Drop-In Child Care

WELCOME TO ST. PAUL'S DROP-IN CHILD CARE PROGRAM

St. Paul’s Drop-In Child Care is a weekday ministry of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, proudly serving families since 1972. Our mission is to care for children in a safe, loving, and nurturing environment that supports their growth and well-being.

 We’re also here to encourage and support the families who trust us with their little ones.

Mary Polley

Director of Drop-In Child Care

WHAT TO EXPECT

Some basic information that can help you better plan ahead.

  • HOURS

    St. Paul’s Drop-In Child Care operates Monday - Friday (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) from the day after Labor Day until the last full week in July. Children may arrive on a drop-in basis after 8:00 AM and leave by 5:00 PM with a minimum 1-hour charge. Child Care is closed on some days according to area school district calendars.

  • HOURLY FEES

    • $8.20 per hour for a child over 2 years
    • $8.30 per hour for a child 12 to 24 months
    • $8.45 per hour for a child 6 weeks to 12 months

  • REGISTRATION

    St. Paul's Childcare is at capacity for the current school year. The 2026/27 school year will run Monday-Friday from the day after Labor Day 2026 through the last Friday in July 2027, with hours of operation of 8am-5pm. If you are interested in childcare for 26/27, please send an email after February 1, 2026, to registrar@stpaulsumc.com to be added to the Interest List with the following information.


    1. Your name
    2. Your child's name
    3. Your child's date of birth
    4. Child's age on 9/8/2026
    5. Number of days/hours each week that you are looking for care 

    The registration will open for current families and church members in March/Spring 2026. Once those families have had the opportunity to re-register for the next year, and if any space is available, registration will then open for new families on the Interest List. We will be in touch at that time. Please keep in mind that space is typically more available for infants and toddlers coming into the program. Space in the 2-year and older class fills quickly with younger children moving up into that class as they age.


    In the meantime, we recommend you continue pursuing other childcare options as we strive to accommodate as many families as possible within the limits of this program.

    Registration & Enrollment
newborn to 5 years old

PROGRAM PHILOSPHY

Our mission is to nurture and provide care for all the needs of the children lovingly and sensitively while they are in our care and to assist and encourage the families of these children as well.

We believe that all young children can benefit from a developmentally appropriate program designed to help them reach their full potential. We believe that each child is unique, special, and capable of learning. St. Paul’s staff strives to provide each child with the skills and self-confidence they need to succeed.

LEARN MORE

WHO WE ARE

The Drop-In Child Care is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday, we are closed on most national holidays and we are closed from the last Friday in July and reopens the Tuesday after Labor Day. and we provide a secure, learning environment for children aged 6 weeks through preschool age (typically, 5 years of age). At the Child Care, children are given the opportunity to learn through play and through interactions with other children and staff.

For children aged 6 weeks to about 12 months, there is a separate area commonly termed “Babyland” where individual attention is given. Staff members are present with the children in this area at all times, and the children are given naps, meals and playtime according to the schedule of the parents.


For the older children and those younger ones who are steady walkers, the rest of the play area is open for free play. Toys of many kinds are available for play as well as an array of age-appropriate books. Staff members are on hand every day to both supervise the children’s playtime as well as assist children in their creative thinking and expression. Playtime is a valuable tool for children to enhance their cognitive development skills.


We offer a safe, relaxed environment by providing flexible and challenging opportunities to grow and learn in a supportive setting that exemplifies Christian values. Every day is filled with art, stories, singing, and playtime!  The St. Paul’s Drop-In Day Care is the place to learn, play, and grow!

MORE WEEKDAY OPTIONS