FUMC Hot Springs Child Development Center

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FUMC Hot Springs Child Development Center Serving children ages 6 weeks through Pre-K in a safe, loving, Christ-centered environment where they can explore, discover, learn, and grow in faith.

We are a 3 STAR Better Beginnings Center. Better Beginnings is the name for Arkansas' Quality Rating Improvement System. Our mission is to help children see themselves as unique persons of worth; to provide an atmosphere of trust which enables the children to develop a trust in God and others; to give opportunities for choices; to live our faith by showing love, forgiveness, discipline and acceptance of all children regardless of race, creed, religion and/or gender; to enhance their understanding of God's Word; to help children see and appreciate the beauty of God's creation.

🍂 PARENT TIP: Let Them Try!As adults, it can be tempting to step in and do things for our little ones—especially when we...
10/02/2026

🍂 PARENT TIP: Let Them Try!

As adults, it can be tempting to step in and do things for our little ones—especially when we’re in a hurry! But those everyday tasks are wonderful opportunities for children to build independence and confidence.

Putting on their own jacket, pulling up their pants, carrying their backpack, cleaning up toys, or trying to put on their own shoes may take a little longer, but that practice is important. Each time they try, they’re developing self-help skills, problem-solving abilities, and a sense of “I can do it!”

This week, try giving your child a little extra time to do something for themselves—even if it isn’t perfect.

Sometimes the best way we can help is to step back just a little and let them try.

Parent Tip of the Week: No fever doesn’t always mean well enough for school!Cold, flu, RSV, and COVID season is upon us,...
09/08/2026

Parent Tip of the Week: No fever doesn’t always mean well enough for school!

Cold, flu, RSV, and COVID season is upon us, and we have already seen cases of RSV and COVID in our center.

We want to remind families that fever is not the only sign that a child may need to stay home. Please look at your child’s overall symptoms and how they are feeling. A child who is unusually tired, feeling poorly, experiencing worsening respiratory symptoms, or unable to comfortably participate in their normal classroom activities may need a day at home to rest and recover.

In child care, little ones play closely together, share toys and materials, and require lots of hands-on care. Illness can spread very quickly; not only to other children, but also to our teachers. When teachers become sick, it can leave classrooms short-staffed and affect the care we are able to provide.

We understand how difficult it can be for working families when a child needs to stay home, and we truly appreciate your help in protecting all of our children and our staff. ❤️

When in doubt, please check our illness policy or contact us before bringing your child to school.

Meet Our Toddler Teachers! Our two toddler classrooms are busy places filled with growing independence, big feelings, ne...
09/04/2026

Meet Our Toddler Teachers!

Our two toddler classrooms are busy places filled with growing independence, big feelings, new words, and lots of discovery!

We’re excited to introduce the three caring teachers who guide, encourage, and support our toddlers through this exciting stage of development each day.

Take a look at today’s Meet the Teachers spotlight to learn a little more about the wonderful people helping our toddlers explore, discover, learn, and grow in faith. 🌱

📍 First United Methodist Church Child Development Center
🌐 www.fumchscdc.com

Weekly Parent Tip: Give Choices, Not CommandsYoung children are learning to be independent, and sometimes that can lead ...
08/28/2026

Weekly Parent Tip: Give Choices, Not Commands
Young children are learning to be independent, and sometimes that can lead to power struggles. One simple way to help is to offer two choices that you are comfortable with either way.
Instead of: “Put your shoes on.”
Try: “Do you want to wear your red shoes or your blue shoes?”
You can use this throughout the day:
“Do you want milk or water?”
“Would you like to hop or walk to the bathroom?”
“Do you want to clean up the blocks or the cars first?”
Giving children a little control can make everyday routines go more smoothly while still keeping the adult in charge of the boundary.
And remember—only offer choices you’re okay with them choosing! 😊

🌟 Learning Never Stops! 🌟After a full day of caring for our children on Monday, our staff stayed for two additional hour...
08/21/2026

🌟 Learning Never Stops! 🌟
After a full day of caring for our children on Monday, our staff stayed for two additional hours of professional development focused on transitions in the early childhood classroom.
Transitions—moving from playtime to cleanup, going outside, getting ready for meals, settling down for rest, and moving from one activity to another—may seem like small parts of the day, but they can have a big impact on a child’s experience.
Our team spent the evening learning strategies to make these everyday moments smoother, more positive, and more meaningful for the children in our care. 💛
We’re proud of a staff that continues to learn, grow, and invest in providing the best possible environment for our children.
Because when teachers grow, children grow too. 🌱

WAIT FOR IT! Give little minds time to find their words.Young children often need more time than adults realize to proce...
08/20/2026

WAIT FOR IT!
Give little minds time to find their words.
Young children often need more time than adults realize to process a question and figure out what they want to say.
After asking your child a question, try quietly pausing 5–10 seconds before repeating it, rewording it, or answering for them.
That little bit of wait time can help children:
• Build language and communication skills
• Organize their thoughts
• Gain confidence speaking for themselves
• Practice problem-solving and independence
TRY IT!
Instead of quickly asking, “What do you want? Milk? Water? Juice?” ask, “What would you like to drink?” — then wait.
Sometimes the best way to encourage conversation is simply to give them a little more time.

Meet the Teachers of our Mobile Infant Classroom! 💕Say hello to Haley Marteny and Cheyenne Thompson! These two wonderful...
08/17/2026

Meet the Teachers of our Mobile Infant Classroom! 💕
Say hello to Haley Marteny and Cheyenne Thompson! These two wonderful teachers spend their days helping our mobile infants explore, learn, and grow while providing the love, security, and encouragement little ones need during this important stage of development.
From art and hands-on activities to music, books, and gross motor play, Haley and Cheyenne create plenty of opportunities for children to practice new skills, reach milestones, and gain independence, all while having fun!
But even more important than what they do is the loving environment they create. Building strong relationships with each child and family and helping every little one feel safe, comfortable, loved, and special is at the heart of their classroom.
We are so thankful to have Haley and Cheyenne as part of our FUMC CDC family! 🥰
Explore. Discover. Learn. Grow in Faith.

WEEKLY PARENT TIP: When Little Ones BiteBiting can be alarming (and frustrating!), but for babies and young toddlers, it...
08/13/2026

WEEKLY PARENT TIP: When Little Ones Bite
Biting can be alarming (and frustrating!), but for babies and young toddlers, it’s often a normal part of development.
Little ones may bite because they are:
• Teething
• Exploring with their mouths
• Overstimulated, hungry, or tired
• Still learning how to communicate big feelings
As children grow, biting can also happen when they’re frustrated, seeking attention, or still developing the words and self-control they need to handle conflict.
The good news? Most children outgrow biting as their communication and self-regulation skills develop. ❤️
Take a look at this week’s Parent Tip for more about why children bite and when biting may need a little extra attention.

👶💕 Meet Our Infant Teachers — Miss Delin & Miss Nicole!Our littlest learners are in loving hands! Miss Delin and Miss Ni...
08/10/2026

👶💕 Meet Our Infant Teachers — Miss Delin & Miss Nicole!

Our littlest learners are in loving hands! Miss Delin and Miss Nicole spend their days providing the comfort, care, encouragement, and attention that babies need during such an important stage of development.
We’re so thankful for the love they pour into our infants each day—and for the relationships they build with their families along the way. 💛
Take a peek at their Meet the Teachers spotlight to learn a little more about the ladies behind the cuddles, bottles, smiles, and busy days in our infant room! 🍼✨

Today was Staff Development Day at the Child Development Center!While the children enjoyed a day at home or with grandpa...
08/07/2026

Today was Staff Development Day at the Child Development Center!

While the children enjoyed a day at home or with grandparents, our team spent the day investing in them. 💙

This morning, we participated in professional development and training to continue strengthening our knowledge and skills. This afternoon, we rolled up our sleeves for a top-to-bottom deep cleaning of classrooms, toys, learning materials, and shared spaces to help ensure everything is clean, organized, and ready for another wonderful week.

We're grateful for a team that never stops learning and always goes the extra mile to provide a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for every child.

We can't wait to welcome everyone back on Monday! 🍎✨

Address

218 Pratt Street
Hot Springs, AR

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 7am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 7am - 5:30pm
Thursday 7am - 5:30pm
Friday 7am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+15013181377

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