Joy! Child Development Center

Daycare for infants to 2 years old and PreKindergarten 3-5 years old. 

Also after school and no school care for ages 5-12 years old.

Mission Statement

JOY! Child Development Center is an early childhood Christian ministry of the First United Methodist Church of Dodge City. We offer excellent child development programs for children ages 2 through 6 years of age. We offer an environment full of Christian love where children can develop to their fullest potential. 

Health and Safety

At Joy! Child Development Center, the safety of children, families, and staff has always been our top priority. Our protocols are based on expert guidance, designed to support your child’s health, while ensuring in a positive environment where kids can be kids.

Education

Children are active learners and unique individuals. The teachers in each classroom act as facilitators of the learning process through developmental stages as well as being sensitive to each child's individual needs.

 

We believe the appropriate curriculum should address the social, spiritual, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs of the children. We approach learning from a Christian perspective with broad values and teaching appropriate to most Christian denominations. Developmentally appropriate stories and materials are used to illustrate and celebrate the world God created for us. A specially designed Children's Worship opportunity is held twice each month in the Chapel.

 

Our classrooms offer challenging play and learning choices at a range of developmental levels that allow children to explore and learn.

 

JOY! wants to ensure every child has a positive experience by encouraging sharing, taking turns, working in small groups as well as large groups, and interacting with various adults.

Discipline

JOY! Child Development Center utilizes different behavior management techniques. One technique might work for one child; however, not for the next child. The main techniques encouraged are positive redirection and logical consequences, such as:

 

  • Telling children what they can do instead of what they can't
  • Protecting and preserving children's feelings that they are lovable and capable
  • Offering choices only when they are willing to abide by their decisions
  • Changing the environment instead of trying to change the child's behavior
  • Working with children instead of against them
  • Giving children safe limits they can understand. Recognizing their feelings without accepting their actions. Maintaining our authority calmly and consistently. If children break the rules, we will allow them to experience the consequences of their behavior.
  • Aiming to set good examples, and to speak and act only in ways we would like children to speak and act.