FUMC Preschool and Child Care Center is a welcoming, play-based environment where children are encouraged to explore, discover, and grow at their own pace. We support the whole child—socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively—through meaningful play and hands-on learning.

Our dedicated and qualified teachers create a safe, nurturing space where every child is treated with care and respect. Through play, children build independence, develop empathy, and grow as valued members of our community.

Our Program Goals

At FUMC Preschool and Child Care Center, we strive to:

• Provide a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where every child feels secure and supported

• Offer a balance of teacher-guided activities and child-led, interest-based play

• Use play as the foundation for learning, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving

• Support the development of self-confidence and strong social skills through interactions with peers and caring adults

• Foster growth in the following developmental areas:

  • Confidence and self-help skills

  • Social awareness and positive relationships

  • Language and communication development

  • Cognitive growth and early learning skills

  • Physical development, including fine and gross motor skills

  • Healthy habits, including nutrition and overall well-being

Our teachers bring years of classroom experience and specialized training in early childhood education. All meet or exceed California State Licensing requirements and participate in ongoing professional development. Many have been with our program for years, two for over 20 years providing consistency, strong relationships, and a deep understanding of child development.

Teachers meet regularly with their co-teachers and Jamie, our Director, to thoughtfully discuss each child’s development and growth. Our approach is guided by The Sooner the Better program, which emphasizes early support, observation, and collaboration to help children thrive.

At our preschool, discipline is rooted in guidance and teaching—not punishment. We understand that young children are still learning how to express feelings, solve problems, and navigate social situations, and we support them through that process.

Teachers talk things through with children, helping them understand what happened, consider others’ feelings, and make better choices. We focus on teaching social skills like taking turns and using respectful language, giving children simple phrases to advocate for themselves.

“Time-out” is used only if a child has been hurt, and never as punishment. Teachers stay close to help children reflect and reset. For unsafe behavior, clear expectations are given, and children are calmly redirected if needed.

Our goal is to build self-control, empathy, and problem-solving skills in a supportive and respectful environment.

FUMC Preschool and Child Care Center was founded in 1992 by members of the First United Methodist Church as a way to provide affordable, high-quality preschool and child care for families in our community. The church continues to support the preschool in meaningful ways, including scholarship donations and providing space for the program. This support allows us to devote more of our financial resources to staffing and to maintain the low teacher-to-child ratios that families value.

While a few of our preschool children come from church families and some preschool families later choose to explore or join the church, there is absolutely no requirement for preschool families to attend the church or participate in worship services. Families of all backgrounds are welcome.

Preschool families are invited to participate in the Family Christmas Eve Service at 5:00 p.m.

Families are also welcome to attend worship services or church events if they wish. Information about upcoming activities is available in the Roseleaf Newsletter (located near the Butterfly classroom), online, through recorded worship services, or via the church’s monthly Ministry Minute videos.

Because our program is located within a church setting, faith may naturally come up in age-appropriate ways. We keep this gentle and inclusive. When children ask big questions about the world or about differences between people, teachers may include simple references to God when it feels relevant (for example, “That’s how God made us!”). We do not pressure children to participate in religious conversations, and respect each family’s beliefs.

As part of our program, we also:

• Say a short prayer or sing a prayer-song before snacks and meals
  
  

• Sing one or two simple faith-based songs during weekly music time
  
  

• Invite the Senior Pastor or other church staff to join us for special occasions, such as concerts or graduation, often offering a brief prayer

Our goal is to create a warm, inclusive environment where families feel supported, respected, and free to participate at a level that feels comfortable for them.

FUMC Preschool and Child Care Center welcomes all families and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, gender identity, or national or ethnic origin.

Children enrolling in our program must meet the following criteria:

• Children must be between 2–5 years of age.

• For the health and safety of all children, each child must be physically, emotionally, and socially ready to participate in a group setting.

• Children should be developmentally ready for—and able to benefit from—the program we offer.

• Children with special needs are welcome, provided we are able to meet the individual needs of the child while also supporting the needs of the group.

We offer year-round enrollment and may enroll children as early as their 2nd birthday, whenever it falls during the year. Popular enrollment times include summer (mid-June) and fall (mid-August), though openings may occur at other times as well.

Tours are available by appointment.

For current availability or to schedule a tour, please contact our Director, Jamie Poma, at 707-546-7012, or email preschool@fumcsantarosa.org.