FUMC Day School

Contact us at (256) 766-2472

 

"START CHILDREN OFF ON THE WAY THEY SHOULD GO"

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First United Methodist Church of Florence's Day School is an integral part of our total ministry to love God, love others, and serve the world. Our Christian staff have a deep concern for the total development of each child and for the wellbeing of the family of each child. Well-trained and dedicated teachers, enthusiastic and cooperative parents, and the committed support of FUMC Florence are the necessary ingredients for our outstanding program.  

 

It is with great humility and thanksgiving to God that we have been privileged to help so many young children grow in spirit and intellect as they have experienced God's love and grace through our programs.

 

The First United Methodist Church of Florence has filed notice and is exempt from regulation by the Department of Human Resources.  Parents/legal guardians are required to sign an affidavit acknowledging that they have been notified that the church has filed this notice and is exempt.

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CURRICULUM

 

It's our goal to provide a safe and nurturing Christian environment. We believe that children develop best when they feel safe, secure, and valued.

 

The Day School curriculum best serves the needs of all our students.  The teachers use the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s guidelines in order to create lesson plans that are developmentally appropriate for the age group being taught. We recognize that the physical, social, emotional, spiritual, and cognitive developments of each child are all important and interrelated. Learning experiences are organized in ways that encourage children to develop optimally in all areas with meaningful connections across these domains.

 

The classroom schedule reflects a balance between structure and choice, as well as active and quiet times. The staff works together to plan developmentally appropriate activities that are fun and rewarding.

 

It is our strong belief that children learn best through active exploration. New experiences during playtime reshape, expand, and reorganize mental structures. Through play, a child can learn to deal with emotions, to interact with others, to resolve conflicts, and to gain a sense of competence. Play also develops a child's imagination and creativity.

 

A partnership for the benefit of the child incorporates mutual respect between parents and staff. The director and staff invite you to ask questions, to review your child's progress, and to address all concerns.

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RELIGIOUS TEACHINGS

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Our Day School provides an introduction to the basic tenets of the Christian faith through weekly Bible stories in every class and chapel services.  All classroom and chapel teaching will be in accordance with the theology of the United Methodist Church.

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Classroom 

 

Children ages six weeks through twelve years will receive religious teaching in the classroom during the school year and summer session.  The Day School staff attends many Christian denominations; however, Christian teaching within the classrooms will provide a foundation in Bible Stories of the Old and New Testament through story and song. 

 

Chapel Services 

 

Children ages two through six years will participate in weekly chapel services during the school year.  The summer session does not include chapel services as a part of the curriculum.  Chapel services are conducted by Ordained United Methodist Pastors, the Director of Christian Education, and the Children’s Director of First United Methodist Church of Florence.  Chapel services will introduce Christian concepts such as love, grace, and forgiveness. 

 

AGES SERVED

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First United Methodist Church of Florence Day School has classes for children age six weeks through six years during the academic school year.  During our summer session, the day school allows children age six weeks through twelve years.

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Teacher-To-Child Ratios

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Nursery Class: Six weeks through twelve months is one teacher to every four children – maximum of twelve children per classroom.

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One Year Class: Twelve months to twenty-four months is one teacher to every four children – maximum of twelve children per classroom.

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Toddlers: Twenty-four months to thirty-six months is one teacher to every five children – maximum of fifteen children per classroom

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Three years old through 12 years: one teacher to every eight children – maximum of sixteen children per classroom

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STAFF QUALIFICATIONS​

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Qualifications for a staff position include demonstrated competence and skill for the specific position to be filled. First consideration is given to individuals with college degrees in early childhood education. A lead teacher must be at least twenty-one years of age and have a high school diploma (or GED) and one of the following; Bachelors of Science in Education, Associate degree in Early Childhood Education, or at least five years experience working in an early childhood educational program as a lead teacher, associate teacher, or director.  The director must be at least twenty-one years of age and have a degree in Early Childhood Education.  Preference is given to applicants who also have previous experience as a director of a pre-school or child development center and/or office administration.

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An associate teacher must be at least twenty-one years of age and have a high school diploma or a GED. All other staff members, to include Early Bird staff, Stay and Play staff, and assistant to the director, are required to be at least nineteen years of age and have a high school diploma or GED.  Substitute teachers must be at least twenty-one years of age and have a high school diploma or a GED.

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The following items are required of any employee of The First United Methodist Church of Florence Day School, and these things are maintained in the employee’s file:

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• Alabama Criminal History Background Check through the Department of Human Resources

• Child Abuse and Neglect Clearance

• A copy of the employment application/resume

• Medical history report

• Three references contacted by the director

• CPR Training verification

• Written verification of training and/or degrees earned

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