The Children’s Center

At Edmonds United Methodist Church

828 Caspers Street

Edmonds, WA  98020

425-774-4458

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ABOUT US

We have been providing excellent Early Childhood Education programs for children for over 24 years. The Children’s Center is a Ministry of the Edmonds United Methodist Church. We offer a loving and nurturing Christian environment, an enriching curriculum and a strong emphasis on families. We are a fully licensed program.

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PHILOSOPHY & CURRICULUM FOCUS

We are a Christian Program dedicated to providing a nurturing, secure environment with enriching and developmentally appropriate experiences for children. Experienced teachers with a thorough understanding of child development provide a variety of engaging activities which foster cognitive, social, emotional, physical and spiritual growth.

We value and celebrate each child with unconditional love, care and support.

We strive to help children learn to value others and themselves through:

   *Enriching social interactions and cooperative learning

   *Encouraging creativity and uniqueness

   *Validation of and appropriate expression of feelings

   *Fair, gentle and consistent discipline which encourages self-control

   *Recognizing talents and different ways of learning

   *Helping children develop an understanding of kind and caring behavior

   *Including multi-cultural experiences and materials

   *Interactions and activities that promote good self-esteem and healthy habits

To support and foster growing independence and the natural learning process through:

   *Exploration and Discovery

   *Involving the whole body and senses in learning

   *Facilitating problem-solving strategies

   *Providing appropriate challenge and responsibility

   *A balance of child-centered, child-directed activities

   *Providing choice within appropriate boundaries

   *Experiences that are relevant and meaningful to the young child's life

   *Experiences that are joyful and help develop a life-long love of learning

To foster spiritual growth and share in God's love through:

   *Engaging chapel times bi-weekly

   *Helping children discover and reflect on the beauty and wonders of God's world

   *Modeling love and caring for others, prayerfulness, joy and thankfulness

   *Supporting all children in the development of their relationship with God

  *Laying the foundation for a life-long relationship with Christ  (back to top)

OUR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAM

Our preschool program is a safe, secure and loving program where enthusiastic, gentle teachers provide daily opportunities for a balance of both child-directed and teacher planned activities that focus on social and emotional development, language and literacy, small and large motor development, pre-math and pre-writing skills, science, sensory learning, singing,  art, and creativity.

We believe that children learn through hands-on, concrete materials and through play and practice. Our goal is to provide children with a positive, enriching and enjoyable first school experience so that they will become engaged, active and life long learners.

          CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Each child’s spiritual growth is nurtured through learning about our loving God and by modeling and teaching inclusive, respectful and kind Christian behavior. Children attend chapel twice weekly where they learn bible stories, songs, and prayers. It is our goal to help children lay a foundation for a life-long relationship with Christ.  (back to top)

OUR BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

We provide a positive, secure and fun place for children who attend Edmonds Elementary, Sherwood Elementary, Lynndale Elementary and Holy Rosary Schools. We believe that after-school is a time to unwind, have a nutritious snack and play! During their time with us children have opportunities for both quiet and energetic activities, time to do homework (and receive homework help!), participate in group activities, relax or play and have ample time to be outside! We follow the Edmonds School District calendar and offer care on non-school days and breaks (at an additional cost) during which time we do special activities and enjoy a variety of field trips. Transportation is provided.  (back to top)

OUR SUMMER CAMP

The Children’s Center Summer Camp is for children who have completed Kindergarten through age 11. All children attend Vacation Bible School for one week in July. We offer small group sizes and an awesome range of enriching activities, exciting and educational field trips, excursions and special events in a secure and positive environment with professional, educated and dedicated staff. Children are actively engaged in daily adventures and exploration all summer long while building friendships and special memories that will last a lifetime!

       FIELD TRIPS & ACTIVITIES

Our field trips are fun, energetic and educational – designed to keep children inspired to learn about our world, to dream and grow as individuals and as citizens. We visit places like the NW Stream Center, Burke Museum, farms, Naturalist-guided walks, Imagine! Children’s Museum and outdoor theatrical and musical performances, attend Vacation Bible School and much, much more! We also plan daily activities that keep children active like swimming, skating, bowling, hiking, biking and playing team sports and games. 

       SKILL PRACTICE

It is important that children keep up with reading and other skills during the summer so we encourage children and dedicate time for daily reading, skill work and incorporate trips to the library, read-a-thons, math challenges, science experiments and other activities to keep learning fun!

          TIME TO BE A KID

Of course, it is also important that children have time to relax and play with their friends, do arts and crafts, cooking, games and playing outside in sand and water, pretend, and spend time just having fun with friends and enjoying BBQ’s, sprinklers and picnics! It’s SUMMER!  (back to top)

LOCATION & FACILITY

The Children’s Center is located in the small community of beautiful Edmonds with views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. We are within walking distance to a lovely beach, the library, our p-patch gardens and nearby parks.

Each of our three preschool class rooms look out over our carefully designed and fully enclosed playground that is nestled against a little hill. The fence is surrounded by trees and the grounds are professionally landscaped. 

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CLASSROOMS

Our classrooms are welcoming, bright and sunny, with child-sized furnishings and sinks. We have a rich variety of learning materials and equipment.

Each classroom is set up with ever-changing interest, work and play areas including language and literacy centers, math and manipulative stations, building and construction areas, art and creation centers, sensory tables, pretending and practice areas and more. The rooms are designed to promote independence, responsibility, creativity and choice. There is a restroom in each classroom. 

Children are placed in the classroom that is appropriate for their age and developmental level. We offer both half day and full day options.

Preschool Classes

SUNBEAMS                    2 ½ and 3 year olds

          SUPERSTARS          4 year olds

          RAINBOWS                   5 year olds

Before and After School/Summer Camp

FISHERS             kindergarten to age 11

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ADMISSIONS

Admissions begin in February for enrollment for the next school year, which begins in September. We enroll children age 2 ½ to age 11. Contact the Director for complete information. We keep an active waiting list.

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OUR TEACHING TEAM

All of our teachers and staff are well-educated, highly experienced, enthusiastic and mature professionals who deeply enjoy their time with children. All have CPR/First Aid Certification and BBP Training. All teachers participate in a minimum of 16 hours of continuing education each year. We value each other for the gifts and talents each of us bring.  

Heather	Kim
Lacey	Sue
Teri	Courtney

HEATHER PETERSON-BRUNO Director/ Program Supervisor

Heather has been working with children of all ages in a variety of settings since 1990. She works closely with teachers, families, children, the Children’s Center Board, EUMC staff, state licensor and other interested community partners. She is a member of International Association of Christian Early Educators (ACSI) and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Heather has been at The Children’s Center since 2000.

KIM GIDNER Preschool Teacher/Assistant Director

Kim is STARS certified and thoroughly trained in child development, core Early Childhood topics and has a wealth of experience. She takes numerous continuing education classes in Early Childhood Education and has strong professional standards. She is a highly creative teacher who always has something very special going on in her classroom and fun, new activities for the children! She had a strong sense of responsibility and shows a lot of pride in her work and her relationships with families. Children respond well to her calm, soft-spoken and nurturing manner. Kim is an effective leader and an extremely valuable resource for all of the other teachers. She has been at The Children’s Center since 1998.

SUZANNE BROWN Substitute Preschool Teacher

Suzanne is a highly experienced and enthusiastic Early Childhood professional who has a deep commitment to children. She has a comprehensive understanding of child development and provides a wide variety of meaningful learning experiences in effective, age-appropriate and hands-on ways. She is highly creative and has a calm, gentle and kind manner. Sue has a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education and an Early Childhood Education Degree. She is STARS certified and is a member of the Washington Association for the Education of Young Children (WAEYC). She has been at The Children’s Center since 2006.

TANIA WALSH Preschool Teacher

Tania has a degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Reading. She also has experience teaching preschool and experience in Christian education. Tania is extremely positive and enthusiastic - it is contagious in the classroom-where there is always something exciting happening! She is also very patient. Tania is adept at providing a safe loving environment and speaking to children in ways that they understand. Her classroom is set up to focus on promoting self-esteem, independence and positive socialization.  She has a thorough understanding of child development. She has been at The Children’s Center since 2006.

TERI TERRANO Substitute Preschool Teacher

Teri has found her true calling in Early Childhood Education and has a natural ability to guide and teach very young children. Teri is very energetic and creative! She is always coming up with new ideas and activities for the children. She is very patient, dependable, efficient and extremely helpful.  The children love her kind and gentle manner and the way she interacts with them on their level. Teri is a STARS certified teacher and has been a part of The Children’s Center since 2003. 

LACEY DAQUILA School-Age Teacher

Lacey has a broad range of experience with all our various programs and the children in each of our age groups. Lacey has a very patient, calm and consistent manner. She has a solid understanding of child development through the Careers With Children program. She is a good listener and supports each child with respect, compassion, and nurture. Lacey is an amazing person! She is very responsible, dependable, kind, helpful and a highly valued part of our team. She is STARS certified and takes a variety of continuing education classes and receives training from School’s Out Washington. Lacey has been at The Children’s Center since 2003.  (back to top)

SCHEDULE

We offer a wide variety of enrollment options to fit your child’s and family’s needs. Options include full day or half day classes 2, 3, 4 or 5 days per week. Drop in care is available for EUMC members and families who are currently enrolled. (back to top)

TUITION RATES & FEES

The initial registration fee is $100. We also require a two-week advance payment. Our annual materials and activity fees are dependent upon the number of days per week that your child is enrolled, ranging from 40-55 each per year. Contact us to learn more about our fees and for complete tuition information and Summer Camp rates.

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CONTACT US (back to top)

To schedule an appointment for a tour or to receive more information please contact: