At the Early Childhood Center, our philosophy is to minister to children through a consistent and caring environment. We will nurture Christian values and equip each child with skills for social, emotional, intellectual, physical and spiritual development.
The Early Childhood Center opens for classes each fall, and ends classes in late spring. Options for enrollment are as follows:
Two-Day Preschool
Developmental preschool classes are offered to children 17 months to 3 years (note: Class assignments are based on your child's age as of August 1 of the current school year). These classes meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Three-Day Preschool
Developmental multi-age preschool classes for 3- and 4-year-olds are offered on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings (8:45 to 11:30 a.m.) Extended care (11:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.) is also available on these three days. Depending on enrollment, this class may consist of all 3-year-olds or all 4-year-olds.
Five-Day Pre-Kindergarten
The five-day classes for 4- and 5-year-olds provide enrichment opportunities weekly through additional field trips, guest speakers, science, language and a variety of classroom learning centers. This class is a morning program (8:45 to 1130 a.m.), with extended care (11:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.) available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and/or Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Toddlers
We currently have three classrooms serving children 17-35 months. The age ranges for each class vary slightly from year to year based on enrollment. The Monkey class serves the toddlers. The younger 2-year-olds meet in the Frog class and the older 2-year-olds in the Lamb class.
For more information, call 501-329-1467 or e-mail:
Tricia Burris, Program Director -- tburris at conwayfumc.org
Christina Lammers, Finance/ License Director -- clammers at conwayfumc.org
In your email, please include the following information:
Name Of Parent
Name of Child
Phone Number
Child’s Birthdate
To receive text alerts -- Text “ECC” to 68398
"Like" us on Facebook -- FUMC Early Childhood Center!
Questions and Answers
Where are we located?
We are located in the Trinity Building at First United Methodist Church, 1610 Prince St. (the corner of Prince and Clifton streets), in Conway, Arkansas. The entrance to our facility is on the northwest corner of the campus, nearest to Duncan Street. To reach the church campus from Interstate 40, take the Oak Street exit (Exit 127). Travel west on Oak into the downtown area. After you cross the railroad tracks, please turn north (right) onto Locust Avenue at the next stop light and curve around to the left onto Prince Street, and travel two more blocks to the church.
Is the ECC an accredited facility?
Yes. The First United Methodist Church Early Childhood Center is proud to announce that it has achieved the highest level (Level 3 status) with the Arkansas Better Beginnings Program. ECC has been a state accredited facility since 2003, and the teachers and staff are excited to be a part of the state's new Quality Improvement Rating System. The children of Conway deserve nothing less than the very best, and ECC strives to offer that!
Is there financial assistance available?
Yes. The ECC offers a limited number of full and partial scholarships based on financial need. Applications for scholarships can be picked up in the ECC office.
How will my child spend each day?
The classes offer developmental learning activities in a loving and nurturing environment.
All classrooms provide age-appropriate learning centers and activities that encourage "hands on" learning. The learning centers allow children to explore, create and develop decision-making skills through the world of play. Each child will gain physical, social, emotional and cognitive skills. ECC learning centers include: Pretend, Art, Block, Discovery, Science, Game, Reading, Music, Listening and Writing.
Enrichment activities may include: science experiments, cooking experiences, age-appropriate field trips and special guests. Parents are encouraged to become involved in the ECC classroom by sharing their talents and skills with the children.
