First Kids
Early Childhood
& School Age Care
About us
First Kids is a ministry of First Christian Church. First Christian Church views children and families as a precious resource, given by God. Through First Kids Early Childhood and School Age Care, we have the opportunity to provide a Christian atmosphere and stimulating environment in which children may grow in knowledge and love of God as well as physically, socially, emotionally and intellectually.
Our Goals:
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To meet the basic needs of each child in a loving, Christian atmophere where each child feels secure and comfortble away from home and family;
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To provide each child wth attention, acceptance and affection;
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To help each child develop a positive self-image and sense of competence and understand that he/she is a unique individual, created and loved by God;
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To encourage each child to develop a concern for others, a sense of community, and a spirit of sharing;
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To provide a warm, caring Christian staff who are knowledgeable in early childhood education and have the ability to work succussfully with young children and their parents:
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to foster creativity, exploration, self-discipline and a love of learning;
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to assist parents in guiding the development of their childen; and
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to be a school in which chilren, parents,and staff feel and know God's love.
Programs
First Kids offers a variety of programs to meet the needs of today's families:
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Infant and Toddler early education and care;
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Preshool;
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Extended day (morning and afternoon);
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Full time child care; and
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School- Age Care
Curriculum
At First Kids we use both Creative Curriculum and the WEE Learn Christian Curriculum.
WEE Learn Curriculum is framed by theory and philosophy of life. Led by faith and grounded in evidence-based practices this curriculum supports children and families. Children’s individual differences and learning styles are considered as they learn through play and interactions with supportive early childhood teachers. This curriculum is based on multiple theoretical basis. By blending what is known from Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, Piaget’s theory of development, Erikson’s stages of development and Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences, this curriculum lays out age- appropriate experiences for young children. The curriculum is developed around themes that provide opportunities for children to learn about God’s World and how to live in it. The themes are designed to help lay a foundation for understanding God, Jesus, Bible, Church, self, family, others, and the natural world. Physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual development are equal in importance. Activities embracing these developments are included under each theme topic.
The philosophy of The Creative Curriculum® is that young children learn best by doing. The Creative Curriculum® is built on theories of development in young children, that all children learn through active exploration of their environment and therefore the environment plays a critical role in learning.
The combination of both of these puts First Kids in a great faith based learning environment!
Meet our staff
Meet the First Kids' Staff
Director:
Debbie McCune
Debbie began working at First Kids as a direct caregiver while attending graduate school in 1991. After graduation she continued on providing training and consulting to First Kids. In 2001 Debbie accepted the position of director. Debbie has a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from East Tennessee State University. She has a Master’s Degree in Social Work, with a concentration in Program Directing from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Debbie also has a Kentucky Director’s Credential.
Assistant Director:
Michelle Smith
Michelle has worked at First Kids since May of 2004 as the assistant director. Michelle graduated from Earlham College with a Bachelor’s Degree in non-profit business and management and a minor in psychology. She also has a Kentucky Director’s Credential for childcare.
Contact us
We are now accepting registrations for Summer 2024 and School Year 2024-2025
Registration Information is on the Rates and Forms page.
Phone: (502) 228-9455
Email:
Debbie McCune
debbie.mccune@fcclouisville.org
Michelle Smith michelle.smith@fcclouisville.org
First Kids