEAR-OLDS
(Child Staff Ratio: 13 to 1)
Our three-year-olds are quickly developing in all areas—mentally, socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. We address all areas to help each child grow as a whole child. Learning centers are an important part of the daily experience. Our teachers plan special, hands-on activities for art, blocks, dramatic play, books, music, nature, and manipulatives. During group times the children are exposed to books, songs, finger plays, games, and others resources, which are centered around the theme topic for the week. Our core guide is the High Reach Learning Curriculum Guide for Three-Year-Olds. We also integrate Bible thoughts, Bible stories and songs, and conversations about Jesus and God into our daily activities.
FOUR-YEAR-OLDS (Pre-Kindergarten)
(Child/Staff Ratio: 15 to 1)
In our four-year-old program we plan a curriculum designed to guide the children in discovering that learning can be fun. Activities are offered to increase the children’s abilities in solving problems, improving language skills, and developing math and science concepts which are important steps in future learning. Learning centers (as art, blocks, dramatic play, manipulatives, nature, sand and water play, writing, and listening) are set up with activities to enhance learning while playing. Our teachers plan using a monthly theme topic, and centers and group time offer resources to help the children learn more about their world and how to live in it. We use the Discovery Days Curriculum Guide for Four-Year-Olds. Our teachers use daily Bible thoughts, Bible stories and songs, and conversations to develop spiritual understanding with the children.
SCHOOL AGE
During the school year, we provide transportation to and from the Wills Point Independent School District for kindergarten through fifth grade children. When they arrive in the afternoon, the children have a time to play on the playground. Then they return to their class to clean up and go to the gym for a snack and activities planned that are appropriate for school-aged children.
A summer all-day care school-age program is offered to children who have completed kindergarten through fourth grade. Our curriculum is designed to keep the children happy and active. Several weekly field trips are planned including, bowling, skating, and other special events. The classes also participate in our Vacation Bible School. The time spent in the classroom is planned to incorporate activities, which are of interest to the children.