Arroyo Grande United Methodist Children's Center

CHILDREN’S CENTER HAS CLOSED

It is with sadness that I report that at the last meeting of the Church Council it was decided to accept the recommendation of the Preschool Board to close the United Methodist Children’s Center as of January 2, 2026. This was a decision not made lightly. Our church has sponsored the pre-school for over 20 years. But we had to face reality. For several years, the school has struggled to enroll enough children. As you may have noticed, we don’t see many young couples moving to this area. New residents seem to be those who have moved here to retire! The Lucia Mar School District is experiencing the same challenge. We are also experiencing a decline in students in the pre-school because the state of California recently began a program to enroll four-year olds for a “pre-Kindergarten” program which is free. We lost several students to that.

Second, we have struggled to retain teachers. You may not realize but pre-school teachers have very specific educational requirements. And we are not able to offer any incentives like health insurance. Consequently, teachers find better opportunities and move on.

And thirdly – our enrollment charges do not pay for the whole program. We have depended more and more on fund raisers and donations from many in this congregation. We have had to dip into the reserves each month to keep going. Maddy and her team have worked very hard to overcome these challenges but at some point, we must face reality.

The parents and the teachers were given notice that we will close on January 2, 2026. This is a sad time for all. We all wish things could be different. I hope you will express your appreciation to Maddy and her staff.

Patti Melsheimer
Chair, Church Council

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Remaining information on the Children's Center website is for historical purposes...

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Welcome to AGUMCC!

We are so glad you are interested in our program. We hope this information will assist you in determining if our school is the "right fit" for you and your child. We offer a toddler and preschool program that values and nurtures a child's individual development while fostering family relationships. Please call our office to schedule a tour. We will be happy to show you what we have to offer.

Friends of the Children's Center

AGUMCC United Methodist Children's Center needs YOUR help to keep our Christian Ministry going. With your support, we can continue meeting the needs of the program, providing high-quality care, and offering a play-based curriculum for young children that emphasizes Christian values such as love and respect. Please support the "Friends of the Children's Center" fundraising campaign with a monthly or a one-time gift of any amount. Details.

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Hallmarks

Environmental Rating Scale: 5.29 (of 7)
Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP)
Low Child/Teacher Ratios: 4:1 Toddler, 6:1 Preschool
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Mission, Foundation, Principles

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Our Goals for Children

• To increase a healthy self-esteem by providing a nurturing environment for growth and development.
• To promote the child's self-direction, and encourage them to take responsibility for their actions.
• To help children achieve a solid foundation for future academic success.
• To help children develop an ability to express needs to others.
• Care for others and respect people's space, body, and feelings.
• To develop a concept of a healthy nutrition.
• To learn that each child is valued by family, teachers, peers, and God.
• To provide a safe environment for children.

Thank You to the Boy Scouts!

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Philosophy

The Arroyo Grande United Methodist Children's Center is a non-profit organization. We are dedicated to providing a sense of security that nurtures and values each child along with fostering family relationships. It is our goal to offer a developmentally appropriate environment for learning and exploration. While preserving the integrity of our own Christian identity. we respect diverse religions and cultural backgrounds of all people. We hope each family feels welcomed and connected to our preschool.