Special Programs

We offer many special programs to the children who attend the Methodist Family Child Care Center.

Music

We offer music daily.  Children are exposed to various forms of music that includes songs, fingerplays, musical instruments, recorded music of various types, and guest musicians. Individual children and classes have opportunities to share their favorite song or form of music with the others. Music is always a fun time for everyone!

Picture Lady

An art appreciation program presented to the Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten classrooms. The Lakeview Museum provides art and lesson ideas for the Picture Lady program. Miss Teresa teaches the Picture Lady program and talks with the children about various pieces of art and artists. After Miss Teresa teaches the children about the art, she provides the children with an art project that corresponds with the lesson. Children use a variety of art media to create their project, similar to the art and artist that they learn about.

Gardening

Our goal is for the children to enjoy the pleasure of gardening. They acquire many skills from being involved in the planting, dividing, separating seeds, watering, labeling, learning the plants common names, and of course the love for plants. While caring for the garden, they also learn to make the community we are in a more beautiful place for all to enjoy.

Infant Sign Language

After 20 years of study, researchers have proven that using sign language actually enhances language, cognitive, and social-emotional development. Teachers in the infant neighborhood teach the babies simple gestures for communicating before they can talk! Just today, an eleven-month old baby signed milk. How rewarding and exciting to see it work! Sign language carries into our toddler neighborhood, too.

Second Step

The MFCCC teachers use a violence prevention program called "Second Step". The 15 minute weekly lessons are taught to our Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten, and Kindergarten classes. The early childhood emphasis on the program focuses on:

The lessons contain pictures, songs, discussion, and opportunities to practice what is learned. With the help of Impulsive Puppy, Slow Down Snail, and Be Calm Bunny we have lots of fun while we learn ways to get along better with our friends.

We have found the curriculum to be very relevant and developmentally appropriate. We often come across situations that have been addressed by the lessons. Having a common vocabulary and basis for dealing with classroom events creates continuity within the Center for children and teachers.